News around the world

Scandal in Bulgaria after the Prime Minister asked the family of missing teen found dead and apologize for their criticism of police

Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borisov, the family asked a girl found missing and then dead to apologize for his criticism of police, reports Novinite news agency Bulgarian. Teenage body, kidnapped in early November, was found Thursday after an investigation apparently slow and marked by controversy.

"It's a shame that relatives face many bad things said about the police. I hope that he will apologize and will direct their criticism to their nearest and dearest who took part in the crime," he said Thursday, Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov.

The prime minister, the family should feel guilty for kidnappers knew the girl and wanted to get money from a relative of hers.

Miroslava Nikolova disappeared on November 7, 2011 in his hometown, Pernik, while returning from training in Taekwondo. After a two-month investigation, they were used and the Schengen information system and Interpol, police discovered Thursday morning, the body of the girl in the suburbs of Pernik.

After a week, the victim's sister, Eleanore said for Bulgarian television station bTV that Miroslava was contacted and the teenager would have said had been kidnapped and that the kidnapping, and police were involved. The family was not contacted by the kidnappers.

The main theory of the police was, however, the girl fled across the border. The discovery of the corpse, authorities said the girl had been suffocated in the same day that had been kidnapped.

Police investigation has sparked controversy, especially in online discussion forums, after he learned that one of the two suspects arrested for murder of missing teenager committed suicide while police searched her home.

According to Novinite, man, a friend of a local businessman, was brought in custody in his own living. While authorities searched her home, the man was shot in the head. It is unclear why the suspect was armed and could kill as in the present investigators.

Who is killing Iranian scientists?

Iranian Professor Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan (32 year) was killed Wednesday morning on a street in Tehran by a bomb placed on his Peugeot 405 car by two men are on a motorcycle. Death of the scientist, who worked in uranium enrichment center in Natanz seems an exact copy of similar murders that occurred in recent years in Iran. Iranian authorities were quick to accuse Israel and the U.S. that is behind the attack on Wednesday, wanting to destabilize the situation before the elections in Iran. Tehran charges are mere propaganda but anti-Zionist or assassinations are part of a US-Israeli campaign, extremely aggressive and effective attempts to sabotage Iran's nuclear capabilities to develop?

List of officials, researchers and scientists involved in Iran's nuclear program that Tehran had disappeared or been murdered began to become more and more, from 2007:

* Alireza Asgari, a former deputy defense minister, disappeared while visiting Turkey in 2006. It is believed to teach a foreign intelligence agencies.

* Hossein-Pour Ardeshir, a scientist working at the center of the Isfahan uranium imobagatire, died unexpectedly in 2007 at the age of 44 years. The official explanation was that "it suffocated with gas."

* Massoud Ali Mohammadi, and nuclear physics professor at the University of Tehran, was killed when a bomb exploded controlled remotely near his home in January 2010.

* Shahram Amir, a physicist who worked at the plant at Natanz, disappeared while he was on pilgrimage to Mecca, in May 2009. Scientist suddenly appeared in the United States, then returned to Iran in July 2010, where he disappeared again, probably arrested by authorities on charges of treason.

* Majid Shahriar, nuclear engineering faculty member of Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, was killed on 29 November 2010, when two persons on a motorcycle attached to a magnetic bomb his car window. The Telegraph writes that this type of murder seems to have become "modus operandi" in the campaign to eliminate Iranian scientists.

* Fereydoun Abbasi, and professor at the University Shahid Besheshti he was wounded the same day, in a similar attack. Three months later, Abbas became head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization.

* Darioush Rezai-Nejad, who was studying for a master's degree in electronics from the University tous Khajeh-Nasir, was shot dead in Tehran in July 2011. According to some information, he was a graduate of the University of Malek-e-Ashtar, affiliated to the Ministry of Defense of Iran.

* General Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, who headed the Iranian missile program, died in a powerful explosion that occurred at the military base of Amir Al-Momenin Bidganeh, near Karaj, west of the capital Tehran. The incident occurred on 12 November 2011.


Why Iranian scientists die?

No Israeli or American official has not confirmed or denied information about a possible campaign of sabotage against Iran's nuclear program.

And yet, who's killing Iranians? American and Israeli experts newspapers recently said that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the U.S. and Israeli secret service Mossad covert operations currently carried out "effective and aggressive" to remove the Iranians involved in Tehran's nuclear file. Roshan's death seems to make it part of the same campaign and the assassination of Iranian scientists, started after 2007.

The wave of assassinations was accompanied by several Iranian nuclear explosions produced (at least four last year) and the emergence of a new computer virus, Duque, which affected the computer systems of nuclear power. Duque is a more sophisticated version of Stuxnet worm, which affected the Iranian centrifuges in 2010. Information from several sources indicated as the source of Israeli hackers Stuxnet virus that computers disordered system of Iranian nuclear reactors in 2010. Duque virus appearance is put everything on account of Israeli experts: new virus code is based on the same source as Stuxnet.


Speaking a few days after the explosion which occurred at the military base of Amir Al-Momenin Bidganeh, near Karaj, west of the capital Tehran in November 2011, after which he died General Moghaddam, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, said, "may be more like it." And on Wednesday, hours after the assassination of Roshan, General Yoav Mordechai, the Israeli army spokesman, wrote on its Facebook page: "I do not know who to avenge Iranian scientist, but clearly I do not cry him. "


What experts say:

* Richard Silverstein, Tikun Olam blog author: Iranian nuclear explosions to have been part of war covered by Israel against Iran and the U.S. went along with their supporters of MEK (editor's note. People's Mojahedin of Iran), are within the country. Unit 8200 in the Israeli armed forces (IDF), which makes research on the draft cyber war, created Stuxnet, with the United States. George W. Bush gave Israel 300-400 million dollars in 2007 to engage in this campaign, the money that finances the project. Assassination of Iranian scientists was made by those in MEK, with Mossad.

* Manuela Paraipan, foreign policy analyst: certainty in this case (editor's note. Explosions at nuclear power plants) have only intelligence, and finally, some might have. I do not think it's accidents, although this is possible and probable. Tactics can be used to avoid conflict or to weaken as much as possible, the other camp, before an attack. Efforts are also in one direction and another. I hope come true first draft.

* Expert Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute, told CNN that another explanation "plausible" is the involvement of Arab secret services: "The idea that many Americans have that Mossad is the most talented service information the Middle East is expired decades. " He says some information services in the Arab world "might have to recruit Shiites" in the region, most likely in Iraq to act against Iran's nuclear program.


How effective is anti-Iranian campaign?

Ll Telegraph quoted Mark Fitzpatrick, director of nonproliferation at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said that Egypt attempts to obtain nuclear weapons in the '70s, was successfully derailed by the assassination of key figures involved in the atomic program.

Assassination of Egyptian scientists, put it at the expense of Israel, was "essential to prevent Egypt to develop its" nuclear program.

"Iran's program is advanced, so do not know if decapitation strategy will work," said Fitzpatrick. "But it is possible that this campaign, combined with other strategies - industrial sabotage and so-called accidental explosions of nuclear installations - has some effect in delaying the Iranian program", says expert.

According to reports, Iranian scientists morale has suffered from the wave of assassinations of their colleagues. Many of those involved in the nuclear program live under constant guard, as is the case of Mohsen Fakrizadeh, professor of physics and Revolutionary Guard officer.

In addition, scientists are subjected to strict supervision. Center at Natanz is not connected to the Internet, so the virus must have been introduced Stuxnet by an agent. After the appearance of viruses, Iran has strengthened its security procedures at nuclear installations.

Mikhail Prokhorov: Russian political system is questioned

Businessman Mikhail Prokhorov, who intends to run for president of Russia, wrote an article for British newspaper The Guardian. In material or oligarch said, inter alia, that the recent rallies are proof of the end "guided democracy era," writes RBCDaily. "Can not be considered an emotional person. Business taught me to remain pragmatic and put feelings above reason "says Prokhorov." But the changes taking place in Russia have managed to vibrate even my hardened heart. "

"In his last months, we have changed a lot. New, Russians, we always liked to sit in the kitchen, to criticize one another and to do philosophy. But now witnessing a true renaissance, when all we feel we are part of an evolution that crosses our country, "continued Prokhorov. In his opinion, the Russians have finally awakened from a deep sleep, her fair elections and the right to engage in the process of transforming the state.

True, Prokhorov has no clear idea what you mean or should mean this policy change. "The only problem that arises in the moment - our journey will be a dangerous, full of bumpy bumpy, even bloody, or we will avoid the dangers that will appear, which is outlined in our region and in other areas. As for me, I trust the latter. Evolution not revolution is, "concluded entrepreneur.

Vladimir Putin electoral promises: wages and higher pensions, special courts for civil status and proactive foreign policy

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's United Russia party candidate for president Thursday launched pre-election manifesto campaign website, putin2012.ru. In an attempt to win the third presidential term, Putin promised increased pensions and wages, and the creation of special courts to function most exposed to corruption.

"We will create an effective civilian control of state activities in areas most vulnerable to corruption: State purchases, utilities, construction of roads and public order," Putin said in the manifesto or quoted by RIA Novosti.

In economic terms, Putin said that its strategic objective is doubling productivity over the next decade. The current prime minister said he would also aim to increase energy efficiency area that "Russia is behind many great powers."

Putin promised to modernize the armed forces and by using advanced technology and improving training standards.

Hungary could be sued by the European Commission if, within five days, does not change the fundamental law

Hungary is available five days from the European Commission to change the provisions of the new constitution in violation of central bank independence, the judiciary and the press. The Commission will determine the measures necessary to the next meeting of the Commissioners, January 17. The government in Budapest but in full lobbying campaign to persuade Member States that its laws comply with the Community.

European Commission show that - from the cooperation with the Hungarian government, whose legislative process to follow closely, and analysis of new provisions of the Constitution - is concerned with several issues:

    Central bank independence;
    measures on the judiciary and in particular the requirement of early retirement of judges and prosecutors at the age of 62 years instead of 70;
    independent national data protection authority.

Threats to central bank independence led last month after stopping talks between the Hungarian government and the European Commission and IMF.

In addition to these legislative issues, Hungary has received a warning from the European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn, who said that Hungary also face possible suspension of EU funds if it has a better control of budget deficit.

The Commission services will complete the analysis of the new Hungarian law these days, and the College of Commissioners will take the necessary decisions in the next meeting on 17 January, according to a press release.

Commission may refer the case the European Court of Justice under Article 258 of the Treaty of Lisbon. Moreover, European Voice shows that Article 7 of the Lisbon Treaty allows the EU to impose sanctions on a Member State under "a persistent and serious violations" of freedom, democracy, human rights and other values ​​provided by the Treaty.

A European Commission official told the newspaper quoted that there are currently no intention to invoke Article 7. But Liberal leader in the European Parliament, Guy Verhofstadt, is considering launching a proceeding under Article 7. This can be done by the Council of Ministers - one third of Member States - by the European Parliament or the Commission.

"Hungarian crisis is as important as the euro crisis. Both related to credibility in the eyes of their citizens," said Verhofstadt.

European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs, Viviane Reding, has hinted that Prime Minister Orban abusing parliamentary majority that has to rethink and change the fundamental law for the benefit of Fidesz Party and not the country. "The majority in parliament brings a special responsibility," said Reding, cited by New York Times.

Hungarian Lobby

Government response from Budapest is always the same: it is "committed to compliance with the European universities" and is "ready for negotiations and to find solutions" with the Commission on matters that concern European institution.

Moreover, Hungary has tried to parry the statements of the EU executive on Wednesday, sending a letter to Member States and Brussels.

The letter, signed by Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi and whose content is set by Brussels Blog, a blog of the Financial Times, show that the controversial legislation consulted international experts and does not infringe any of the mentioned values. "Clearly we are not immune to error, including errors of law. We are open to criticism, but they are timely and accurate," said the document cited.

Hungarian Foreign Minister made clear in a letter to Member States his government is open to negotiations and said that Prime Minister Viktor Orban will not take any action against the Central Bank's mandate until the current governor, Andras Simor, rival Prime Minister, will expire in May March of next year.

"We are prepared to reconsider changing the legislation, if necessary. But that was not and will never be a matter of prestige for my government. Again, we are ready to reach out to anyone who has a concern punctual, without preconditions. But not accept value judgments. And accept much less anyone to question our commitment to democracy and our place among the democracies, "it said Martonyi.

Finally, one of Fidesz MEPs, György Schöpflin, warned that those who think of sanctions against Hungary must be cautious. "The more they attack more, with both Hungarian citizens will be more oriented towards Jobik extreme right party," he said.

Mario Monti: EU summit originally scheduled on January 30 will begin on January 29

EU summit originally scheduled on January 30 will begin a day earlier, on January 29, Italian Prime Minister has announced Mario Monti, quoted by AFP. The decision was taken because on January 30 will be held in Belgium, a general strike. EU summit will be hosted by Brussels.

Holy Land Christians celebrate Christmas in the Arab world under full revolution

The entire world Christians celebrate Christmas to begin Saturday. This time, the celebrations of the Holy Land, located in the heart of the Arab region in full revolt, Islamist movements are marked by the advance, which worried Christians of the East, reports AFP.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims went to the city at dawn Bethlehem (West Bank), laden with garlands and white and yellow flags of the Vatican and the Palestinian national flags.

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Monsignor Fouad Twal, the highest authority in the Holy Land Catholic Romanian, made his solemn entry of Christ in his hometown in the mid afternoon. Around 50,000 visitors are expected this weekend in Bethlehem.

In 2010, the city cradle of Christianity received over 1.5 million tourists and the holy places of Christianity over 3 million (a record).

A huge artificial tree - made in China - was ridicact in the market, where tourists mix with local people, including Muslims, in many dishes.

Omar mosque front a giant portrait of Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian national movement's historic leader, watching over the crowd.

Bishop Twal, aged 71, will lead, starting at 21.00 GMT, traditional service at midnight, in the presence of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

The message of Christmas, the patriarch and the situation evoked the Arab Spring "concerned" of Christians in the region.

In Egypt and Tunisia, where popular movements have removed two dictatorships that ruled the country for decades, Islamist parties were the big winners of the elections. In Libya and Syria, Islamists hair and her favorite people.

These are not very encouraging news for the Christian community in the area already in decline as a result of migration and successive wars.

"I always change device for more democracy and freedom. I wanted even in more mlte lines that Christians should not be excluded from acecste movements. That said, I fervently wish to be respected human rights and dignity of everyone" Twal said.

"I wish that the competent authorities can calm the spirits, without violence, and protect the minorities who are part of these peoples. Have taken advantage of these times to build a new society based on equal citizenship for all", he argued .

The Israeli army has relaxed security measures to facilitate the Christian Pilgrim, which include Palestinians from the occupied territories and Israeli Arabs, at Christmas time.

Bethlehem is located beyond the security barrier built by Israel in the West Bank and which Palestinians call the "apartheid wall".

UK: Prince Philip, aged 90 years, was operated on and is "very anxious to leave the hospital"

Philip Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, feels good, after being operated on the night of Friday to Saturday to unblock a coronary artery, reports BBC News. In fact, he was visited Saturday by his wife to the hospital in Cambridge.

According to Buckingham Palace, Duke has a "moral good" and will "remain under observation for a short period of time."

Queen's husband was hospitalized emergency Friday after he accused chest pain and was operated "successfully" montandu them into a stent.

Regina, who traveled by helicopter from domeniuil Sandringham, where the royal family traditionally spends the holidays end of the year arrived on Saturday morning at Papworth spitaul where Duke, aged 90 years, was hospitalized a day after . Elizabeth II was accompanied by three of his four children, Princes Andrew and Edward and Princess Anne.

Sandringham field is located about a hundred miles from Cambridge.

According to the royal palace, the visit lasted 45 minutes and Duke has a "moral good" and "is very anxious to leave the hospital," says AFP.

Prince Charles has visited his father, a little later, with his wife Camilla.

North Korea: Before he died, the dictator Kim Jong-Il ordered to distribute fresh fish inhabitants of Pyongyang

North Korean authorities have distributed over fresh people in Pyongyang, an exceptional delicacy in this country very poor, when the communist regime organized the transition of power after the death of its leader, Kim Jong-Il, the official communist press wrote on Saturday, taken said.

According to the Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, the measure was ordered by Kim Jong-Il just before his death, which took place on Saturday, 17 December.

Daily plus that after the leader died, effective delivery of the fish was supervised by his son and successor, Kim Jong-Un, the third representative of the Kim dynasty.

"Vendors and citizens burst into tears in the shops in the capital on Friday," says the daily quote, which published pictures of housewives weeping for joy in front of shop windows filled with meat.

Rodong Sinmun quoted by traders said that this gift from Kim demonstrates "his affectionate devotion to his people" and that no nation in the world has the chance to AVEVA leaders so good.

Kept secret for two days before it announced Monday the death of Kim Jong-Il to 17 years to put an iron regime, marked by terrible famines that have killed at least hundreds of thousands of people in the years 1990.

Since his appointment as the country's new leader, Kim Jong-Un, which is not yet 30 years, the subject of a growing cult of personality, inherited the titles of "successful" and "great companion" after which he was appointed " supreme commander "of Rodong Sinmun newspaper by the army in the Saturday edition.

ALA staff formed party, the army and the state apparatus and the different categories chosen by the regime, the population of the capital is privileged in relation to the rest of the country.

Residents in Pyongyang has a more regular food supply, housing and a better education.

Acecst special treatment could partially explain the crowds lacrimimle paid bureaucrats and soldiers who were crowded in front of statues and portraits of Kim Jong-Il in the capital, starting from Monday.

Rima Fakih, the first Muslim to win the title of Miss America, was arrested after being caught driving drunk

Rima Fakih, the first Muslim who in 2010 won the title of Miss America, was arrested by police who found her drunk driving, said a woman's lawyer said on FoxNews. The incident took place in the Highland Park in Detroit.

Doraid Elder said Fakih is "very sad and I'm very sorry for the situation which is currently".

Elder said that police arrested her on Saturday morning Fakih.

Rima Fakih (26), daughter of Lebanese immigrants, he managed to win the title of Miss America 2010, becoming the first Muslim to win the fluffy ceremony.

Just a day after winning the competition, Fakih was involved in a scandal after his multiple images of a striptease contest appeared on the Internet. Fakih appears in several photos on page Mojointhemorning.com, a morning show in Detroit radio station 955.

Two of the photos were taken during striptease contest "Stripper 101", held in 2007. Fakih is dancing on bar in front of an audience of women, dressed only in underwear. Contest judges were strippers. Fakih then won first place, receiving jewelry, loyalty cards, toys for adults and a strip bar that could be placed in the home.

Driving Miss USA Fakih decided then to keep the crown