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Chris Brown arrested in Washington DC over fight near W Hotel

Lisa.Felice
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Chris Brown arrested in Washington DC over fight near W Hotel

Chris Brown has been arrested early Sunday (October 27), in Washington D.C. after a fight broke out near the W Hotel, police said.

Chris Brown, 24, was charged with felony assault in an incident that started just before 4:30 a.m., Washington D.C. police spokesman Paul Metcalf said Sunday morning.

Chris Hollosy, 35, also was arrested on felony assault charges, Paul Metcalf said. Police believe the two men were together during the incident but said they couldn’t confirm any relationship between the suspects.

“There was a physical altercation, which resulted in the victim sustaining injuries,” Paul Metcalf said. Chris Brown and Chris Hollosy were being held in police custody until Monday, Paul Metcalf said.

A man was injured in the fight and reportedly taken to a hospital, police said, but they did not identify him or give details on his injuries. It was not clear whether the victim was taken by ambulance or another vehicle. He had been released from the hospital as of early Sunday afternoon, Paul Metcalf said.

The felony charges in the case were based, in part, on the extent of the victim’s injuries, police said.

Chris Brown has been arrested in Washington D.C. after a fight broke out near the W Hotel
Chris Brown has been arrested in Washington D.C. after a fight broke out near the W Hotel

Chris Brown’s publicists and attorney, Mark Geragos, did not immediately respond to messages left early Sunday.

Thr rapper was in Washington D.C. to perform Saturday night at an event billed as a “Homecoming Weekend” party at a downtown club. Chris Brown tweeted about the party Saturday. Howard University spokeswoman Kerry-Ann Hamilton said Sunday that the party was not sponsored by or affiliated with the school, which is celebrating its homecoming.

Chris Brown remains on probation for the 2009 beating of his on-off girlfriend Rihanna just before the Grammy Awards. He received five years’ probation and had remained out of trouble until earlier this year, when prosecutors accused the singer of failing to perform his community labor sentence as instructed. His probation was revoked briefly earlier this year after a hit-and-run incident, and he was given 1,000 more hours of community service to perform.

The rapper, who lives in Los Angeles and is originally from Virginia, has been involved in a number of incidents since the 2009 arrest. Chris Brown was initially sued for a nightclub brawl that allegedly erupted between his entourage and that of musician Drake, at the time believed to be a paramour of Rihanna.

Chris Brown also tussled with singer Frank Ocean and others after Ocean parked in Brown’s space at a recording studio in Los Angeles. Frank Ocean said he suffered an injured finger, but no charges were filed. A second man, Sha’keir Duarte, sued Chris Brown, claiming a concussion.

The singer’s arrest could prompt Los Angeles prosecutors to seek a revocation of his probation for the Rihanna beating and ask a judge to impose additional penalties on the singer, including time in jail or prison. Chris Brown is due back in court November 20 in Los Angeles to update a judge on his probation.

Steve Cron, a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, said prosecutors and a judge may wait to see how the Washington case plays out before taking any action against Chris Brown.

“Just the fact that some guy says <<he hit me>> doesn’t mean he’s in violation” of his probation, Steve Cron said.

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Giorgi Margvelashvili wins Georgia’s presidential election

Diane A. Wade
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Giorgi Margvelashvili wins Georgia’s presidential election

Giorgi Margvelashvili – an ally of Georgian PM Bidzina Ivanishvili – has won the country’s presidential election, according to exit polls.

The polls give Giorgi Margvelashvili, 44, 66-68% of the vote. His closest rival, David Bakradze from the party of the incumbent, trailed with 20.2%.

David Bakradze has conceded defeat and congratulated Giorgi Margvelashvili.

The election marks an end to a decade in power for pro-Western President Mikheil Saakashvili, who was barred from seeking a third term.

But constitutional changes are planned to reduce presidential powers.

The exit polls were conducted by European market research organization GfK on behalf of Georgian private television station Rustavi2, and by ACT, a Georgian public opinion group.

Giorgi Margvelashvili is a member of PM Bidzina Ivanishvili's Georgian Dream party
Giorgi Margvelashvili is a member of PM Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream party

Giorgi Margvelashvili is a member of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream party, which won parliamentary elections last year, ushering in the former Soviet republic’s first legal transfer of power.

The billionaire businessman also intends to resign as prime minister within weeks of the vote, saying he has achieved his aims.

Bidzina Ivanishvili has called the vote Georgia’s first “European-style election”.

Since coming to power in the bloodless 2003 “Rose Revolution” Mikheil Saakashvili has implemented reforms which helped root out corruption.

Mikheil Saakashvili pursued a pro-Western foreign policy and improved public services in the Caucasus republic, where poverty remains widespread.

Tensions with Moscow flared up into an armed conflict in August 2008.

Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is also Georgia’s richest man, has dismissed the outgoing president’s achievements, calling Mikheil Saakashvili a “liar” and a “dictator”.

He has indicated that Mikheil Saakashvili could face questioning or even prosecution over the alleged crimes of his government after his term ends.

Bidzina Ivanishvili has not yet named his party’s successor as prime minister.

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Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen get married in intimate ceremony on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

Lisa.Felice
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Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen get married in intimate ceremony on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen got married on Saturday.

Christina Ricci, 33, married her fiancé James Heerdegen at Manhattan’s Harold Pratt House and Peterson Hall.

The actress wed her fiancé of one year at the Harold Pratt House and Peterson Hall on the upper East Side, according to Us Weekly.

Christina Ricci married her fiancé James Heerdegen at Manhattan’s Harold Pratt House and Peterson Hall
Christina Ricci married her fiancé James Heerdegen at Manhattan’s Harold Pratt House and Peterson Hall

Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen – a dolly grip technician – have been engaged since late 2012. She was spotted wearing a diamond ring in October of last year.

Christina Ricci and her new husband celebrated with close friends and family at the evening wedding over the weekend. The bride wore a Givenchy gown, according to Us Weekly.

In February, Christina Ricci confirmed she and James Heerdegen got engaged “a couple months back.”

Christina Ricci and James Heerdegen met on the set of her now-canceled ABC show Pan Am in 2011.

Hal Needham dies in Los Angels aged 82

Sonia Pantiss
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Hal Needham dies in Los Angels aged 82

Hal Needham, the veteran stuntman who directed comedy films Smokey and the Bandit and The Cannonball Run, has died in Los Angeles aged 82.

Hal Needham began his career as a prolific stuntman in the 1950s and was credited with inventing new stunt methods such as introducing air bags to break falls.

He turned to directing in 1977, with Smokey and the Bandit as his directorial debut.

A family spokesman declined to give the cause of death.

Hal Needham began his career as a prolific stuntman in the 1950s and was credited with inventing new stunt methods such as introducing air bags to break falls
Hal Needham began his career as a prolific stuntman in the 1950s and was credited with inventing new stunt methods such as introducing air bags to break falls

A former paratrooper, Hal Needham appeared in hundreds of TV shows and movies as a stuntman jumping from planes, dragged by horses and wrecking cars.

Hal Needham first appeared primarily in westerns including Gunsmoke and The Man Who Shot Liberty Vance, doubling for John Wayne.

In the 1970s Hal Needham turned his attention to car stunts and frequently doubled for Burt Reynolds, who would later star in his Bandit and Cannonball Run films.

The pair became such close friends they owned a NASCAR team together and Hal Needham lived in Burt Reynolds’ guest house for 12 years.

Over his career Hal Needham punctured a lung, had a shoulder replaced and broke 56 bones, including his back twice.

His idea to use air bags to cushion falls was prompted by watching pole-vaulters as “a way to save myself some trips to the hospital”.

Hal Needham won a scientific and engineering Oscar in 1987 for the design and development of the Shotmaker Elite camera car and crane.

He was also given an honorary award at this year’s Academy Awards where he described himself as the “luckiest man alive”.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom Hal Needham directed in 1979 film The Villain, paid tribute on Twitter saying: “Hal Needham was a great stunt coordinator, director and an icon. I’m still grateful he took a chance with me in The Villain. I’ll miss him.”

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Angela Merkel’s phone bugging: NSA denies discussing operation with Barack Obama

Diane A. Wade
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Angela Merkel’s phone bugging: NSA denies discussing operation with Barack Obama

According to NSA officials, the chief of the US spy agency has not discussed the alleged bugging of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s phone with President Barack Obama say.

General Keith Alexander never discussed alleged operations involving Angela Merkel, an NSA spokeswoman said.

German media say the US has been tapping Angela Merkel’s phone since 2002, and Barack Obama was told in 2010.

The row has led to the worst diplomatic crisis between the two countries in living memory.

A report in German tabloid Bild am Sonntag claimed that Gen. Keith Alexander had told Barack Obama about the bugging himself.

German media say the US has been tapping Angela Merkel's phone since 2002, and Barack Obama was told in 2010
German media say the US has been tapping Angela Merkel’s phone since 2002, and Barack Obama was told in 2010

An NSA source told the paper that Barack Obama had not stopped the operation, and had wanted to know all about Angela Merkel as “he did not trust her”.

However, a statement from the NSA on Sunday denied the reports in Bild.

“[General] Alexander did not discuss with President Obama in 2010 an alleged foreign intelligence operation involving German Chancellor Merkel, nor has he ever discussed alleged operations involving Chancellor Merkel,” NSA spokeswoman Vanee Vines said.

“News reports claiming otherwise are not true.”

The statement does not make it clear whether the president was informed of the bugging operation by other means.

Barack Obama is reported to have told the German chancellor that he knew nothing of the operation when the two leaders spoke on Wednesday.

Germany is sending its top intelligence chiefs to Washington in the coming week to “push forward” an investigation into the spying allegations, which have caused outrage in Germany.

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McDonald’s stops serving Heinz ketchup in its restaurants after 40 years

Nancy Clayson
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McDonald’s stops serving Heinz ketchup in its restaurants after 40 years

McDonald’s has decided to stop serving Heinz ketchup in its stores after 40 years.

McDonald’s said it would drop the ketchup after Bernardo Hees, the former head of rival Burger King, took over as Heinz’s chief executive.

“We have decided to transition our business to other suppliers over time,” the world’s biggest fast-food chain said.

In February, Heinz was purchased in a $28 billion takeover.

McDonald's has decided to stop serving Heinz ketchup in its stores after 40 years
McDonald’s has decided to stop serving Heinz ketchup in its stores after 40 years

The company said that it would work with Heinz “to ensure a smooth and orderly transition of the McDonald’s restaurant business”, which has 34,000 restaurants around the world.

Bernardo Hees took over after Heinz was bought by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and Brazilian investment fund 3G Capital. Burger King is controlled by 3G Capital.

McDonald’s uses Heinz ketchup at many stores around the world, though only in Pittsburgh and Minneapolis inside the US.

“As a matter of policy, Heinz does not comment on relationships with customers,” the ketchup-maker said.

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Lou Reed dies at the age of 71

Sonia Pantiss
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Lou Reed dies at the age of 71

Velvet Underground frontman and songwriter Lou Reed has died at the age of 71.

Lou Reed, whose best-known hits included Perfect Day and Walk On The Wild Side, was considered one of the most influential in rock music.

The Velvet Underground became known for their fusion of art and music and collaborating with Andy Warhol.

Lou Reed’s cause of death is unknown, but a statement would be released shortly.

Lou Reed, whose best-known hits included Perfect Day and Walk On The Wild Side, was considered one of the most influential in rock music
Lou Reed, whose best-known hits included Perfect Day and Walk On The Wild Side, was considered one of the most influential in rock music

An admitted hard drinker and drug user for many years, Lou Reed underwent a liver transplant in May this year after he had cancelled five California concert dates scheduled in April.

“I am a triumph of modern medicine,” Lou Reed posted on his website on June 1st.

“I look forward to being on stage performing, and writing more songs to connect with your hearts and spirits and the universe well into the future.”

The Velvet Underground never achieved much commercial success, but revolutionized rock and punk in the 1960s and ’70s and their popularity grew in the subsequent decades.

The band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

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How to cut your holiday travel costs

Nancy Clayson
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How to cut your holiday travel costs

As the holiday season is just few weeks away, now is a great time to start booking that flight or hotel for your Thanksgiving or New Year’s celebrations.

According to Kayak.com, you’ll find the best deals on holiday flights when you book in mid-October. Fares will start to increase by as much as 25% the closer you get to the end of the year.

Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or an overseas getaway, here are five tips to save on holiday travel this year:

1. Don’t count on last-minute deals. Taking advantage of last-minute deals can help you reduce travel costs during certain times of the year, but the holiday season isn’t a good for this strategy. Don’t wait until the last minute to book that flight, hotel or travel package because you run the risk of paying a premium for all travel expenses. Ideally, you will want to book your holiday excursions at least 6 to 7 weeks in advance.

2. Shop the airlines on your own. While it pays to compare prices on several third-party sites, you may be able to get a better deal if you shop around on your own. Keep tabs on average airfare prices posted on a discount airline websites and compare options with third-party travel site search results. (Just keep in mind that not all airlines show up on these sites.) If you book directly with an airline, don’t forget to take advantage of rewards credit cards that provide benefits like frequent flier miles or discounts on other travel-related expenses.

You wll find the best deals on holiday flights when you book in mid-October
You wll find the best deals on holiday flights when you book in mid-October

3. Fly on the actual holiday. One of the best ways to score a great deal on a flight is to fly when most people would rather not. If you can coordinate your holiday visits so that you fly on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or even New Year’s Day, you may be able to save a significant amount of money on your inbound flight. FareCompare.com reports that the best money-saving days for travel are before December 17 and after January 3. Fares are also low on Christmas Day.

Consider booking an early morning flight so you don’t miss out on the festivities of the day, or just plan your holiday trip around a celebration that doesn’t take place on the actual holiday. Booking a return flight on the actual holiday can also save you some money. Kayak.com reports that travelers returning on Thanksgiving Day could save as much as 20% on fares.

4. Be smart about packing. If you’re planning to travel with lots of gifts and other holiday items, consider shipping them directly to your destination instead of packing multiple bags. You may be able to save money on checked baggage fees, and reduce the risk of having your bags lost or stolen, when you only travel with a carry-on bag and ship everything else. If you planned on packing those gifts in several suitcases, remember that you will likely pay to bring back empty suitcases after the holiday celebrations are over. Save the hassle and costs associated with extra luggage by packing only what you need in your carry-on bag and shipping everything else to your final destination.

5. Consider ground travel for domestic destinations. If you are traveling across a few states or just to another city, consider ground transportation instead of flying. Driving, taking the train or even traveling by bus may end up being cheaper than a flight around the holiday season. If you have the time and patience to coordinate a trip without flying, you may be able to reduce those travel expenses. Use the American Automobile Association’s fuel cost calculator to estimate fuel costs for your trip based on current gasoline prices. Amtrak has also started posting its holiday deals for train fares across the country, so make sure to compare prices before choosing your route of transportation.

NC State Fair Vortex ride accident: Timothy Dwayne Tutterrow charged with three counts of assault

Nancy Clayson
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NC State Fair Vortex ride accident: Timothy Dwayne Tutterrow charged with three counts of assault

Timothy Dwayne Tutterrow, the operator of a ride at the North Carolina State Fair, has been charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon after the ride injured five people, officials said Saturday.

Timothy Dwayne Tutterrow, 46, of Quitman, Georgia, was arrested following an investigation into Thursday night’s accident. Witnesses say the Vortex ride restarted as people were getting off.

More arrests are expected, Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison told reporters at a news conference late Saturday.

Five people have been injured in the Vortex ride accident at the North Carolina State Fair
Five people have been injured in the Vortex ride accident at the North Carolina State Fair

“Through our investigation, talking to witnesses, talking to ride operator, we have determined that this ride was tampered with … and that critical safety devices were tampered with and compromised,” he said.

Timothy Dwayne Tutterrow is employed by an independent ride contractor, the fair said in a statement. The Vortex is the only ride the contractor has at the State Fair.

The victims were taken to hospital and, meanwhile, two of them have been released. Three remain hospitalized. They are Anthony Gorham, 29; Kisha Gorham, 39; and a 14-year-old, the statement said.

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said: “It’s an ongoing investigation and there is still a lot of information to be gathered.”

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Bangladesh opposition in 3-day strike over government’s failure to set up caretaker cabinet

Diane A. Wade
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Bangladesh opposition in 3-day strike over government’s failure to set up caretaker cabinet

Bangladesh’s main opposition party and its allies have decide to begin a three-day strike over the government’s failure to set up a caretaker cabinet in the run-up to the country’s general elections.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, is calling for the government to step aside ahead of the polls due in January.

The strike is going ahead despite pleas from PM Sheikh Hasina.

In comes after at least six people were killed during fresh unrest on Friday.

The violence flared as police and protesters clashed in some parts of the country, leaving more than 100 injured.

The strike began at 06:00, with the BNP and its Islamist ally the Jamaat-e-Islam hoping to bring the country to a standstill.

Three people were killed and dozens injured in Bangladesh Friday when security officials clashed with opposition supporters trying to defy a ban on protests, in Dhaka
Three people were killed and dozens injured in Bangladesh Friday when security officials clashed with opposition supporters trying to defy a ban on protests, in Dhaka

They want to force the prime minister to allow a neutral caretaker administration to oversee the election process.

But Sheikh Hasina, who heads the Awami League, has rejected such a plan saying there is no scope for unelected people to supervise the vote.

Khaleda Zia announced that the national shutdown would be going ahead from Sunday, despite a rare phone call with Sheikh Hasina in which the the prime minister asked her to call off the strike.

It is thought to be the first time the bitter rivals have spoken directly for a decade.

The BNP and its allies are refusing to participate in elections under current constitutional provisions, which do not allows for a neutral, caretaker government, or require the incumbent prime minister to step down during the interim period.

The opposition fears the government will rig the polls if it remains in power.

Friday’s violence came as security officials opened fire on opposition supporters trying to defy a ban on protests.

Two people were killed in the coastal district of Cox’s Bazar, according to reports.

Local media said at least two people had died in the central district of Chandpur, while protesters also died in the northern town of Jaldhaka and the northern district of Nilphamari.

Demonstrators set vehicles on fire in the capital Dhaka.

A series of rulings against Jamaat have led to violent protests across Bangladesh, with more than 150 people killed in clashes with police since the beginning of this year.

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New Express issues apology over Chen Yongzhou reports

Nancy Clayson
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New Express issues apology over Chen Yongzhou reports

Chinese newspaper New Express, which made front-page appeals for the release of its journalist Chen Yongzhou, has issued an apology over his report.

The Guangdong-based New Express said a preliminary police investigation found that Chen Yongzhou had accepted money to publish numerous false reports.

Chen Yongzhou was arrested over claims he defamed a partly state-owned firm in articles exposing alleged corruption.

The paper’s front-page apology came after the journalist confessed to wrongdoing on state TV.

“I’m willing to admit my guilt and to show repentance,” Chen Yongzhou said in a statement broadcast on Saturday.

The New Express had previously backed him with unusually bold front-page appeals for his release.

But in a statement on Sunday’s front page, the newspaper said it had failed to properly check his reports.

Chen Yongzhou was arrested over claims he defamed a partly state-owned firm in articles exposing alleged corruption
Chen Yongzhou was arrested over claims he defamed a partly state-owned firm in articles exposing alleged corruption

“This newspaper was not strict enough about thoroughly fact-checking the draft of the report,” it said.

“After the incident occurred the newspaper took inappropriate measures, seriously harming the public trust of the media.”

The paper promised to better ensure that its reporters and editors “comply with professional journalistic ethics and regulations”.

The turn-around came one day after Chen Yongzhou appeared on state television in a green prison uniform to confess to writing false stories for money.

Several high-profile suspects have made televised confessions recently.

Experts say confessions are still routinely coerced, despite a change in the law earlier this year banning the authorities from forcing anyone to incriminate themselves.

Chen Yongzhou wrote several articles for the New Express alleging financial irregularities at a construction-equipment company called Zoomlion. The company denies the allegations.

“In this case I’ve caused damages to Zoomlion and also the whole news media industry and its ability to earn the public’s trust,” he told state broadcaster CCTV.

“I did this mainly because I hankered after money and fame. I’ve been used. I’ve realised my wrongdoing.”

State media said Chen Yongzhou had confessed to taking bribes, but did not report who might have paid the bribes.

His case attracted huge attention after the New Express twice used its front page to call for his release.

Media monitoring group China Digital Times reported that the Communist Party’s propaganda department had barred newspapers from reporting the story.

However, many newspapers have continued to cover it.

China’s newspaper industry is tightly controlled by a system of local censors carrying out party directives.

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Argentina parliamentary election 2013

Diane A. Wade
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Argentina parliamentary election 2013

Argentina is voting for legislative election – a key test for President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

The mid-term elections will determine how much control left-leaning Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will have during the final two years of her presidency.

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has been out of action during the campaign following emergency brain surgery earlier in October.

She is currently constitutionally barred from running for a third term in office.

Many see Sunday’s elections as the start of the race to replace her.

The mid-term elections will determine how much control left-leaning Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will have during the final two years of her presidency
The mid-term elections will determine how much control left-leaning Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will have during the final two years of her presidency

Voters will choose 127 members of the 257-strong Chamber of Deputies and a third of the Senate’s 72 members.

Correspondents say that if her Front for Victory (FPV) party fares badly, it may signal an end to more than a decade of Kirchner family rule in Argentina.

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner’s late husband Nestor ran the country between 2003 and 2007, when he was succeeded as president by his wife. She was then elected for a second term in 2011.

Although her party is still strong on a nationwide level, high inflation, insecurity and currency controls have weakened its support among middle class families.

Former cabinet chief Sergio Massa is ahead of her candidate Martin Insaurralde in the key province of Buenos Aires.

Sergio Massa, currently mayor of the tourist town of Tigre, says he wants to put an end to Kirchner family rule when he runs for president in two years.

He was elected mayor as a member of the Front for Victory, but left the party in June 2013 to establish the Renewal Front.

Currently, the constitution limits the number of consecutive presidential terms to two, and a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament would be needed to amend it.

The August primaries indicated that Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner may struggle to keep control of Congress, let alone build up a two-thirds majority.

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was told by doctors earlier this month to stop her congressional election campaign after having surgery to remove a blood clot on her brain following a head injury in August.

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The Simpsons: Edna Krabappel to be retired following Marcia Wallace’s death

Sonia Pantiss
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The Simpsons: Edna Krabappel to be retired following Marcia Wallace’s death

The Simpsons character Edna Krabappel will be retired following Marcia Wallace’s death, the show’s producer announced.

Mrs. Edna Krabappel, the chain-smoking fourth grade teacher with a derisive laugh on The Simpsons will be retired after more than two decades on the show, Executive Producer Al Jean said in a statement on Saturday.

The move follows the news that Marcia Wallace, the comedienne who gave voice to the character, died Friday at the age of 70 from complications related to breast cancer.

The Simpsons character Edna Krabappel will be retired following Marcia Wallace's death
The Simpsons character Edna Krabappel will be retired following Marcia Wallace’s death

“I was tremendously saddened to learn this morning of the passing of the brilliant and gracious Marcia Wallace,” Al Jean said in a statement.

“She was beloved by all at <<The Simpsons>> and we intend to retire her irreplaceable character.”

Edna Krabappel has been a fixture on the Fox sitcom since the second episode of the first season in 1990. Divorced and congenitally disaffected, she would endure a series of romantic and professional misadventures, including getting fired for being drunk on the job and having a relationship with the wholesome Ned Flanders.

In the lead-up to the show’s 25th season, Al Jean teased that an iconic character would be killed off, telling reporters that the actor playing the character won an Emmy for playing that character, which Marcia Wallace did in 1992. However, Al Jean said he was not referring to Mrs. Krabappel.

“Marcia’s passing is unrelated and again, a terrible loss for all who had the pleasure of knowing her,” Al Jean said.

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Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom step out together one day after split

Lisa.Felice
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Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom step out together one day after split

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom stepped out together looking smitten with each other, just one day after announcing their split after three years of marriage.

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom were photographed arm in arm for a leisurely stroll with their son Flynn, 2, in New York City on Saturday. The two parents took Flynn to lunch at Amaranth.

The former Victoria’s Secret model, 30, held on to Orlando Bloom’s arm during the outing.

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom married in July 2010 after three years of dating
Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom married in July 2010 after three years of dating

One night earlier, both Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom were spotted heading into their shared NYC apartment separately. She entered the building just five minutes before Orlando Bloom, 36, arrived.

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom married in July 2010 after three years of dating. They welcomed baby boy Flynn in January 2011.

“In a joint statement, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr have announced that they have been amicably separated for the past few months,” a rep for Orlando Bloom said of the couple to Us Weekly on October 25.

“Despite this being the end of their marriage they love, support, and respect each other as both parents of their son and as family.”

Jay-Z under fire for his Barneys collaboration after racial profiling accusations

Lisa.Felice
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Jay-Z under fire for his Barneys collaboration after racial profiling accusations

Jay-Z came under fire for his collaboration with Barneys New York as the store was accused of racially profiling two black customers.

Jay-Z, 43, said Saturday he’s being unfairly “demonized” for just waiting to hear all of the facts.

The rapper made his first statement about the controversy in a posting on his website. He has come under fire for remaining silent as news surfaced this week that two young black people said they were profiled by Barneys after they purchased expensive items from their Manhattan store.

Jay-Z came under fire for his collaboration with Barneys New York as the store was accused of racially profiling two black customers
Jay-Z came under fire for his collaboration with Barneys New York as the store was accused of racially profiling two black customers

An online petition and Twitter messages from fans have been circulating this week, calling on the star to bow out of his upcoming partnership with Barneys for the holiday season, which will have the store selling items by top designers, inspired by Jay-Z, with some of the proceeds going to his charity. He is also working with the store to create its artistic holiday window display.

Jay-Z defended himself, saying that he hasn’t spoken about it because he’s still trying to figure out exactly what happened.

“I move and speak based on facts and not emotion,” the statement said.

“I haven’t made any comments because I am waiting on facts and the outcome of a meeting between community leaders and Barneys. Why am I being demonized, denounced and thrown on the cover of a newspaper for not speaking immediately?” Jay-Z said, referring to local newspaper headlines.

The two Barneys customers, Trayon Christian and Kayla Phillips, said this week they were detained by police after making expensive purchases.

Trayon Christian sued Barneys, saying he was accused of fraud after using his debit card to buy a $349 Ferragamo belt in April. Kayla Philips filed a notice of claim saying she would sue after she was stopped by detectives outside the store when she bought a $2,500 Celine handbag in February.

As the criticism grew, Barneys said Thursday it had retained a civil rights expert to help review its procedures. The CEO of Barneys, Mark Lee, offered his “sincere regret and deepest apologies.”

Jay-Z — who rose from a life of crime in Brooklyn to become one of the most heralded rappers and one of entertainment’s biggest superstars — has in the past called for a boycott of labels perceived to be racist, and has become more political in recent years, from speaking out about the killing of black teenager Trayvon Martin to campaigning for President Barack Obama.

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Mount Etna volcano eruption 2013

James J. Williams
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Mount Etna volcano eruption 2013

Europe’s tallest and most active volcano Mount Etna has sent a tower of sparks and fire into the sky around it as it started to erupt on Saturday.

Europe's tallest and most active volcano Mount Etna has sent a tower of sparks and fire into the sky around it as it started to erupt on Saturday
Europe’s tallest and most active volcano Mount Etna has sent a tower of sparks and fire into the sky around it as it started to erupt on Saturday

The plume of ash rising from Mount Etna can be seen across much of eastern Sicily. Its eruptions are not infrequent, but the last major one occurred in 1992. The latest eruption was preceded by a series of underground tremors on Friday.

The nearest airport and airspace in Italy were forced to close temporarily but none of the villages on the slopes of the mountain have been forced to evacuate so far.

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Georgia presidential election ends Mikheil Saakashvili’s rule

Diane A. Wade
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Georgia presidential election ends Mikheil Saakashvili’s rule

Georgians are going to the polls to vote for a new president, ending a decade in power for pro-Western President Mikheil Saakashvili.

The frontrunner among the 23 candidates is Giorgi Margvelashvili – a close ally of PM Bidzina Ivanishvili, Mikheil Saakashvili’s bitter rival.

Following the polls, constitutional amendments will significantly reduce presidential powers.

Mikheil Saakashvili is barred from standing as he has already served two terms.

Bidzina Ivanishvili’s win in parliamentary elections last year ushered in the former Soviet republic’s first legal transfer of power.

The billionaire businessman also intends to resign within weeks of the vote, saying he has achieved his aims.

He has called Sunday’s vote Georgia’s “first European-style election”.

Polling stations are open from 08:00 local time until 20:00. Final results must be published no later than November 16.

Opinion polls suggest a win for philosopher and former Education Minister Giorgi Margvelashvili, a member of Bidzina Ivanishvili's Georgian Dream coalition
Opinion polls suggest a win for philosopher and former Education Minister Giorgi Margvelashvili, a member of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream coalition

If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, a run-off between the two top-placed candidates must be held two weeks after the results of the first round are published.

Opinion polls suggest a win for philosopher and former Education Minister Giorgi Margvelashvili, a member of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream coalition.

But a second round with David Bakratze, who represents Mikheil Saakashvili’s United National Movement (UNM) remains a possibility.

Nino Burjenadze, another top contender, is one the most well known female politicians in Georgia.

Georgia is moving closer to a parliamentary democracy although the president will formally remain the head of state and retain an important role in foreign policy, our correspondent adds.

Since coming to power in the bloodless 2003 “Rose Revolution” Mikheil Saakashvili has implemented reforms which helped root out corruption.

He pursued a pro-Western foreign policy and improved public services in the Caucasus republic, where poverty remains widespread.

But the country’s prime minister, who is also Georgia’s richest man, has dismissed these achievements, calling Mikheil Saakashvili a “liar” and a “dictator”.

Bidzina Ivanishvili has indicated that the outgoing president could face questioning or even prosecution over the alleged crimes of his government after his term ends. He has not yet named a successor as prime minister.

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Marcia Wallace dies aged 70

Sonia Pantiss
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Marcia Wallace dies aged 70

Marcia Wallace, best known as the voice of Bart Simpson’s teacher Edna Krabappel, has died at the age of 70.

The actress’ death was announced in a statement from executive producer Al Jean.

Marcia Wallace won an Emmy in 1992 for her work on The Simpsons, as a jaded, grumpy fourth-grade teacher, forced to put up with Bart’s antics.

Al Jean said her “irreplaceable character” would be retired from the show.

“I was tremendously saddened to learn this morning of the passing of the brilliant and gracious Marcia Wallace,” he said on Saturday.

Marcia Wallace won an Emmy in 1992 for her work on The Simpsons, as a jaded, grumpy fourth-grade teacher, forced to put up with Bart's antics
Marcia Wallace won an Emmy in 1992 for her work on The Simpsons, as a jaded, grumpy fourth-grade teacher, forced to put up with Bart’s antics

“She was beloved by all at The Simpsons. It’s a terrible loss for all who had the pleasure of knowing her.”

Marcia Wallace had played Edna Krabappel since The Simpsons began in 1990.

Her character was known for the catchphrase “Do what I mean, not what I say” and exclaiming “Ha!” in disgust.

It is unclear when the actress died or what the cause was.

Marcia Wallace had previously survived breast cancer, which she wrote about in her memoir Don’t Look Back, We’re Not Going that Way, published in 2004.

Before appearing in The Simpsons, Marcia Wallace played receptionist Carol Bondurant on The Bob Newhart Show and guest starred on popular shows in the 1970s and 1980s such as The Love Boat and Magnum PI.

Executive producer Al Jean stressed that previous hints that a regular character on The Simpsons could be killed off in the next series were unrelated.

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Angela Merkel’s phone tapped by US since 2002

Diane A. Wade
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Angela Merkel’s phone tapped by US since 2002

According to a report in German newspaper Der Spiegel, the US has been spying on Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone since 2002.

Der Spiegel claims to have seen secret documents from the National Security Agency (NSA) which show Angela Merkel’s number on a list dating from 2002 – before she became chancellor.

Angela Merkel’s number was still on a surveillance list in 2013.

Meanwhile Washington has seen a protest against the NSA’s spying programme.

Several thousand protesters marched to the US Capitol to demand a limit to the surveillance. Some of them held banners in support of the fugitive former contractor Edward Snowden, who revealed the extent of the NSA’s activities.

The nature of the monitoring of Angela Merkel’s mobile phone is not clear from the files, Der Spiegel says.

The US has been spying on Chancellor Angela Merkel's mobile phone since 2002
The US has been spying on Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone since 2002

For example, it is possible that the chancellor’s conversations were recorded, or that her contacts were simply assessed.

Germany is sending its top intelligence chiefs to Washington in the coming week to “push forward” an investigation into the spying allegations, which have caused outrage in Germany.

On Friday, Germany and France said they want the US to sign a no-spy deal by the end of the year.

As well as the bugging of Angela Merkel’s phone, there are claims the NSA has monitored millions of telephone calls made by German and French citizens.

The documents seen by Der Spiegel give further details of the NSA’s targeting of European governments.

A unit called Special Collection Services, based in the US embassy in Pariser Platz in Berlin, was responsible for monitoring communications in the German capital’s government quarter.

If the existence of listening stations in US embassies were known, there would be “severe damage for the US’s relations with a foreign government,” the documents said.

Similar units were based in around 80 locations worldwide, according to the documents seen by Der Spiegel, 19 of them in European cities.

The US government had a second German spy base in Frankfurt am Main, the magazine reports.

Angela Merkel phoned President Barack Obama when she first heard of the spying allegations on Wednesday.

Barack Obama promised Angela Merkel he knew nothing of the alleged phone monitoring, the magazine reports. The president apologized to the German chancellor, it said.

Angela Merkel – an Americophile who was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 – is said to be shocked that Washington may have engaged in the sort of spying she had to endure growing up in Communist East Germany.

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Angelina Jolie unable to cope with Brad Pitt’s soap aversion

Lisa.Felice
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Angelina Jolie unable to cope with Brad Pitt’s soap aversion

According to new reports, Angelina Jolie is unable to cope with Brad Pitt’s soap aversion.

The National Enquirer was claiming this week that there’s a “big stink” coming off an organically minded Brad Pitt, who’s allegedly using a “homemade concoction of lemons, water and apple cider vinegar instead of soap.”

Brad Pitt is allegedly using a homemade concoction of lemons, water and apple cider vinegar instead of soap
Brad Pitt is allegedly using a homemade concoction of lemons, water and apple cider vinegar instead of soap

“Brad says he’s read up on the toxins of soap – especially the antibacterial ones – and feels that using them and antiperspirants is not only bad for the planet, but it also speeds up the aging process in humans,” alleges a source.

“But Angie was revolted, and their kids even started calling him <<Stinky Daddy>>. Angie agreed to humor him [about his soap aversion] only as long as they weren’t on the same continent.”

Brad Pitt, 49, is currently shooting Fury in the UK, while Angelina Jolie, 38, is in Australia working on Unbroken.

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Paul McCartney unveils Queenie Eye video starring Johnny Depp, Kate Moss and Jude Law

Sonia Pantiss
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Paul McCartney unveils Queenie Eye video starring Johnny Depp, Kate Moss and Jude Law

Paul McCartney has unveiled the video for his new song Queenie Eye.

The shoot features Paul McCartney performing on a piano, while stars including Johnny Depp, Kate Moss and Jude Law appear alongside him.

Queenie Eye is taken from Paul McCartney’s latest album New which is currently at number three in the UK charts.

The former Beatles star worked with music producers Mark Ronson and Giles Martin on the record.

The video was filmed at Abbey Road recording studios, a place made famous in the 1960s by Paul McCartney in his Beatles days.

Paul McCartney has unveiled the video for his new song Queenie Eye
Paul McCartney has unveiled the video for his new song Queenie Eye

The London studios were used by the band to record their work including their 11th studio album titled Abbey Road.

In Queenie Eye you see Paul McCartney recording the track in what he thinks is an empty studio (Studio 2).

As the song develops the room starts to fill up with people all reacting in different ways to the song.

In one scene Alice Eve (Men in Black 3), is seen writhing across the piano on which Paul McCartney performs, while comedienne Tracey Ullman and model Lily Cole are seen listening to the music.

The video also shows designer Tom Ford dancing while sat in an arm chair.

Meryl Streep, Chris Pine, James Corden, Gary Barlow, Jeremy Irons, Sean Penn and Tracey Ullman are also among the host of celebrities who take part in the shoot.

Paul McCartney recently promoted New‘s release with pop-up shows in New York City and London.

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Rocketman: Tom Hardy to play Elton John in singer’s biopic

Sonia Pantiss
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Rocketman: Tom Hardy to play Elton John in singer’s biopic

Tom Hardy will play Elton John in a biopic of the singer’s life called Rocketman, it has been revealed.

The 36-year-old Dark Knight Rises star has also starred in films such as Inception, Lawless and Bronson.

Rocketman is being made with the co-operation of Elton John, 66, who is an executive producer on the project.

It will begin shooting in late 2014, Focus Features said.

Tom Hardy will play Elton John in a biopic of the singer's life called Rocketman
Tom Hardy will play Elton John in a biopic of the singer’s life called Rocketman

The screenplay has been penned by Lee Hall, who was Oscar-nominated for Billy Elliot, and recently worked on the film adaptation of War Horse.

It follows Reginald Dwight’s journey from childhood piano prodigy to global superstar, under his stage name Elton John.

Tom Hardy is respected for his wide-ranging talent, but his brawny, tattooed frame makes him an unconventional choice to star as the flamboyant musician.

He is not the first actor to play Elton John. In 2001, Justin Timberlake appeared as a “young Elton” in the video for the latter’s This Train Don’t Stop There Any More.

Last month, Elton John played live at the Emmy Awards ceremony for the first time.

Elton John performed a tribute to Liberace, the American pianist and vocalist whose life was told in the recent biopic, Behind the Candelabra.

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Andy Lopez case: FBI to investigate teenager shooting

Nancy Clayson
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Andy Lopez case: FBI to investigate teenager shooting

The FBI is conducting an independent investigation of the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Andy Lopez by a sheriff’s deputy in Northern California.

Sheriff Steve Freitas said in a statement Friday afternoon that he will cooperate fully with federal investigators and welcomes their participation in the probe of Andy Lopez’s killing on Tuesday afternoon. The shooting has generated numerous protests and marches in the suburban town of Santa Rosa, with many residents questioning the deputy’s decision to fire on the youth.

Steve Freitas also expressed sympathy to the Lopez family and thanked the Santa Rosa community for keeping protests peaceful.

Police say Andy Lopez was carrying a pellet gun that looked like an AK-47 assault rifle.

A timeline released Thursday by the Santa Rosa police shows that only 10 seconds passed from the moment that the sheriff’s deputy and his partner called dispatch to report a suspicious person to the moment they called back to say shots had been fired.

FBI spokesman Paul Lee said he did not know why his agency decided to get involved or whether local authorities had requested its help.

The FBI is conducting an independent investigation of the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Andy Lopez by a sheriff's deputy in Northern California
The FBI is conducting an independent investigation of the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Andy Lopez by a sheriff’s deputy in Northern California

More than 100 angry middle and high school students walked to City Hall on Friday, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported. Hundreds of people protested earlier in the week.

City police and the Sonoma County district attorney’s office are also investigating.

The Santa Rosa Police Department said two deputies in a squad car encountered the hoodie-wearing Andy Lopez just after 3:14 p.m.

Witnesses say at least one of the deputies took cover behind an open front door of the cruiser, and one yelled twice “drop the gun.”

Ten seconds after their initial report to dispatch, one of the officers called in “shot have been fired.”

Sixteen seconds later, the deputies were calling for medical help. Cruz was later pronounced dead at the scene. The Sonoma County coroner said he found seven “apparent entry wounds,” two of them fatal.

The deputies, who have not been identified, have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard after a shooting, officials said.

Assistant Sheriff Lorenzo Duenas told the Press Democrat that the deputy who shot the teen is a 24-year veteran and his partner, who did not fire his weapon, is a new hire.

Santa Rosa police Lt. Paul Henry told the newspaper the deputy who opened fire later told investigators he believed his life as well his partner’s was in jeopardy. The deputy said the teen didn’t comply with commands to drop the gun and was turning toward the deputies while raising the barrel.

Hundreds of community members marched Wednesday night to remember Andy Lopez and protest the shooting.

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Syria: Kurdish fighters take control of Yarubiya border crossing from rebel groups

Roy Siemens
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Syria: Kurdish fighters take control of Yarubiya border crossing from rebel groups

Syrian Kurdish fighters have taken control of Yarubiya border crossing with Iraq from Islamist rebel groups.

The Yarubiya border post was captured after three days of clashes with groups linked to al-Qaeda, the fighters said.

Officials on the Iraqi side of the border said they could hear heavy gunfire and shelling.

Syrian Kurdish fighters have taken control of Yarubiya border crossing with Iraq from Islamist rebel groups
Syrian Kurdish fighters have taken control of Yarubiya border crossing with Iraq from Islamist rebel groups

Kurdish groups in northern Syria have tried to stay out of the civil war between the government and rebels.

However, as Islamist rebel groups have moved into Kurdish-controlled areas in recent months, clashes between them and Kurdish militias have been increasing.

An Iraqi official told the Associated Press that the Baghdad government had brought Iraqi reinforcements to its side of the border to prevent the violence spilling over.

He described the fighting as “heavy battles in which all types of weapons were used”.

The border crossing was under the Syrian government’s control until March, when it was taken by Islamist rebels.

Syria’s Kurdish minority makes up around 10% of the population and is largely concentrated in the country’s far north-east, near the borders with Turkey and Iraq.

The fighting between jihadist rebels and armed Kurdish militia – both of whom are anti-government – adds another layer to Syria’s complex civil war.

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Shinzo Abe: Japan will stand up to China

Diane A. Wade
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Shinzo Abe: Japan will stand up to China

In a recent interview, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe says other countries want Japan to adopt a more assertive leadership role in Asia to counter the growing power of China.

Shinzo Abe told the Wall Street Journal there were “concerns that China was trying to change the status quo by force, rather than by the rule of law”.

Relations between China and Japan have been strained over recent years.

China said on Saturday that if Japan shot down Chinese drones, this would be considered “an act of war” by Beijing.

The statement was referring to reports that PM Shinzo Abe had approved defense plans that envisaged using air force planes to shoot down unmanned Chinese aircraft in Japanese airspace.

Another contentious issue between the two countries is the dispute over a group of islands.

The islands, in the East China Sea, are controlled by Tokyo, but claimed by Beijing.

However, analysts say the nations’ rivalry reflects the power shift created by China’s meteoric economic and diplomatic rise while Japan has been mired in a two-decade economic slump.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe says other countries want Japan to adopt a more assertive leadership role in Asia to counter the growing power of China
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe says other countries want Japan to adopt a more assertive leadership role in Asia to counter the growing power of China

China has warned against Japanese nationalism in a region where Japan’s colonial expansionism is still bitterly remembered.

In the interview, Shinzo Abe said he had realized that “Japan is expected to exert leadership not just on the economic front, but also in the field of security in the Asia-Pacific”.

The prime minister promised policies to counter Japan’s waning influence.

Other countries wanted Japan to stand up to China, Shinzo Abe said without naming any.

“There are concerns that China is attempting to change the status quo by force, rather than by rule of law. But if China opts to take that path, then it won’t be able to emerge peacefully,” Shinzo Abe says.

“So it shouldn’t take that path, and many nations expect Japan to strongly express that view. And they hope that as a result, China will take responsible action in the international community.”

The interview comes days after Shinzo Abe was reported to approved defense plans to intercept and shoot down foreign unmanned aircraft that ignore warnings to leave Japanese airspace.

On Saturday, China’s defense ministry responded saying: “If Japan does resort to enforcement measures like shooting down aircraft, that is a serious provocation to us, an act of war.”

“We will undertake decisive action to strike back, with every consequence borne by the side that caused the trouble,” spokesman Geng Yansheng said on the ministry’s website.

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