FSN World News Feed

US "no-fly" list doubles - AP

The number of names on the secret "no-fly" list managed by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has more than doubled since 2009.

The Associated Press reports, the expansion of the list began after the Christmas 2009 attempt by a young Nigerian man to explode a bomb on a flight to Detroit, Michigan.

Priscilla Huff reports:

IN: "About 21-thousand...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 52
POT: 38

***

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 06:55 PM | Permalink

Britain's Foreign Secretary in Somalia to encourage tighter security

The UK's Foreign Secretary has travelled to Somalia in a bid to restore
stability in the country - calling for renewed international pressure to fight
islamist militants.

William Hague is the first British envoy to visit Mogadishu for over
two decades, and has expressed concern that Somalia has not done
enough to tackle insecurity.

Our UK correspondent Sandra Gathmann has the details.

IN: Britain is...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 1'00
POT: 33

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 05:34 PM | Permalink

Trump to endorse Romney, not Gingrich

Business mogul Donald Trump is set to endorse Mitt Romney for the US Presidency, after initial reports suggested that he planned to back the campaign of Mr. Romney's rival, Newt Gingrich.

The announcement is expected to be made in Las Vegas later on Thursday.

Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks says Mr. Trump - who once considered running for the Presidency himself - has been courted by the Republicans jockeying for the party's presidential nomination.

IN: "It's not entirely…."

OUT: "…a Cheshire cat"

DUR: 39 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0202trump-marks.mp3

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 05:24 PM | Permalink

UN diplomats struggle for a compromise on Syria

UN Security Council members may come closer to agreement on Syria.

A new version of the draft resolution is now on the table that revises part of the text, attempting to avoid a veto by permanent Security Council member, Russia.

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 05:03 PM | Permalink

US plans to end Afghan combat mission by end of 2013

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 04:45 PM | Permalink

Russia says it would veto any UN resolution on Syria unless armed intervention is rejected

INTRO: Russia says it would veto any United Nations resolution on Syria unless it rejected armed intervention. Violence in Syria has killed over 5000 people in the past 10 months and is reportedly intensifying. Anya Ardayeva reports from Moscow.

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 12:07 PM | Permalink

East Timor says it can stand on its' own two feet

East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta has declared his young nation is able to handle its own security after UN troops depart at the end of this year, despite fears of violence.
Arthur Stevens has more

IN: "The United Nations..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 27 sec

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 10:50 AM | Permalink

Speculation over Glencore Xstrata merger drives up shares

Global mining giant Xstrata and commodities trader Glencore have announced talks are underway over a potential 82 billion dollar merger.

Glencore formally approached Xstrata with plans for a 'merger of equals' - news that's driven both companies' shares up.

UK correspondent Nina-Maria Potts reports:

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 10:36 AM | Permalink

AstraZeneca to cut 7300 jobs

Drugs giant AstraZeneca has announced plans to cut 7300 jobs over the next two years.

The UK's second largest drugs firm has 61000 staff around the world.

Olly Barratt reports from London.

IN: "7300...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 32 seconds

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 09:07 AM | Permalink

Ferry sinks off Papua New Guinea - 350 feared missing

More than 350 people are feared missing after a boat accident in Papua New Guinea's northwest.
Neighbour Australia has offered assistance to the PNG authorities.
Arthur Stevens has more

IN: "The MV Rabaul Queen..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 48 sec

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 05:41 AM | Permalink

Russia calls UN resolution on Syria "unacceptable"

Russia continues to insist, it will veto any text of a resolution concerning Syria that it continues unacceptable, while leaving the door open that the United Nations Security Council will find consensus about what to do about the deepening political crisis.

Syrian campaigners say, over 7,000 of their fellow citizens have died in 10 months of political violence, with the Syrian military pushing back against opposition soldiers in the suburbs of Damascus.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, the UN Security Council must stand on the right side of history.

IN: "Are you...
OUT: ...of history."
DUR: 42

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0202syria-clinton1.mp3

***

Posted on February 02, 2012 at 12:01 AM | Permalink

Facebook announces IPO worth $5bn

The social networking website Facebook has filed papers announcing it will launch an initial public offering of stock worth $5 billion.

The offering is smaller than analysts had expected but documents indicate this could be the start of a larger float.

It's expected to value the entire company at between $75 and $100 billion.

Our New York business correspondent Liling Tan says its a very significant moment...

IN: Facebook filed...
OUT: ...the market.
DUR: 25"

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0201facebook-tan1.mp3

Our New York business correspondent Liling Tan says the offering reveals new information about founder Mark Zuckerberg...

IN: It was also revealed...
OUT: ...a year ago.
DUR: 24"

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0201facebook-tan2.mp3

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 11:51 PM | Permalink

Over 70 dead and 1000 injured in violence after Egyptian football game

Over 70 people have been killed and at least 1000 injured in clashes between rival fans following a football (soccer) match in the Egyptian city of Port Said.

It's the worst such incident in the country's history, with reports of fans taking knives into the match and then invading the pitch after the game.

The game was played between two top clubs, the home team al-Masry and the Cairo team al-Ahly, a club which has a reputation for disorderly fans.

Khaled Dawoud from the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram says the intense rivalries may have been made worse by lax security...

IN: Usually and historically...
OUT: ...capital Cairo.
DUR: 31"

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0201egypt-dawoud1.mp3

Khaled Dawoud from the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram says the violence may be used as a justification for a slower transition to full democracy...

IN: Apparently there wasn't...
OUT: ...elected president.
DUR: 22"

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0201egypt-dawoud2.mp3

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 10:51 PM | Permalink

Diplomatic negotiations underway on Syria

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 05:53 PM | Permalink

Pres. Obama promotes legislation to resolve US housing woes

U.S. President Barack Obama is promoting another strategy to resolve America's ongoing housing crunch.

The problem is that many American homeowners owe more on their houses than the properties are actually worth, and also, in many cities, buyers are lacking so Americans cannot sell their homes so they can move where the jobs are.

U.S. President Barack Obama wants to create a program to make it easier to refinance home mortgages, saving Americans about $3,000 annually.

The President is urging the U.S. Congress to tackle this huge problem.

IN: "The challenge...
OUT: ...our homes!"
DUR: 42

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0201housing-obama1.mp3

***

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 05:21 PM | Permalink

A huge anti-Putin banner briefly erected on a building next to the Kremlin

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 04:46 PM | Permalink

Occupy movement tactics under question

The strategies of the various Occupy movements continues to come under pressure.

On one side of the U.S., in Washington, a federal judge is upholding a ruling to ban camping at the two Occupy protests, but ordering the National Park Service to give notice before enforcing the rule.

On the other side of the country, the concern is about continuing violence at Occupy Oakland.

Priscilla Huff has an update:

IN: "A U.S. federal...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 1:00
POT: 36

***

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 03:37 PM | Permalink

Terry to stand trial in July over racism claims

England football captain John Terry will stand trial over racism claims after Euro 2012 in July.

A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf at a short procedural hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

He's accused of making racist comments towards an opposition Premier League player during a game in October.

From London, Olly Barratt reports.

IN: "John Terry's...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 27 seconds

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 01:51 PM | Permalink

Tensions escalate with Argentina ahead of Prince William's posting to Falklands

Prince William is being deployed to the Falkland Islands as neighbouring Argentina continues to battle the UK over sovereignty.

The Duke of Cambridgeshire's [came-bridge-shur] visit to the British colony is being criticized by the Argentinian Foreign Ministry, but UK officials insist his posting is part of a routine mission.

Our correspondent in London, Sandra Gathmann reports.

IN: "Prince William...
OUT:SOC
DUR: 45 seconds
POT 34

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 01:37 PM | Permalink

EU blocks merger of NYSE Euronext and Deutsche Boerse

The European Union has blocked the Deutsche Boerse's ("Ber-sse") planned merger with NYSE Euronext.

The ten billion dollar deal would have created the world's largest financial exchange operator.

The European Commission, the EU's executive body, said it was ruling against the merger because the combined exchange would have controlled 90 percent of the trading in European derivatives.

The EU's Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said the merger would have created a quasi monopoly:

IN: The two entities
OUT: products
DUR: 25
CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0201NYSE-Almunia1.MP3

The EU's Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia told journalists on Wednesday that the decision was based purely on the products traded by Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext:

IN: We were
OUT: Derivatives
DUR: 37
CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0201NYSE-Almunia.MP3

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 12:50 PM | Permalink

Four men admit terror plot against London Stock Exchange

Four British men who said they were inspired by the al Qaeda terrorist group have admitted planning a bomb attack on the London Stock Exchange.

Five other men have pleaded guilty to terrorism offences in a plot that included targeting other sites including the home of London Mayor Boris Johnson and the US Embassy.

From London, Catherine Drewreports.

IN: "The four men who have ...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 56 seconds
POT: 39 seconds

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 11:54 AM | Permalink

NATO report claims Taliban are supported by Pakistan

A NATO official says a military report shows the Taliban are confident of returning to power in Afghanistan after international forces leave the country.

The secret report also reportedly shows that the Taliban in Afghanistan are being directly assisted by Pakistani security services.

Our NATO correspondent in Brussels, Vanessa Mock, has more

IN: The leaked
OUT: SOC
DUR: 53 (POT 44)

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 11:24 AM | Permalink

Row erupts over move to strip former RBS chief of knighthood

Leading voices from London's business community have criticized a decision to strip ex-Royal Bank of Scotland chief, Fred Goodwin, of his knighthood.

UK party leaders-including Prime Minister David Cameron- welcomed the move, but have been promptly attacked by top City figures for whipping up 'anti-business hysteria'.

UK correspondent Nina-Maria Potts reports:

IN: " Fred Goodwin...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 41 seconds

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 10:04 AM | Permalink

John Terry in court over racism claims

England football captain John Terry's racism case is being heard in London (today/Wednesday).

Mr Terry is not expected to attend the short procedural hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

He's accused of making racist comments towards an opposition Premier League player during a game in October.

From London, Olly Barratt reports.

((VOICER SHOULD STILL HOLD FOLLOWING APPEARANCE WITH UPDATED LEAD))

IN: "John Terry's...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 27 seconds

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 09:12 AM | Permalink

Assange at UK's Supreme Court

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is entering the latest stage of his appeal against extradition to Sweden [Weds].

The two-day hearing before the UK's Supreme Court follows more than a year of legal wrangling following a European Arrest Warrant issued over sexual assault allegations.

UK corresopndent Nina-Maria Potts has more.

IN: "Julian Assange...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 45 seconds

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 09:08 AM | Permalink

Romney scores major victory in Florida against rival Gingrich

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 02:43 AM | Permalink

Romney scores big victory in Florida

Mitt Romney, the former Governor of Massachussetts, is once again the front-runner in the race for the Republican Party's Presidential nomination, after crushing his opponents in the Florida primary.

Mr. Romney enjoyed an 18-point advantage over Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Former US Senator Rick Santorum came in third place, with libertarian Congressman Ron Paul a distant fourth.

Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks says Mr. Romney is hoping the Florida result will put to rest doubts over the viability of his candidacy.

IN: "Mitt Romney…."

OUT: "…looking for one"

DUR: 33 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131florida-marks1.mp3

(ALT)

Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks says the Florida result gives Mr. Romney some badly-needed momentum.

IN: "If he hadn't…."

OUT: "…it was just that"

DUR: 40 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131florida-marks2.mp3

(ALT)

Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks says Mr. Romney is now hoping that he's back-on-track in his quest for the Republican Presidential nomination.

IN: "What he really…."

OUT: "….any further"

DUR: 36 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131florida-marks3.mp3

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 02:00 AM | Permalink

Romney wins Florida

Mitt Romney has won a decisive victory in the Florida state primary, a huge setback for his main rival Newt Gingrich.

The major US news organizations were able to project the win as soon as the polls closed, highlighting the decisive nature of the double digit victory.

Gaining the majority of the votes in the winner-take-all state of Florida will provide him with every one of the state's 50 delegates, in the biggest primary race so far.

His victory followed an aggressive performance in televised debates and advertising targetting his main rival Newt Gingrich.

Romney told a crowd of supporters that the tough race will strengthen the Republicans...

IN: Primary contests...
OUT: ...will win. + <CHEERS>
DUR: 27"

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0201romney1.mp3

Romney made it clear that his main target is now President Obama...

IN: Leaders...
OUT: ...out of the way + <CHEERS>
DUR: 23"

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0201romney2.mp3

Posted on February 01, 2012 at 01:56 AM | Permalink

Russian veto stands in the way of UN vote on Syria

A veto by Russia stood in the way of a United Nations Security Council resolution urging Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

The U.N. estimates, more than 5400 Syrians have died in nearly a year of political violence.

In Australia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Syria is not their friend or ally, but that it is up to the Syrian people to determine their future, not the international community.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is confident, the future of Syria will be different.

IN: "We all know...
OUT: ...own destiny."
DUR: 14

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131syria-clinton2.mp3

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon had urged unity from the Security Council, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged a return to peace in Syria.

IN: "The United....
OUT: ...peaceful demonstrations."
DUR: 15

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131syria-clinton1.mp3

***

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:46 PM | Permalink

US intelligence chief warns, Iran willing to attack on US soil

Iranian officials are now more willing to authorize an attack on American soil, the US Director of National Intelligence is warning.

James Clapper appeared before the U.S. Senate's Intelligence Committee with a revised perspective on the threat or perceived threat Tehran poses to the U.S. and its allies.

Priscilla Huff reports:

IN: "Some Iranian...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 49
POT: 38

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told the U.S. Senate's Intelligence Committee, they are NOW more willing to approve of attacks on American soil.

IN: "Among nation-states....
OUT: ...concerned about."
DUR: 40

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131iran-clapper1.mp3

While U.S. intelligence officials say they are increasingly concerned about Iran, the threat from al Qaeda is lessening, following the death of Osama bin Laden in May.

DNI James Clapper:

IN: "The intelligence...
OUT: ...jihad agenda."
DUR: 53

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131alqaeda-clapper1.mp3

***

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:38 PM | Permalink

South Korean group mulls US baseball buy

A South Korean investment group has teamed up with a former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers to bid on the major league baseball team.

The field of potential buyers also includes famous retired athletes, and a talk show host.

Our correspondent Rachel Silverman reports from California.

IN: "The storied...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 58
POT: 40

***

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:04 PM | Permalink

Romney, Gingrich spar over importance of Florida Primary

Mitt Romney is ahead of Newt Gingrich by at least 13 percentage points in the final public opinion surveys ahead of the Florida Primary.

50 delegates to the Republican convention are up for grabs in the contest. (Polls close at 7pm Eastern / 2300 GMT)

As the final Florida voters headed to the polls, Mitt Romney told reporters the Florida race is an indicator of what the national election race will be like:

IN: "How important...
OUT: ...prospects nationally."
DUR: 33

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131florida-romney1.mp3

With reporters shouting at him after a campaign event in Florida, Newt Gingrich dismissed the analysis that a win in Florida sets his rival up to win the nomination.

IN: "Mr. Speaker!
OUT: ...National Review said."
DUR: 24

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131florida-gingrich1.mp3

The reporter's voice is Jim Acosta of CNN.

***

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 06:31 PM | Permalink

Former RBS boss stripped of knighthood

The former boss of bailed out British bank RBS has been stripped of his knighthood.

Sir Fred Goodwin becomes just Fred Goodwin with the Queen cancelling his title after being advised to do so by officials.

The Forfeiture Committee decided decisions made by Fred Goodwin as RBS boss raised concerns which meant his knighthood for 'services to banking' could not be sustained.

Mr Goodwin was knighted in 2004 but was chief executive of RBS in 2008 when it had to be bailed out by taxpayers.

UK correspondent Olly Barratt says it's still a controversial decision to remove his title.

IN: "The committee...
OUT: ...first place."
DUR: 34 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131goodwin-ob1.mp3

ALT:

UK correspondent Olly Barratt says it's the latest demonstration of feeling toward bankers in the UK.

IN: "There does...
OUT: ...and quickly."
DUR: 36 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131goodwin-ob2.mp3

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 06:22 PM | Permalink

UN Security Council to mull Syria resolution

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is travelling to New York, as are other key foreign ministers, to join in the United Nations Security Council debate on Syria. (3pm Eastern / 1900GMT)

At the center of the resolution is a call for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down, but it is expected that Russia, a Permanent 5 member, will veto the plan.

Ahead of the meeting, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, explained that the resolution is merely the plan put forward by the Arab League.

IN: "We think...
OUT: ...shoud do."
DUR: 27

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131syria-rice1.mp3

Ahead of the meeting, the Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations, Bashar al-Jafaari denounced the resolution, saying his country will not be treated as other neighboring countries have been treated.

IN: "They think...
OUT: ..them...equally!"
DUR: 34

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131syria-jafaari1.mp3

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon hopes that the 15 members of the Security Council are united about what to do about Syria.

IN: "We cannot...
OUT: ...Syrian people.”
DUR: 25

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131syria-ban1.mp3

***

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 05:49 PM | Permalink

American, Dane held in Somalia return home

The American and the Dane held hostage in Somalia for three months before being rescued are returning to their home countries.

On January 24, the U.S. announced Seal Team Six had rescued the two humanitarian workers, who had been kidnapped by a groupd of Somalis and held for ransom.

Priscilla Huff has an update:

IN: "Jessica Buchanan...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 43

***

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 05:27 PM | Permalink

Cameron: EU treaty veto safeguards UK interests

British Prime Minister David Cameron continues to insist he will take legal action if a new EU fiscal compact threatens UK interests.

Mr Cameron vetoed a new EU treaty on budget discipline last year, but on Monday night in Brussels 25 of 27 EU states agreed a deal.

The Prime Minister insists it remains outside EU laws.

But he's being criticised by MPs from within his own party who feel he's surrendered by allowing the new fiscal compact to go ahead using EU institutions.

In the House of Commons though, Mr Cameron said his veto had been important for the shape of the new agreement.

IN: "It does...
OUT: ...remains."
DUR: 24 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131euco-cameron1.mp3

ALT:

In the House of Commons though, Labour leader Ed Miliband mocked Mr Cameron's position.

IN: "The whole...
OUT: ...for Christmas."
DUR: 10 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131euco-miliband1.mp3

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 04:13 PM | Permalink

The diplomatic battle continues at the UN over Syria

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 04:03 PM | Permalink

Voting underway in Florida Republican primary

Mitt Romney is expected to win big in the Florida primary, with Newt Gingrich likely to come in second as the two men vie to be the Republican nominee to challenge Barack Obama for the White House.

Early voting has been underway for weeks, and the final rounds of balloting are under way. (Polls close at 7pm Eastern / 2300 GMT)

Nathan King reports from Tampa:

IN: "Warm weather.....
OUT: SOC
DUR: 35

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 03:59 PM | Permalink

Sarkozy under pressure over candidacy

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is under increasing pressure to confirm that he'll seek re-election this spring.

He is trailing in the polls behind the socialist candidate François Hollande, and is facing criticism for a recent proposal to increase the VAT rate.

The first round of voting is due on April 22 - and the president has not yet declared his candidacy.

Our correspondent in Paris, Kate Moody, says President Sarkozy has until March 16 to officially enter the race.

IN: "President...
OUT: ...supporters."
DUR: 32 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131sarko-km1.mp3

ALT:

Our correspondent in Paris, Kate Moody, says President Sarkozy will face a tough race.

IN: "He's certainly...
OUT: ...another term."
DUR: 35 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131sarko-km2.mp3

ALT:

Our correspondent in Paris, Kate Moody, says the other political parties have already selected their candidates.

IN: "Those...
OUT: ...elections."
DUR: 26 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131sarko-km3.mp3

ALT:

Our correspondent in Paris, Kate Moody, says President Sarkozy received an unsolicited endorsement this weekend.

IN: "He does...
OUT: ...candidacy."
DUR: 32 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131sarko-km4.mp3

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 03:46 PM | Permalink

Eurozone jobless rate reaches new peak

Unemployment in the Eurozone peaked at the end of last year to reach its highest since the introduction of the European single currency.

The European Union's statistics office Eurostat put the unemployment rate at just over ten per cent. And as our Brussels correspondent Vanessa Mock reports, it’s set to rise

IN: After two
OUT: SOC
DUR: 47

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 03:32 PM | Permalink

Julian Assange enters 'final stage' of extradition appeal

Julian Assange, the founder of the whistle-blowing website Wikileaks, enters the latest stage of his appeal against extradition to Sweden [Weds], where he is wanted for questioning over sexual assault claims-including rape.

The two-day hearing before the UK's Supreme Court follows more than a year of legal wranglings over a European Arrest Warrant issued against the ex-computer hacker, by Swedish state proscutors.

UK corresopndent Nina-Maria Potts has more:

IN: " Julian Assange...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 45 seconds

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:59 PM | Permalink

Cameron faces revolt over EU treaty

British Prime Minister David Cameron is facing a revolt from his own MPs over a fiscal treaty agreed by 25 of the EU's 27 member states.

Some Conservatives feel that despite not signing it, Mr Cameron has backed down on a promise to stop the eurozone using European courts and institutions to uphold the fiscal pact.

Olly Barratt reports from London.

IN: "Rebellious...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 44 seconds
POT: 36 seconds

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 09:30 AM | Permalink

Two leading Libyan dissidents suing former MI6 officer

Two leading Libyan dissidents are suing a former British intelligence officer for his alleged role in their abduction in Tripoli.

Activists say the case threatens to blow the lid off the part allegedly played by UK government ministers, in the abduction and torture (abroad) of wanted suspects.

UK correspondent Nina-Maria Potts reports:

IN: " Lawyers...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 50 seconds

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 09:10 AM | Permalink

Herman Cain says Gingrich can win Florida

Mitt Romney the former governor of the US state of Massachusetts has a strong lead going into the Florida Republican primary.

The latest polls put him up by as much 12 percentage points ahead of his main rival Newt Gingrich.

But Gingrich came from behind in the previous primary in South Carolina and former Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain, who is now backing Gingrich, says he thinks he could pull it off again

IN: "We saw a surprise result in ...
OUT:...The undecideds have a different story
DUR: 15

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131floridacain.mp3

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 05:00 AM | Permalink

Romney's poll lead widens as Florida votes

It is primary day in the US state of Florida and Republican candidates are still at each other throats vying for the honor of taking on Democratic President Barack Obama in the November Presidential election.

Florida is the biggest state so far in the contest and has over 4 million registered Republican voters.

Nathan King reports from Tampa Florida

IN: FX

OUT: SOC

DUR: 40

AIR: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131florida-nk-air.mp3

ARN: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131florida-nk-arn.mp3

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 04:34 AM | Permalink

EU leaders agree on new treaty but fail to deal with Greece

A new treaty to stop overspending in the Eurozone has been agreed by European Union leaders. The fiscal compact was agreed during a summit in Brussels of all 27 EU leaders. It's hoped it will restore confidence in the single currency. Britain and the Czech Republic have not signed up to the deal.

Vanessa Mock, our Brussels correspondent, told us how it will work

IN: The new
OUT: debt crisis
DUR: 33
CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131summit-compact.MP3

During their summit, EU leaders also pledged to tackle unemployment and boost growth. The promise came as Belgian trade unions staged a nationwide strike against recent austerity measures, as Vanessa Mock explained

IN: We now
OUT: economies
DUR 24
CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131summit-compact2.MP3

France and Germany said they were confident that a second bail out package for Greece could be agreed over the coming days. Tough talks to get private creditors to write off billions in Greek debt are also over but Athens is now under pressure to push through more austerity, as Vanessa Mock told us

IN: We're certainly
OUT: on it
DUR 29
CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0131summit-greece.MP3

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:22 AM | Permalink

Pres. Obama downplays NYTimes drone story

U.S. President Barack Obama told the Google+ Hangout that the U.S. State Department is flying drones over the embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq.

The Iraqi government has protested these flights by the small, unmanned and unarmed drone aircraft as violating their sovereignty.

U.S. President Barack Obama says, the original story from the New York Times blew the situation out of proportion.

IN: "That story...
OUT: ...is protected."
DUR: 13

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0130drone-obama1.mp3

In his Google+ Hangout interview, U.S. President Barack Obama said, even armed drone aircraft used by the U.S. military have not caused many civilian deaths.

IN: "As a general...
OUT: ...their affiliates."
DUR: 19

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0130drone-obama2.mp3

U.S. President Barack Obama says, the American military is very careful about who is targetted, when armed drone aircraft are tasked with a mission.

IN: "We are...
OUT: ...American bases."
DUR: 27

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0130drone-obama3.mp3

***

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:15 AM | Permalink

Foreign aid helps keep America safe, saves money - Obama

U.S. President Barack Obama explained to participants in the Google+ Hangout that foreign aid is a small part of the federal budget but it saves lots of money.

During the first-of-its-king interactive interview, President Obama was asked how Washington can spend so much on foreign aid, at a time of economic problems and not a lot of co-operation from countries receiving the money.

U.S. President Barack Obama pointed out, the total foreign aid budget is actually quite small.

IN: "It's important...
OUT: ...more expensive."
DUR: 29

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0130foreign-obama1.mp3

U.S. President Barack Obama says, foreign aid helps keep America safe and saves money in the long-term.

IN: "I mean, it's...
OUT: ...keep America safe."
DUR: 39

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0130foreign-obama2.mp3

In his Google+ Hangout interview, U.S. President Barack Obama conceded, Pakistan's government has not always delivered on issues central to American national security, even though Islamabad receives millions in foreign aid.

IN: "I do agree...
OUT: ...national security."
DUR: 50

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0130pakistan-obama1.mp3

***

Posted on January 31, 2012 at 12:05 AM | Permalink

Signs of US economic recovery - Obama on Google+ Hangout

U.S. President Barack Obama sees signs of recovery, as the state of the American economy dominated his first ever interactive chat on Google+ Hangout.

The economy is also set to be the central issue as the 2012 national election cycle picks up.

Priscilla Huff reports:

(WRAP)

IN: "Americans want...
OUT: SOC
DUR: 40

U.S. President Barack Obama repeated his message from the State of the Union, that one of his goals is to level the playing field, so all Americans have a fair chance at an economically successful future.

IN: "And, making sure...
OUT: ...the long-term."
DUR: 23

CLIP: http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0130economy-obama1.mp3

***

Posted on January 30, 2012 at 11:51 PM | Permalink

Romney leads polls in Florida

Mitt Romney leads most polls ahead of Florida's Republican primary later (Tuesday).

The former Massachussetts governor has a significant lead over former House speaker Newt Gingrich according to several surveys.

Mr Gingrich insists he will continue his battle for the Republican nomination to run against President Obama in November even if he loses by a wide margin in Florida.

But Mayor of Tampa, Florida, Bob Buckhorn thinks Romney would be a bigger threat to Obama than Gingrich, and that the state's primary is key.

IN: "He is...
OUT: ...politics."
DUR: 17 seconds

http://featurestorynews.com/feeds/0130florida-buckhorn1.mp3

Posted on January 30, 2012 at 11:11 PM | Permalink

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