A small town in central Italy has declared its independence and started to print its own banknotes.
The authorities in Filettino, 100km (70 miles) east of Rome, are protesting against austerity measures.
It has only 550 inhabitants and under new rules aimed at cutting local administration costs it will be forced to merge with neighbouring Trevi.
Town mayor Luca Sellari, who stands to lose his job because of the eurozone crisis, came up with the idea.
He created his own currency, called the Fiorito. Banknotes have his head on the back, and they are already being used in local shops and being bought as souvenirs by tourists who have started to throng the normally quiet streets.
The mayor says there is enormous enthusiasm about declaring the independence of the new principality.
There has been such an outcry by small towns across Italy at the government move to abolish local councils and merge them with larger towns that Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's coalition may be forced to backtrack.
In the meantime the new Principality of Filettino - complete with coat of arms and website - is suddenly enjoying international fame.
TV stations from as far afield as Russia have been running news features about Filettino.
After all, the mayor says, Italy was once made up of dozens of principalities and dukedoms. As he says, the landlocked republic of San Marino still manages to survive, so why not Filettino?
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Gaza flotilla: Turkey to take Israel to UN court
Turkey has said it will challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
It is the latest sign of strain between the countries since last year's Israeli action against ships heading for Gaza, in which nine Turks were killed.
Foreign Minister Ahmed Davutoglu said Turkey did not accept the findings of a UN report which said Israel's blockade of Gaza was a legal security measure.
His comments came a day after Turkey expelled the Israeli ambassador.
It also halted military co-operation with Israel.
Report 'not endorsed'
Speaking on state-run Turkish TV, Mr Davutoglu said the UN report, prepared by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer and former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, had not been endorsed by the UN and was therefore not binding.
"What is binding is the ICJ," he went on. "This is what we are saying: let the ICJ decide."
Some activists on the Mavi Marmara attacked commandos as they landed on the ship
Turkey, he added, would start the necessary legal procedures in the coming week.
Based in The Hague, the ICJ is a permanent UN court set up to rule on state-to-state disputes.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon insisted his country had nothing to apologise for and had done all it could to avoid a crisis with Turkey.
He said the Turks seemed to want to raise tensions with Israel for its own reasons.
"They were not ready for a compromise and kept raising the threshold," Mr Ayalon said on Israeli TV.
"I think we need to say to the Turks: as far as we are concerned, this saga is behind us. Now we need to co-operate. Lack of co-operation harms not only us, but Turkey as well."
The US state department has said Washington hopes Turkey and Israel "will continue to look for opportunities to improve their longstanding relationship".
'Unreasonable' force
The nine pro-Palestinian activists who died were on board the Turkish-flagged ship, Mavi Marmara, when it was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters as it sailed towards Gaza's coast on 31 May 2010.
At the time, the Israeli military said its commandos fired live rounds only after being attacked with clubs, knives and guns. But activists on board said the commandos started shooting as soon as they hit the deck.
The UN inquiry found Israel's naval blockade had been "imposed as a legitimate security measure in order to prevent weapons from entering Gaza by sea and its implementation complied with the requirements of international law".
It said Israeli troops had faced "significant, organised and violent resistance from a group of passengers" and were therefore required to use force for their own protection.
But it also said Israel's decision to board the vessels "with such substantial force at a great distance from the blockade zone and with no final warning immediately prior to the boarding was excessive and unreasonable".
The report noted "forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range".
It is the latest sign of strain between the countries since last year's Israeli action against ships heading for Gaza, in which nine Turks were killed.
Foreign Minister Ahmed Davutoglu said Turkey did not accept the findings of a UN report which said Israel's blockade of Gaza was a legal security measure.
His comments came a day after Turkey expelled the Israeli ambassador.
It also halted military co-operation with Israel.
Report 'not endorsed'
Speaking on state-run Turkish TV, Mr Davutoglu said the UN report, prepared by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer and former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, had not been endorsed by the UN and was therefore not binding.
"What is binding is the ICJ," he went on. "This is what we are saying: let the ICJ decide."
Some activists on the Mavi Marmara attacked commandos as they landed on the ship
Turkey, he added, would start the necessary legal procedures in the coming week.
Based in The Hague, the ICJ is a permanent UN court set up to rule on state-to-state disputes.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon insisted his country had nothing to apologise for and had done all it could to avoid a crisis with Turkey.
He said the Turks seemed to want to raise tensions with Israel for its own reasons.
"They were not ready for a compromise and kept raising the threshold," Mr Ayalon said on Israeli TV.
"I think we need to say to the Turks: as far as we are concerned, this saga is behind us. Now we need to co-operate. Lack of co-operation harms not only us, but Turkey as well."
The US state department has said Washington hopes Turkey and Israel "will continue to look for opportunities to improve their longstanding relationship".
'Unreasonable' force
The nine pro-Palestinian activists who died were on board the Turkish-flagged ship, Mavi Marmara, when it was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters as it sailed towards Gaza's coast on 31 May 2010.
At the time, the Israeli military said its commandos fired live rounds only after being attacked with clubs, knives and guns. But activists on board said the commandos started shooting as soon as they hit the deck.
The UN inquiry found Israel's naval blockade had been "imposed as a legitimate security measure in order to prevent weapons from entering Gaza by sea and its implementation complied with the requirements of international law".
It said Israeli troops had faced "significant, organised and violent resistance from a group of passengers" and were therefore required to use force for their own protection.
But it also said Israel's decision to board the vessels "with such substantial force at a great distance from the blockade zone and with no final warning immediately prior to the boarding was excessive and unreasonable".
The report noted "forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range".
Nothing is permanent in Bollywood!
Just yesterday, we were celebrating long-standing friendships in Bollywood.
Especially those of Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty, Akshay Kumar and Sajid Khan, Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Some of these equations have already changed, the rest are about to change quickly. Sensing better business opportunities, several of these actors and directors are moving in opposite directions.
For 2012, Rohit has a film lined up with Shah Rukh Khan, his best buddy Ajay's bete noire. Sajid Khan is talking of doing a remake of the Jeetendra-Sridevi potboiler Himmatwala with Ajay, who reportedly can't see eye-to-eye with Sajid's close friend Akshay Kumar. And Farah a SRK loyalist till yesterday, will make Happy New Year with Akshay in some capacity because she can't even think of making movies without Akki now. In fact, a trade source confirms, "Farah and Shirish Kunder have grown so fond of Akki post Tees Maar Khan that they will always make movies with him or for him always. In other words, SRK is not in their immediate orbit."
Rohit confirms that though his film with SRK is a very good business proposition, he swears that his Golmaal, Singham and Bol Bachchan actor-partner Ajay will always be close to him. To quote Rohit, "I owe life-long allegiance to only two people -one is my mother and the second is Ajay Devgn." The filmmaker who is riding a crest says, "Films may take me far or close to several superstars/actors. But Ajay will always remain close.''
But Bollywood has taken note of the fact that the loyalty base is shifting... even if it is temporary. And actors and directors are attempting their own game of musical chairs.
Especially those of Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty, Akshay Kumar and Sajid Khan, Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Some of these equations have already changed, the rest are about to change quickly. Sensing better business opportunities, several of these actors and directors are moving in opposite directions.
For 2012, Rohit has a film lined up with Shah Rukh Khan, his best buddy Ajay's bete noire. Sajid Khan is talking of doing a remake of the Jeetendra-Sridevi potboiler Himmatwala with Ajay, who reportedly can't see eye-to-eye with Sajid's close friend Akshay Kumar. And Farah a SRK loyalist till yesterday, will make Happy New Year with Akshay in some capacity because she can't even think of making movies without Akki now. In fact, a trade source confirms, "Farah and Shirish Kunder have grown so fond of Akki post Tees Maar Khan that they will always make movies with him or for him always. In other words, SRK is not in their immediate orbit."
Rohit confirms that though his film with SRK is a very good business proposition, he swears that his Golmaal, Singham and Bol Bachchan actor-partner Ajay will always be close to him. To quote Rohit, "I owe life-long allegiance to only two people -one is my mother and the second is Ajay Devgn." The filmmaker who is riding a crest says, "Films may take me far or close to several superstars/actors. But Ajay will always remain close.''
But Bollywood has taken note of the fact that the loyalty base is shifting... even if it is temporary. And actors and directors are attempting their own game of musical chairs.
Ameesha Patel goes international
If you wanna look rich and glam, then just wait till Ameesha Patel launches her first home production. She's in serious talks with international fashion houses to tie-up for stylised clothes and accessories in her film.
"We are spending long hours with designers and design teams to chalk out a slick look for the characters in my films," says Ameesha with glee. These wardrobe accessories at a later stage will be auctioned online and contributions will go to charity.
Whilst in London, what's keeping this actress on her toes is the location look out. She and her business partner Kuunal Goomer are hunting for shoot spots at Milan, Scotland and other spots in Europe. "London's been my second home since childhood. And recession phase is a good time to invest in property there. I have already decided on an apartment, which will be used for shoots. And I am excited about my investment in real estate, she adds. Makes sense.
Talking about the progress on her in-house films with David Dhawan and Priyadarshan, she says, "The shoot will begin in November." She will play the lead in these two entertaining films. "And since music is the soul of any good film, we have tied up with Bhushan Kumar of T-Series. The entire film promotion will be done on a larger-than-life scale and will be handled by Bhushanji."
With so much happening, so soon, this actress is enthusiastic about plans working out well. "We are confident that when film are made with a motive to entertain the entire family, it rocks. Right now, am having a lot of 'fun stress' and believe me, I am loving every moment of it," she signs off.
"We are spending long hours with designers and design teams to chalk out a slick look for the characters in my films," says Ameesha with glee. These wardrobe accessories at a later stage will be auctioned online and contributions will go to charity.
Whilst in London, what's keeping this actress on her toes is the location look out. She and her business partner Kuunal Goomer are hunting for shoot spots at Milan, Scotland and other spots in Europe. "London's been my second home since childhood. And recession phase is a good time to invest in property there. I have already decided on an apartment, which will be used for shoots. And I am excited about my investment in real estate, she adds. Makes sense.
Talking about the progress on her in-house films with David Dhawan and Priyadarshan, she says, "The shoot will begin in November." She will play the lead in these two entertaining films. "And since music is the soul of any good film, we have tied up with Bhushan Kumar of T-Series. The entire film promotion will be done on a larger-than-life scale and will be handled by Bhushanji."
With so much happening, so soon, this actress is enthusiastic about plans working out well. "We are confident that when film are made with a motive to entertain the entire family, it rocks. Right now, am having a lot of 'fun stress' and believe me, I am loving every moment of it," she signs off.
I think a lot about marriage: Kareena Kapoor
Bebo gets candid while talking about being from the Kapoor khandaan, her Punjab connection and secret fitness regime
The year 2011 looks like a packed one for Kareena Kapoor, who will be seen with almost all the Khans, including Salman, SRK, Aamir, Saif and Imran in "Bodyguard", "Ra.One", Reema Kagti's untitled, "Agent Vinod" and "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu", respectively. She's also looking at working with sister Karisma. In a candid conversation, Kareena spoke her heart on some issues...
Do you feel lucky sometimes?
Yes I do. And what I feel good about is that I am never called a privileged star kid. Struggling to get somewhere adds value to the end result. I have been brought up in a different way where I was constantly told that life is not a bed of roses.
You are dating a dapper guy and your career graph is on the rise. What's the secret?
(Laughs) It's all about hardwork. Destiny plays an important role, but one needs to work on their goals. Regarding the guy (Saif), I don't have anything more to say. He is the best.
But you pay the cost of being a star at times, especially a celebrity couple...
I have stopped reacting to things. Initially, I used to get jittery, but gradually I realized that it's a part of life. What surprises me most is how things are hyped up fictitiously
Saif wore feminine track pants while returning from Paris. And many thought it was yours...
(Laughs) Do you think mine would fit him? I laughed a lot when I got to know about it. Trust me it wasn't like that.
What amazes everyone is that you guys are so open about your relationship...
Yes. Actually, where is the need to hide it? Saif and I share the same wavelength. We think if you are doing the right thing there's no need to keep it a secret.
Is it true that 2012 will see you two married?
Everyone likes to get married. And like any other girl, I too think a lot about it. I have special plans for the occasion and will do everything to make it memorable. I will not reveal the plan of action right now (laughs). But it will not come as a surprise. We will surely make a formal announcement. Whether it will be in 2012 or not, I can't say right now.
Now when you are working with almost all the Khans, is there anyone who's your favourite?
(Smiles) Everyone's nice and have their own styles and ways. I like Salman for his nature and grounded attitude. He's a great human being and very professional in his approach. In "Bodyguard" you get to see a different Salman. He did everything to ensure I stayed comfortably during the shoot. Others are equally good.
Last you went to Punjab was for the shoot of "Jab We Met". This time it was "Bodyguard". How has it been?
I am a Punjabi. So, visiting Punjab is a great experience every time. I love the foggy winters there. I will soon return here on a personal trip, as I need to visit the shrines.
Won't you take Saif with you?
Let's see...
Shammi Kapoor's demise jolted the Kapoor family...
Yes. He was full of life. We will always remember him as a dynamic person who took life very positively.
Karisma is starting afresh in Bollywood with "Dangerous Ishq". How do you feel?
I wish her luck. Finally, we will be seeing Karisma's comeback. My equation with her has always been great. She's supported me always.
Will we be seeing you both together on screen?
It's my dream to work with her. There's nothing planned as such, but if something is offered, I will not say no. Wow! I am imagining how exciting it would be to work with her.
Tell us what's happening on "Heroine" front?
I will not say anything about it.
Your wax statue is to be unveiled soon...
It's an occasion to remember and a great honour. I am counting days for when I can fly there to have a look at it.
Your size zero is still a rage? How you maintain it?
I do yoga and eat right. Gymming is also there, but I try to balance things.... that's the secret.
The year 2011 looks like a packed one for Kareena Kapoor, who will be seen with almost all the Khans, including Salman, SRK, Aamir, Saif and Imran in "Bodyguard", "Ra.One", Reema Kagti's untitled, "Agent Vinod" and "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu", respectively. She's also looking at working with sister Karisma. In a candid conversation, Kareena spoke her heart on some issues...
Do you feel lucky sometimes?
Yes I do. And what I feel good about is that I am never called a privileged star kid. Struggling to get somewhere adds value to the end result. I have been brought up in a different way where I was constantly told that life is not a bed of roses.
You are dating a dapper guy and your career graph is on the rise. What's the secret?
(Laughs) It's all about hardwork. Destiny plays an important role, but one needs to work on their goals. Regarding the guy (Saif), I don't have anything more to say. He is the best.
But you pay the cost of being a star at times, especially a celebrity couple...
I have stopped reacting to things. Initially, I used to get jittery, but gradually I realized that it's a part of life. What surprises me most is how things are hyped up fictitiously
Saif wore feminine track pants while returning from Paris. And many thought it was yours...
(Laughs) Do you think mine would fit him? I laughed a lot when I got to know about it. Trust me it wasn't like that.
What amazes everyone is that you guys are so open about your relationship...
Yes. Actually, where is the need to hide it? Saif and I share the same wavelength. We think if you are doing the right thing there's no need to keep it a secret.
Is it true that 2012 will see you two married?
Everyone likes to get married. And like any other girl, I too think a lot about it. I have special plans for the occasion and will do everything to make it memorable. I will not reveal the plan of action right now (laughs). But it will not come as a surprise. We will surely make a formal announcement. Whether it will be in 2012 or not, I can't say right now.
Now when you are working with almost all the Khans, is there anyone who's your favourite?
(Smiles) Everyone's nice and have their own styles and ways. I like Salman for his nature and grounded attitude. He's a great human being and very professional in his approach. In "Bodyguard" you get to see a different Salman. He did everything to ensure I stayed comfortably during the shoot. Others are equally good.
Last you went to Punjab was for the shoot of "Jab We Met". This time it was "Bodyguard". How has it been?
I am a Punjabi. So, visiting Punjab is a great experience every time. I love the foggy winters there. I will soon return here on a personal trip, as I need to visit the shrines.
Won't you take Saif with you?
Let's see...
Shammi Kapoor's demise jolted the Kapoor family...
Yes. He was full of life. We will always remember him as a dynamic person who took life very positively.
Karisma is starting afresh in Bollywood with "Dangerous Ishq". How do you feel?
I wish her luck. Finally, we will be seeing Karisma's comeback. My equation with her has always been great. She's supported me always.
Will we be seeing you both together on screen?
It's my dream to work with her. There's nothing planned as such, but if something is offered, I will not say no. Wow! I am imagining how exciting it would be to work with her.
Tell us what's happening on "Heroine" front?
I will not say anything about it.
Your wax statue is to be unveiled soon...
It's an occasion to remember and a great honour. I am counting days for when I can fly there to have a look at it.
Your size zero is still a rage? How you maintain it?
I do yoga and eat right. Gymming is also there, but I try to balance things.... that's the secret.
85,000 cases still pending with Delhi Police
NEW DELHI: A whopping 47% of the over 1.81 lakh cases reported in the national capital in the past three-and-a-half years remain unsolved with Delhi Police attributing it to delay in forensic tests, non-cooperation by complainants and other reasons.
A total of 85,596 cases reported since 2008 are yet to be solved while police have cracked 96,201 so far. "47.08% of the 1,81,797 cases reported between 2008 and July 31, 2011 remain unsolved," a senior police official said.
A total of 30,904 cases were reported in the first seven months of this year and over 50% of the cases remain to be closed. "While 13,764 cases have been solved, 14,710 cases are yet to be cracked," the official said.
Police attributed the delay to a number of reasons, including delay in arrest of accused and examination of voluminous records.
"The delay in receiving reports from forensic laboratories and non-cooperation by complainant resulting in delay in collection of evidence are some of the reasons," the official said.
Special teams were set up in police stations for focused action on each case and a compendium of criminals released from jail either on bail or after completing their sentence is compiled and given to beat constables to verify their involvement in pending cases, the official said.
In July alone, 4,834 cases were added while police solved a total of 2,404 during the month. However, 2,430 cases were added to the unsolved category in the month.
Similar was the trend for last year when the unsolved cases surpassed the number of solved cases. Out of a total of 51,292 cases reported in 2010, police could only solve 24,702 cases leaving 26,590 cases unsolved.
A total of 85,596 cases reported since 2008 are yet to be solved while police have cracked 96,201 so far. "47.08% of the 1,81,797 cases reported between 2008 and July 31, 2011 remain unsolved," a senior police official said.
A total of 30,904 cases were reported in the first seven months of this year and over 50% of the cases remain to be closed. "While 13,764 cases have been solved, 14,710 cases are yet to be cracked," the official said.
Police attributed the delay to a number of reasons, including delay in arrest of accused and examination of voluminous records.
"The delay in receiving reports from forensic laboratories and non-cooperation by complainant resulting in delay in collection of evidence are some of the reasons," the official said.
Special teams were set up in police stations for focused action on each case and a compendium of criminals released from jail either on bail or after completing their sentence is compiled and given to beat constables to verify their involvement in pending cases, the official said.
In July alone, 4,834 cases were added while police solved a total of 2,404 during the month. However, 2,430 cases were added to the unsolved category in the month.
Similar was the trend for last year when the unsolved cases surpassed the number of solved cases. Out of a total of 51,292 cases reported in 2010, police could only solve 24,702 cases leaving 26,590 cases unsolved.
Mumbai Christians condemn US Quran burning
MUMBAI: Several Christian organizations in the city have condemned the burning of the Quran by a small Florida church. Pastor Wayne Sapp committed the act on March 20, 2011 under the supervision of pastor Terry Jones, who had threatened to do the same last September to mark the 9/11 anniversary.
"Such reprehensible acts can never be justified under any circumstances," said Dr John Dayal of the All-India Catholic Union.
Representatives of Christian bodies feel such acts vitiate the atmosphere, jeopardizing communal harmony.
"The Christian community in India unanimously condemns the insane and irrational act," said Abraham Mathai, vice-chairman, State Minorities Commission. "It is imperative on the US, which has long claimed to be the beacon of freedom, democracy and justice, to take stern and drastic action against (those who committed) this blasphemous act, (something that) will have disastrous and wide-ranging implications for universal peace and inter-faith relations."
Mathai who is also president of the Indian Christain Voice added that burning of religious books would have been impossible in India because a perpetrator of such crime here can be arrested under Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code for fomenting religious intolerance and bigotry. Such a law doesn't exist in the US.
Christian bodies are unanimous that such acts should not have been allowed at a time when the Islamic world is already seeing a churning. The US bombing of Libya has already angered a section of the Muslims who may not approve of dictatorship of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi but have condemned the killing of civilians in the bombing operations. The burning of the Quran will only add to the Muslims' sense of injury.
"The Christian Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) stands alongside Muslims whose sentiments have been hurt and will work towards a global condemnation of such provocation. It is a crime against humanity and must not be tolerated in the civilized world. We call upon the prime minister, minorities affairs and the foreign minister to let the United States know the feelings of Indians on the issue," said Joseph Dias, The CSF general secretary.
Even the Bombay Catholic Sabha has condemned the act, saying promoters of faith should not act irresponsibly. Gordon D'Souza, president of the Bombay Catholic Sabha appealed to the people in India, especially Muslims, to maintain calm and restraint and not to get provoked by such an uncivilized behaviour of a pastor.
"Such reprehensible acts can never be justified under any circumstances," said Dr John Dayal of the All-India Catholic Union.
Representatives of Christian bodies feel such acts vitiate the atmosphere, jeopardizing communal harmony.
"The Christian community in India unanimously condemns the insane and irrational act," said Abraham Mathai, vice-chairman, State Minorities Commission. "It is imperative on the US, which has long claimed to be the beacon of freedom, democracy and justice, to take stern and drastic action against (those who committed) this blasphemous act, (something that) will have disastrous and wide-ranging implications for universal peace and inter-faith relations."
Mathai who is also president of the Indian Christain Voice added that burning of religious books would have been impossible in India because a perpetrator of such crime here can be arrested under Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code for fomenting religious intolerance and bigotry. Such a law doesn't exist in the US.
Christian bodies are unanimous that such acts should not have been allowed at a time when the Islamic world is already seeing a churning. The US bombing of Libya has already angered a section of the Muslims who may not approve of dictatorship of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi but have condemned the killing of civilians in the bombing operations. The burning of the Quran will only add to the Muslims' sense of injury.
"The Christian Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) stands alongside Muslims whose sentiments have been hurt and will work towards a global condemnation of such provocation. It is a crime against humanity and must not be tolerated in the civilized world. We call upon the prime minister, minorities affairs and the foreign minister to let the United States know the feelings of Indians on the issue," said Joseph Dias, The CSF general secretary.
Even the Bombay Catholic Sabha has condemned the act, saying promoters of faith should not act irresponsibly. Gordon D'Souza, president of the Bombay Catholic Sabha appealed to the people in India, especially Muslims, to maintain calm and restraint and not to get provoked by such an uncivilized behaviour of a pastor.
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