The air force general leading the mutineers refused to give up control of the base even as the seige of Makati ended .

The general leading the mutineers refused to give up the base even as the seige ended .


As the military mutiny dragged on for the sixth day , President Corazon Aquino asked Filipinos to `` join hands and consolidate our resources to rebuild what we have destroyed '' .

As the military mutiny dragged on , President Corazon Aquino asked Filipinos to `` join hands and resources to rebuild '' .


Military officers said more disruptions by mutinous soldiers were still possible .

officers said more disruptions by mutinous soldiers were possible .


`` I can not guarantee that there will be no more coup attempts , '' said the armed forces spokesman , Brigadier-General Oscar Florendo .

`` I can not guarantee that there will be no more coup attempts , '' said Brigadier-General Oscar Florendo .


During a meeting yesterday , Mrs Aquino told her cabinet `` to take a long , hard look at ourselves in order to see what it is we did wrong and what else needs to be done so we can all benefit from this tragic experience in our lives '' .

Mrs Aquino told her cabinet `` take a look at ourselves to see what we did wrong and what needs to be done so we can benefit from this tragic experience '' .


She is expected to implement measures to address the popular grievances that have helped to fuel the mutiny .

She is expected to address grievances that have helped the mutiny .


Aturkish print worker alleged yesterday that a Harley Street doctor paid £2,500 for him to donate a kidney to a patient whom he believed was a fellow countryman .

Aturkish print worker alleged that a doctor paid £2,500 for him to donate a kidney to a patient he believed was a countryman .


Mr Ferhat Usta , a Muslim , said he realised minutes before the operation that his kidney was going to a Briton .

Mr Usta , a Muslim , realised minutes before the operation that his kidney was going to a Briton .


Mr Usta said he had come to London under the impression that his kidney was to be donated to one of the `` broker '' brothers , Ata Nur Kuntar .

Mr Usta said he had come to London under the impression that his kidney was to be donated to one of the `` broker '' brothers .


He had said to Mr Kuntar : `` You could have told me the truth from the very beginning .

He said to Mr Kuntar : `` You could have told me the truth .


Because I am a very poor man you made me accept a figure like six million lire ( £2,500 ) .

Because I am a poor you made me accept six million lire ( £2,500 ) .


An Englishman , if he is going to have an operation in a hospital like that , I am sure he would have at least £5,000 in his pocket .

An Englishman going to have an operation like that would have £5,000 .


`` I told him that I wanted £5,000 from him .


He then accepted this and he told me he was going to pay me the other £2,500 in Turkey in Turkish money. '' He said he never received the extra money .

He told me he was going to pay the other £2,500 in Turkish money. '' He never received the money .


The hearing continues today .


`` I suddenly got out of bed half naked .


I realised I was being deceived , '' he told the General Medical Council 's professional conduct committee .

I was being deceived , '' he told the General Medical Council 's conduct committee .


Mr Usta , aged 34 , who lives with his wife , mother and three daughters in a shack in an Istanbul shanty town , described how he came to London last year , attracted by a newspaper advertisement offering money to kidney donors .

Mr Usta who lives with his wife , mother and daughters in an Istanbul shanty town , came to London , attracted by a advertisement offering money to kidney donors .


He wanted to raise £2,000 to treat one of his children who suffered from a tubercular hip infection .

He wanted £2,000 to treat one of his children who suffered from a hip infection .


Mr Usta was examined by Dr Raymond Crockett , a Harley Street physician specialising in kidney disease .

Mr Usta was examined by Dr Raymond Crockett , a physician specialising in kidney disease .


Dr Crockett , Mr Michael Bewick , a leading kidney transplant surgeon , and Mr Michael Joyce , a urologist at Guy 's Hospital , deny professional misconduct over their involvement in transplanting kidneys from four living Turks , all of whom were paid for the organs .

Dr Crockett , Mr Michael Bewick , and Mr Michael Joyce deny misconduct over their involvement in transplanting kidneys from living Turks , all of whom were paid .


Mr Usta recalled how two brothers , described as `` kidney brokers '' , handed him £2,500 in cash on the night before the operation in July 1988 .

Mr Usta recalled how `` kidney brokers '' , handed him £2,500 before the operation in July 1988 .


Speaking through an interpreter , Mr Usta said : `` As far as I can figure it out , one day before the operation the cheque was given by Dr Crockett , it was changed and the money given to me that night. '' On Monday , the first day of the hearing , Mr Roger Henderson Qc , for the Gmc , said Dr Crockett 's notes included a bill for £20,000 for a Mr B , described as a Briton living in Israel who was suffering from a disease affecting his kidneys .

Speaking through an interpreter , Mr Usta said : `` one day before the operation was the money given to me '' On the first day of the hearing , Mr Roger Henderson Qc , said Dr Crockett 's notes included a bill for £20,000 for a Mr B , a Briton living in Israel suffering from a disease affecting his kidneys .


The Czechoslovak opposition raised the stakes in the battle for power in the country last night after the resignation of the Prime Minister , Mr Ladislav Adamec .

The Czechoslovak opposition raised the stakes in the battle for power after the resignation of Prime Minister Ladislav Adamec .


Blaming Mr Adamec for sparking a `` political crisis '' by his act , the Civic Forum opposition movement said the ruling but discredited Communist Party had to forfeit the prime ministership or the presidency .

Blaming Mr Adamec for sparking a `` crisis '' the opposition movement said the ruling Communist Party had to forfeit the prime ministership .


Pressed last night on the issue , Mr Havel conceded that in the last resort he would accept the post as head of state .


`` If , God help us , the situation develops in such a way that the only service I could render my country would be to do it [ accept the presidency ] , then I would do it , '' Mr Havel said .

`` If , the only service I could render my country would be to accept the presidency , then I would , '' Havel said .


As the country found itself on the brink of a constitutional crisis , Mr Havel said the best way to avert such a crisis would be for President Husak to quit and for a strong prime minister to assume his authority temporarily , as the constitution permits .

Havel said the way to avert crisis would be for President Husak to quit and for a strong prime minister to assume authority temporarily .


The Forum also revealed it was proposing Mr Jan Czarnogursky , the prominent Slovak lawyer and human rights activist who only last month under the old regime was put on trial , for the post of prime minister or first deputy prime minister .

The Forum revealed it was proposing Jan Czarnogursky , the Slovak lawyer and human rights activist who under the old regime was put on trial , for the post of prime minister .


In addition , the opposition demanded the foreign ministry and five other cabinet posts .

the opposition demanded the foreign ministry and other cabinet posts .


In tendering his resignation , Mr Adamec cited undue pressure from the opposition in the haggling this week over a new cabinet as the main reason .

In his resignation , Adamec cited pressure from the opposition over a new cabinet .


The Forum rigorously denied this .


A government spokesman said that Mr Adamec 's decision to quit was taken because of `` unacceptable demands '' from the Forum .

A spokesman said Adamec quit because of `` unacceptable demands '' from the Forum .


Mr Dienstbier retorted that this was nonsense .


Mr Adamec had asked the Forum for its proposals concerning the new government .

Adamec asked the Forum for proposals concerning the government .


The Forum reacted furiously to Mr Adamec 's resignation , virtually accusing him of lying to the public .

The Forum reacted to Adamec 's resignation , accusing him of lying .


After receiving the proposals and before responding , Mr Adamec had gone on national television on Wednesday night to threaten to quit .

After receiving the proposals and before responding , Adamec had gone on television to threaten to quit .


Mr Dienstbier accused Mr Adamec of stating untruths on television .


A day of drama that also saw the expulsion from the Communist Party of Mr Milos Jakes , the former leader , and Mr Miroslav Stepan , until recently the Prague party chief , plunged the country 's three-week old `` peaceful revolution '' into great uncertainty .

A day that saw the expulsion from the Communist Party of Milos Jakes , the leader , and Miroslav Stepan , the party chief , plunged the country 's `` peaceful revolution '' into uncertainty .


Mr Jiri Dienstbier , the Forum spokesman , responded coolly to the appointment of the new Prime Minister , Mr Marian Calfa , and said that were the Communist Mr Calfa to remain in office the president would have to be a non-Communist .

Jiri Dienstbier responded to the appointment of the new Prime Minister , Marian Calfa , and said that were the Communist Calfa to remain the president would have to be a non-Communist .


`` At this moment he [ Calfa ] does not have the support of the Civic Forum , '' said Mr Dienstbier .

`` [ Calfa ] does not have support , '' said Mr Dienstbier .


`` So far he has not had the opportunity to appear to us a flexible and strong politician. '' The opposition leader , Mr Vaclav Havel , made much the same point about the new Prime Minister by stating that he had failed to attract much attention over two years in government office .

`` he has not had the opportunity to appear strong '' The opposition leader , Vaclav Havel , made the point that he had failed to attract attention over years in office .


Mr Calfa , aged 43 , is a Slovak , as is President Gustav Husak , whose imminent departure is all but certain given his association with the Warsaw Pact invasion of the country in 1968 .

Calfa is a Slovak , as is President Gustav Husak , whose departure is certain given his association with the Warsaw Pact invasion of 1968 .


With the existing ethnic balance between Czechs and Slovaks in senior positions , the new president has to be a Czech , thus ruling out Mr Alexander Dubcek , the leader of the Prague Spring of 1968 , who is also a Slovak .

With the existing ethnic balance between Czechs and Slovaks , the new president has to be Czech , ruling out Alexander Dubcek .


The obvious contender is Mr Havel , the Forum leader and the most popular man in the country .

The obvious contender is Havel , the most popular man in the country .


President Elias Hrawi has threatened to resign if he fails to topple General Michel Aoun , whom he accused of blocking his way to unite and bring peace to Lebanon .

President Elias Hrawi has threatened to resign if he fails to topple General Michel Aoun , whom he accused of blocking his way to bring peace to Lebanon .


`` I did not come to the presidency to become a president who will consolidate partition or to manage a crisis , '' he said yesterday .

`` I did not come to the presidency to consolidate partition , '' he said .


But he added that patience had limits and he might wait a few days or two weeks .


Syrian forces , Lebanese troops , and militiamen have been poised for a week for an attack to seize the palace .

Syrian forces , Lebanese troops , and militiamen have been poised to seize the palace .


Diplomatic sources said Syria had increased its troops in Lebanon from about 30,000 to 45,000 since Mr Hrawi 's election .

Syria had increased its troops in Lebanon to 45,000 since Hrawi 's election .


Mr Hrawi said no decision had been taken yet for a military showdown .

Mr Hrawi said no decision had been taken for a military showdown .


He accused Gen Aoun of using as `` sandbags '' the thousands of Christians who have gathered outside the palace to deter an attack .

He accused Aoun of using `` sandbags '' of Christians who have gathered to deter an attack .


`` I have come to restore Lebanon 's unity and extend the sovereignty of the government over Lebanese territory .

`` I have come to restore Lebanon 's unity and extend the sovereignty of the government .


`` When my patience runs out with all the mediation and when I exhaust my capabilities I will issue a statement to all Lebanese and apologise .

`` When I exhaust my capabilities I will apologise .


I will tell them `` this is your actual situation '' , and leave. '' Mr Hrawi has not been able to move into the presidential palace in the Beirut suburb of Baabda because it is occupied by Gen Aoun .

I will tell them `` this situation '' , and leave. '' Mr Hrawi has not been able to move into the presidential palace because it is occupied by Gen Aoun .


He said foreign mediators had asked him not to use force to break Gen Aoun 's control of the enclave .

mediators asked him not to use force to break Aoun 's control .


He refused to set a time within which he would step down , saying he was giving diplomacy time to solve the crisis peacefully .

He refused to step down , giving time to solve the crisis peacefully .


It was essential to act quickly to avert the partition of Lebanon into religious cantons .


`` The country is living on a volcano , in a field of mines , '' he said .

`` The country is living in a field of mines , '' he said .


`` I am against war and operations which disrupt peace and cause death and destruction , '' Mr Hrawi said .


A British nuclear weapon was detonated under the Nevada desert yesterday , the Us Energy Department said .

A British nuclear weapon was detonated under the Nevada desert yesterday , the Energy Department said .


The blast , which registered 5.4 on the Richter scale , caused ripples in highrise buildings in Las Vegas , 105 miles away .

The blast , registered 5.4 on the Richter scale , caused ripples in buildings in Las Vegas , miles away .


Despite calls for its closure on safety grounds , the Leaning Tower of Pisa is to remain open for the time being , the mayor said yesterday .

Despite safety grounds , the Leaning Tower of Pisa is to remain open , the mayor said .


-Reuter .


Soviet ship fire .


Two Russian seamen died but 80 crew members were rescued yesterday when a Soviet fish factory ship caught fire in the Bay of Biscay , the British coastguard said .

Two Russian seamen died but 80 crew members were rescued when a Soviet factory ship caught fire .


Benin reforms .


The leadership of Benin , West Africa , facing popular discontent and unable to pay its bills , has formally denounced Communism and promises constitutional reforms by early next year .

Benin , West Africa , unable to pay its bills , has denounced Communism and promises constitutional reforms by next year .


-Reuter. .


Journalists expelled .


European mercenaries ruling the Comoros Islands expelled 11 foreign correspondents after seizing their notebooks , film and cassette tapes and accusing them of inciting anti-government demonstrations , said one of the reporters .

European mercenaries ruling the Comoros Islands expelled 11 foreign correspondents accusing them of inciting anti-government demonstrations .


The explosion , the 21st British test at the Nevada site , was conducted under an agreement with the Us. -ap .

the 21st British test at the site was conducted under agreement with the Us. .


Flooding relief .


Global warming will cause less coastal flooding than originally predicted , Us scientists say .

Global warming will cause less flooding than predicted , scientists say .


The sea level will rise by about 14 inches instead of 39 .

The sea will rise about 14 inches instead of 39 .


-ap .


Somalia rebel claim .


Somalia has denied a claim by rebels that they have captured Hargeisa , a war-torn provincial capital in the north .

Somalia denied a claim by rebels that they captured Hargeisa , a provincial capital .


Polish jail deaths .


Three Polish prisoners were killed when riots broke out in five jails after parliament excluded habitual offenders from an amnesty .

Three Polish prisoners were killed when riots broke out after parliament excluded habitual offenders from amnesty .


-Reuter .


Pisa tower open .


The man responsible for uncovering South Africa 's hit-squad scandal , the condemned security branch policeman Almond Nofomela , is being brought to court tomorrow by the authorities who are seemingly intent on hurrying him on to his postponed appointment with the hangman .

The man responsible for uncovering South Africa 's hit-squad scandal , policeman Almond Nofomela , is being brought to court by the authorities who are intent on his appointment with the hangman .


Mr Nofomela is to appear in a Natal magistrate 's court to be charged with the murder of the Durban civil rights lawyer , Griffiths Mxenge .

Mr Nofomela is to be charged with the murder of Durban civil rights lawyer , Griffiths Mxenge .


In townships outside Durban another three deaths were reported yesterday in continued fighting between supporters of the Zulu leader , Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi , and the United Democratic Front --- bringing the weekend death toll to 21 .

outside Durban three deaths were reported yesterday in fighting between supporters of the Zulu leader Buthelezi , and the United Democratic Front --- bringing the toll to 21 .


The violence appears to been started by an offensive against the Udf by Zulu warlords which began in the early hours of Saturday morning .

The violence started by an offensive by Zulu warlords early Saturday .


In Johannesburg two men died in overnight bomb explosions at the city 's main railway station .

In Johannesburg two men died in bomb explosions at the city 's railway station .


Police said they believed the men --- Yusuf Akhalwaya , aged 23 , a fourth-year student at the University of the Witwatersrand , and Prakash Napier , aged 24 , a part-time student --- were carrying landmines which exploded prematurely .

Police believed the men --- Yusuf Akhalwaya , a student , and Prakash Napier , a student --- were carrying landmines which exploded .


A Soviet-made pistol was found at the scene of the explosion and a large arms cache --- including 17 mines , assault rifles and hand grenades --- was later discovered at the home of the two men .

A pistol was found at the scene and a large arms cache was discovered at the home of the men .


Another bomb blast was reported on a railway line outside Cape Town .

Another bomb blast was reported on a railway outside Cape Town .


The explosions may have been linked with a particularly violent six-week strike by railway workers in which seven people have died .

The explosions have been linked with a violent strike by railway workers in which seven people have died .


Much of the violence has been blamed on mysterious `` vigilantes '' who have attacked township commuters refusing to pay their fares in solidarity with the strikers .

Much of the violence has been blamed on `` vigilantes '' who attacked commuters refusing solidarity with the strikers .


President De Klerk will visit Maputo on Friday for talks with the Mozambican President , Mr Joaquim Chissano , the national news agency , Aim , said yesterday .

President De Klerk will visit Maputo for talks with the Mozambican President , Mr Joaquim Chissano .


No details of the agenda were immediately available .


It was Mr Nofomela 's confession to the killing --- the day before he was due to be executed for the murder of a white farmer --- which led to the disclosures that the force has been running professional death squads .

Mr Nofomela 's confession to the killing --- the day before he was to be executed for the murder of a white farmer --- led to the disclosures that the force has been running death squads .


The civil rights organisation , Lawyers for Human Rights , was yesterday hastily making arrangements to find a defence team for Mr Nofomela .

The civil rights organisation , Lawyers for Human Rights , was making arrangements to find a defence team for Mr Nofomela .


A director , Mr Ahmed Motala , said they had been informed by the Attorney General 's office `` that no request for a postponement will be entertained '' .

director Ahmed Motala , said they had been informed by the Attorney General 's office `` no request for a postponement will be entertained '' .


So far as is known , nobody else has been arrested or charged in connection with the murder of Mr Mxenge The State President , Mr F. W. de Klerk , last week refused to order a judicial commission of inquiry into the death-squad allegations on the ground that it would be faster to use the `` tried and respected prosecution mechanisms of the state '' .

nobody has been charged with the murder of Mr Mxenge The State President , Mr F. W. de Klerk , refused to order a commission of inquiry into the death-squad allegations on the ground that it would be faster to use the `` prosecution mechanisms of the state '' .


He said it was crucial that the matter be settled quickly so that the police could `` continue unhindered with the important tasks that lie ahead '' .

He said it was crucial that the matter be settled so the police could `` continue with the tasks ahead '' .


An opposition Mp , Mr Jan Van Eck , yesterday accused the police of complicity in the latest fighting to break out at the Cape Town squatter camp , Crossroads .

Mp Mr Jan Van Eck , accused the police of complicity in the latest fighting at the Cape Town squatter camp .


Mr Van Eck said that he had recorded documentary evidence that police --- some in plain clothes --- had been shooting supporters of local headmen who had broken away from the committee running Crossroads , alleging fraud and corruption .

Mr Van Eck said he had evidence that police had been shooting supporters of headmen who had broken away from the committee running Crossroads , alleging corruption .


Five people have died in the violence , which broke out on Sunday night .

Five people have died in the violence which broke out Sunday .


Czechoslovakia 's playwright-turned-politician , Mr Vaclav Havel , moved a step nearer to the presidency yesterday when the country 's Communist Prime Minister , Mr Marian Calfa , recommended that he should be installed by the end of the year .

Czechoslovakia 's playwright-turned-politician , Vaclav Havel , moved nearer to the presidency when the country 's Prime Minister , Marian Calfa , recommended he should be installed .


Mr Calfa also said that all domestic operations of the dreaded secret police have been halted .

Mr Calfa said all operations of the secret police have halted .


While these constitutional niceties were being debated , a crowd of students gathered in the rain a few hundred yards away in Wenceslas Square to demonstrate support for Mr Havel .

While these constitutional niceties were debated , students gathered to support for Havel .


Balloons were released and Czechoslovak flags were waved as passing motorists sounded their horns in noisy support .

Balloons released and Czechoslovak flags waved as passing motorists sounded their horns .


The chances of the man who was seen as a contender for the presidency until a few days ago , the former leader , Mr Alexander Dubcek , winning the post are now seen as receding .

The chances for Alexander Dubcek winning are now receding .


Unconfirmed reports say he could become Speaker , a position of some honour but no great responsibility .

reports say he could become Speaker , a position no great responsibility .


Mr Calfa went on to outline an economic programme which would be operational until free elections can be held .

Mr Calfa went to outline an economic programme which would be operational until free elections .


`` The economic system of the last few decades has failed , '' he said .

`` The economic system of the last decades failed , '' .


`` It is one of our priorities to adjust the work of the Interior Ministry to the new social conditions and turn this ministry into a component of state administration based on democratic principles ... As of today the operations of the police force in the field of internal intelligence have been stopped , '' Mr Calfa said .

`` It is one of our priorities to adjust the Interior Ministry to administration based on democratic principles ... the operations of the police force in internal intelligence have been stopped , '' Calfa said .


Turning his attention to Mr Havel , the Prime Minister said , `` It is the government 's opinion that there is no alternative [ to him]. '' According to the constitution , Mr Havel should be elected by December 24 --- within two weeks of the resignation of President Husak .

Turning to Havel , the Prime Minister said , `` there is no alternative '' According to the constitution , Mr Havel should be elected within two weeks of the resignation of Husak .


However , there were indications last night that some Communist deputies may seek to complicate the vote , by not turning up in sufficient numbers , or to delay it , possibly by as much as three weeks , to allow their own party to re-group after its recent humiliations .

there were indications that Communist deputies may complicate the vote or delay it , to allow their party to re-group .


An `` extraordinary '' Congress to elect a new Party leadership opens in Prague today .

An `` extraordinary '' Congress to elect a new Party leadership opens in Prague .


Mr Havel , himself a victim of the secret police , has spoken frequently of the never-ending threat of a house search , the knowledge that every visitor was photographed and every conversation bugged by the Communist regime .

Mr Havel has spoken frequently of the threat of a house search , the knowledge that every visitor was photographed and every conversation bugged .


Mr Havel 's house was continously monitored from a nearby tower of the Manes gallery in central Prague , and cameras were installed by the secret police in other streets where dissidents lived .

Havel 's house was monitored from a tower in Prague , and cameras were installed in streets where dissidents lived .


During the 41 years of Communist rule , an as yet undisclosed number of secret police agents were involved in continuous surveillance operations against citizens and were responsible for the interrogation and harassment of dissidents .

During the 41 years of Communist rule , an undisclosed number of secret police were involved in surveillance operations against citizens and the harassment of dissidents .


Meanwhile , the Socialist Party , one of the four smaller parties represented in the assembly , announced last night that it would also be backing Mr Havel 's candidacy .

the Socialist Party announced that it would be backing Havel 's candidacy .


The Environment Secretary , Mr Chris Patten , yesterday wrote to Mr Neil Kinnock , the Labour Party leader , demanding that he dissociate himself from proposals designed to stop the growth of second homes .

The Environment Secretary , Chris Patten , wrote to Neil Kinnock , the Labour leader , demanding he dissociate himself from proposals designed to stop second homes .


The move came as the Labour Party 's housing spokesman , Mr Clive Soley , yesterday complained to the Press Council over newspaper reports that his party was proposing to ban second homes .

The move came as Labour 's housing spokesman , Mr Clive Soley , complained over reports that his party was to ban second homes .


Under the Labour plans , property owners who wished to convert their house to second home status would need to secure planning permission first from the local council .

Under the plans , property owners who wished to convert to second home status would need permission first .


Similarly it would be stated in the estate agents ' particulars whether permission had been granted for a house which is up for sale to be sold to someone who wanted to use it as a second home .

it would be stated whether permission had been granted for a house which is up for sale as a second home .


At present such change of use consent is needed to convert a house into an office .


`` It would not be applied to someone who uses the house as their family home but works away from home for most of the week , '' said Mr Soley .

`` It would not be applied to someone who uses the house as their family home but works away for most of the week , '' said Soley .


He added that in countries such as Italy the authorities charged double rates for the installation of such amenities as telephones , electricity and gas in second homes .

He added that Italy charged double for the installation of amenities in second homes .


Mr John Wilkinson ( C. Ruislip Northwood ) , who came sixth in the private members ' bills ballot , yesterday announced a measure to make it obligatory to apply for planning permission before a dwelling house is demolished .

John Wilkinson announced a measure to make it obligatory to apply for planning permission before a dwelling is demolished .


Mr Wilkinson , whose bill has a good chance of reaching the statute book , believes such a measure is necessary to curb growing surburban problem of overdevelopment through luxury blocks of flats being built by developers on plots previously occupied by a single house .

Mr Wilkinson , whose bill has a good chance , believes such a measure is necessary to curb overdevelopment .


A Labour group reviewing planning law has proposed that local authorities be allowed to decide whether new second homes should need change of use planning consent .

A Labour group has proposed local authorities be allowed to decide whether new second homes should need change of use planning consent .


Existing homes would not be affected .


The aim is to give councils some control over the future growth of second homes .

The aim is to give councils control over the growth of homes .


Mr Patten described it yesterday as a `` spiteful and impractical and authoritarian plan '' .

Patten described it as a `` spiteful authoritarian plan '' .


But Mr Soley defended the policy in an interview with the Guardian : `` The problem is most acute in rural areas , such as the South-west , where there is a growing problem of ghost villages where 70 per cent of the houses are only occupied at weekends or during the summer , '' he said .

Soley defended the policy : `` The problem is acute in rural areas where 70 per cent of the houses are only occupied at weekends or the summer '' .


`` At the same time there is lack of accommodation for local people .

`` there is lack of accommodation for local people .


We have to offer the local authorities some way of restricting the growth of second homes , '' said Mr Soley .

We offer the local authorities some way of restricting the growth of second homes , '' said Soley .


He said the demand for such a policy came from within planning circles and from some Conservative-controlled councils in the South-west , Cumbria and North Wales .

the demand for a policy came from within planning circles and councils in the South-west , Cumbria and North Wales .


This was not a matter of political convenience .


I was drawn to Laurie at first meeting , when the local Co-operative Party nominated him as candidate for the 1959 general election .

I was drawn to Laurie at first meeting , when the Co-operative Party nominated him as candidate for the 1959 election .


Always he was an inspiration .


Laurie had a passion and a warmth for people rather than the state .

Laurie had a warmth for people rather than the state .


He represented the British Labour Movement at its best .

He represented the Labour Movement at its best .


He stayed in Parliament despite ill health to ensure the good health of the the Labour party he believed in. I am so pleased to think that his kind of socialism `` without the state '' is now coming to the fore again in Labour politics .

He stayed in Parliament to ensure the health of the the Labour party he believed in. I think his kind of socialism `` without the state '' is coming to the fore again .


We have much to bless and indeed warmly remember him for .


From the bottom of the list of nominees he climbed to the top .


Laurie had a warmth of personality in all his doings with people and politics .

Laurie had a warmth with people and politics .


For me his was pluralist socialism at its best --- in the service of the community .

his was pluralist socialism at its best --- in the service of community .


A pacifist , co-operator , Third World volunteer , borough councillor , heartfelt socialist , he served the people of Brent warmly and well for 28 years .

A pacifist , volunteer , councillor , socialist , he served Brent well for 28 years .


In the Commons he was an independently minded , but loyal member of the Parliamentary Labour Party .

he was an independently minded , but loyal member of the Labour Party .


His concern for and knowledge of the Nhs was widely recognised --- and respected , though he never achieved the sort of ministerial office for which he was well qualified .

His knowledge of the Nhs was widely recognised though he never achieved the ministerial office for which he was qualified .


We marched together to and from Aldermaston , we worked together for co-operative socialism , we campaigned together for health , welfare , employment , education and housing in our `` inner city '' constituencies .

We marched together , we worked together , we campaigned together for health , welfare , employment , education and housing in our constituencies .


We worked for a wider Europe , international peace , development and disarmament .

We worked for a wider Europe , international development and disarmament .


Panama is the latest in a series of rogue regimes , the menacing state of whose internal affairs has led to armed intervention by other countries --- and to an unresolved international tangle about the legality of such action .

Panama is the latest of rogue regimes whose affairs led to armed intervention by other countries --- and to unresolved international legality of such action .


The chain has stretched from Uganda to Grenada and Nicaragua , since the 1970s .

The chain has stretched from Uganda to Grenada and Nicaragua .


The President gave lower ranking to ancillary reasons : safeguarding democracy , combatting drug trafficking and protecting the integrity of the Panama Canal Treaty .

The President gave lower ranking to safeguarding democracy , combatting trafficking and protecting the Panama Canal Treaty .


To experts in international law and relations , the Us action demonstrates a breach by a major power of international conventions .

the Us action demonstrates a breach of international conventions .


It also shows the shortcomings of international law in not providing a mechanism for dealing with such situations .

It shows the shortcomings of international law in not dealing with such situations .


Panama , as a sovereign state , can claim that any interference in its domestic affairs by another country contravenes the Un charter , says Paul Wilkinson , Professor of International Relations at St Andrew 's University .

Panama can claim that interference in its domestic affairs by another country contravenes the Un charter , says Paul Wilkinson , Professor of International Relations at St Andrew 's University .


He points out that such a provision bans any invasion of sovereign territory , air space and maritime zones , even where there might seem to be good grounds .

such a provision bans any invasion of sovereign territory , air space and maritime zones , even where there might be grounds .


`` That 's why human rights violations , even those by Idi Amin in Uganda , have been such embarrassments , because you ca n't legally do anything about them in international law , '' Prof Wilkinson says .

`` human rights violations , even by Idi Amin in Uganda , have been such embarrassments , because you ca n't do anything about them in international law , '' Prof Wilkinson says .


The public , at least , generally reconciles its conscience if such interventions end cleanly , effectively and quickly , says another academic , Professor William Gutteridge , executive director of research at the Institute for Conflict .

The public reconciles its conscience if interventions end cleanly , effectively and quickly , says Professor William Gutteridge , director of the Institute for Conflict .


It 's a cynical view , he admits , but if there are few casualties , people will tolerate such action , without condoning it , even though `` Americans have a habit of being very clumsy , as in Grenada '' .

if there are few casualties , people will tolerate such action even though `` Americans have a habit of being clumsy , as in Grenada '' .


The thornier aspects continue to intrigue international legal experts .

aspects intrigue international legal experts .


Prof Wilkinson points out that the international community might not decry unilateralist intervention provided that it approves of the outcome .

Prof Wilkinson points out that the community might not decry intervention provided it approves of the outcome .


Experts cite Romania as a possible future instance where human rights violations could lead to a call for action from outside national boundaries .

Experts cite Romania as where human rights violations could lead to action from outside national boundaries .


While intervention on the basis of protecting American lives might win approval because it could be classified as a humanitarian act , President Bush has apparently widened this to take in replacing one leader with another .

While intervention on the basis of protecting American lives might win approval because it could be classified as humanitarian , President Bush has widened this to replacing one leader with another .


`` I do n't think what is happening in Panama can be compared to a raid to rescue hostages , '' says Prof Gutteridge .


Nor does the drugs menace pose a sufficient threat to Us security to justify the Us action , says Professor Wilkinson .

Nor does the drugs menace pose a sufficient threat to Us security to justify the action , says Professor Wilkinson .


However , he feels that there are instances where regimes violating human rights might justifiably be subjected to external action .

he feels there are instances where regimes violating human rights be subjected to external action .


He sees it as a weakness of international law that no such machinery exists , and argues that an internationally authorised force should be set up by the Un Security Council to intervene in rogue states on various continents .

He argues that an internationally authorised force should be set up by the Un Security Council to intervene in rogue states .


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This strengthens the case for powers to be granted to the United Nations to deal with such conflicts .

This strengthens the case for the United Nations to deal with such conflicts .


Gen Noreiga said last Friday that Panama considered itself at war with the Us so long as American aggression against Panamanians continued .

Gen Noreiga said that Panama considered itself at war with the Us so long as American aggression continued .


The reaction of a Pentagon spokesman to the remark was first an incredulous `` What ? '' then laughter .

The reaction of a Pentagon spokesman was incredulous .


The implication was that Gen Noreiga 's bravado could in no legal sense be taken as a declaration of hostilities .

Gen Noreiga 's bravado could in no legal sense be taken as hostilities .


The mechanisms for registering and resolving a conflict via the United Nations , which would apply in this situation , had not been gone through by the general .

The mechanisms resolving conflict via the United Nations , had not been gone through .


The thrust of the Bush justification for Us action was the very real danger to Us personnel .

The Bush justification for action was the danger to Us personnel .


`` I have no higher obligation than to safeguard the lives of American citizens , '' he said on television .

`` I have no higher obligation than to safeguard the lives of American citizens , '' he said .


The Ford Motor Company faces an all-out strike next month following the 4-1 ballot rejection yesterday of a two-year pay deal by its 32,000 hourly paid workers .

Ford faces an all-out strike next month following the rejection of a pay deal by its 32,000 hourly workers .


They will be pressing for a settlement of more than 10 per cent in what will be the most severe test of the Government 's inflation policy .

They will be pressing for more than 10 per cent in what will be the test of the Government 's inflation policy .


The unions said that they were looking for the second week in January to begin an all-out stoppage .

The unions said they were looking for January to begin stoppage .


Mr Jimmy Airlie , secretary of the Ford union side , said : `` We expected to get a favourable majority .

Jimmy Airlie , secretary of the Ford union , said : `` We expected a favourable majority .


This exceeded even our expectations. '' Mr Jack Adams , chairman of the union side , said that action would have to take place within a 28-day period from yesterday 's anouncement or it would be ruled out of order .

This exceeded expectations. '' Jack Adams , chairman of the union , said action would take place within a 28-day period from anouncement .


He thought the big strike vote was partly due to Ford 's record profits last year of £673 millions .

He thought the strike vote was due to Ford 's record profits of £673 millions .


The company is likely to be affected by a series of unofficial stoppages before any official action begins , as it was in the lead up to negotiations when Ford 's final offer was rejected last month .

The company is likely to be affected by unofficial stoppages before official action begins .


The two-year deal amounted to 9.5 per cent for the first year and inflation plus 2.5 per cent for the second .

The deal amounted to 9.5 per cent for the first and inflation plus 2.5 per cent for the second .


Improvements in certain allowances were made , described as divisive by the unions , but the company has refused to compromise on a reduction in the shorter working week .

Improvements were made , but the company has refused to compromise on a reduction in the shorter working week .


Ford dismissed an immediate meeting with the unions but did not rule out talks after Christmas .

Ford dismissed meeting the unions but did not rule out talks after Christmas .


It said that a strike would be damaging to the company and to its staff .

It said a strike would be damaging to the company and its staff .


Production closed down at Ford last night for the Christmas period .

Production closed at Ford for Christmas .


Plants will open again on January 2 .


Staff voted 20,343 in favour of action , with 4,727 against .

Staff voted 20,343 in favour , 4,727 against .


The electricians are holding a postal ballot with the results announced after Christmas .

The electricians are holding a postal ballot with results after Christmas .


Mr Norman Tebbit 's decision to raise the stakes in the Conservatives ' Hong Kong immigration row with a brutal attack on the Cabinet 's policy last night convinced some MPs that he is preparing a bid for the party leadership when Mrs Thatcher retires .

Norman Tebbit 's brutal attack on Cabinet policy convinced MPs he is preparing a bid for the party leadership when Thatcher retires .


The former Cabinet minister refused to rule out the possibility in the wake of his scornful accusation that the Prime Minister 's shrewd political instincts had been led astray by the `` Irish logic '' of the Foreign Office , though he did say it was `` very unlikely '' .

The former minister refused to rule out the possibility in the wake of his accusation that the Prime Minister 's instincts had been led astray , though he did say it was `` unlikely '' .


`` It 's his bid for the leadership , '' one prominent ex-minister on the right of the party said .

`` It 's his bid for leadership , '' one ex-minister said .


`` It 's the one thing he can outflank both Baker and Heseltine on. '' A party official said : `` It 's the Powellite coalition , anti-immigrant , anti-Europe. '' A Tory wet added : `` He feels that the right has not got a standard-bearer or a contender .

`` he can outflank Baker and Heseltine '' A party official said : `` It 's Powellite , anti-immigrant , anti-Europe. '' A Tory added : `` He feels the right has not got a contender .


He may begin as a standard-bearer and allow himself to be persuaded to go forward as a contender. '' Against such calculations were those MPs who believe the hard-right strategy would not work and that Mr Tebbit is too flawed , too shrewd and too devoted to his wife , Margaret --- crippled in the Ira 's Brighton bombing of 1984 --- to make a serious bid .

He may begin as a standard-bearer and go forward as a contender. '' Against such calculations were those who believe the strategy would not work and that Tebbit is too devoted to his wife --- crippled in the Ira 's Brighton bombing of 1984 --- to make a bid .


To run as a spoiler , simply to block Michael Heseltine 's ambition to become leader , is another option he has voiced .

To run simply to block Michael Heseltine is another option .


Immigration grenade , page 6


In the absence of a clear candidate of the right next time , some MPs suspect that Mr Tebbit may be manoeuvring to become a serious outside runner rather than a king-maker .

In the absence of a candidate of the right , some suspect that Tebbit may be manoeuvring to become a serious runner .


Coming on top of Wednesday 's Commons confrontation with Mr Doulgas Hurd , the Foreign Secretary --- in front of Mrs Thatcher --- Mr Tebbit 's column in yesterday 's London Evening Standard dramatically departed from normally discreet Tory methods of party in-fighting .

Coming on top of Commons confrontation with Doulgas Hurd , Tebbit 's column in yesterday 's London Evening Standard departed from discreet Tory methods of in-fighting .


He described the Cabinet as split between `` bitterly opposed factions '' led by Mr Hurd on one side and his successor as Home Secretary , Mr David Waddington , on the other .

He described the Cabinet as split between `` factions '' led by Hurd and David Waddington .


He even named the Government Chief Whip , Mr Tim Renton , and the party chairman , Mr Kenneth Baker , as Waddington allies who `` saw the danger ( but ) failed to prevent such a folly '' which , Mr Tebbit argued , was in danger of handing back to an opportunist Labour Party the very `` key group of voters whose support is vital for a fourth election victory '' --- by implication Tory populists sensitive to what he called `` being swamped by people of different culture , history and religion '' .

He named the Whip , Tim Renton , and chairman , Kenneth Baker , as Waddington allies who `` saw but failed to prevent a folly '' which Tebbit argued , was in danger of handing Labour the `` voters whose support is vital for victory '' --- Tory populists sensitive to `` people of different culture , history and religion '' .


In another passage evocative of past attempts to play the race card , Mr Tebbit wrote that `` most people in Britain did not want to live in a multicultural , multiracial society , but it has been foisted on them '' .

Tebbit wrote that `` people in Britain did not want a multicultural , multiracial society , but it has been foisted on them '' .


Few Conservative MPs doubt the sincerity of Mr Tebbit 's gut hostility to the plan to give British passports to up to 225,000 Hong Kongers as an insurance policy designed to `` anchor '' them in the troubled colony .

Few doubt the sincerity of Tebbit 's hostility to give British passports to 225,000 Hong Kongers to `` anchor '' them in the colony .


But even some admirers were puzzled by the aggressively public way he has pursued it , the more so since he has been careful to acknowledge that there may not be enough rebels to defeat the Government 's legislation with --- `` a sad day for me '' --- Labour 's help .

some were puzzled by the public way he pursued it , since there may not be enough rebels to defeat the Government 's legislation .


Critics were appalled at the split .


The crucial elections campaign , in which Moldavian nationalists will challenge the Communist Party for control of the Soviet republic 's government in February , is being launched today .

The elections campaign , in which Moldavian nationalists will challenge the Communist Party , is launched .


While senior members of the party and government hold a series of meetings around the city , the Stefan the Great Movement for National Revival is holding what it calls a `` great gathering '' in the main stadium .

While members of the government hold meetings , the Stefan the Great Movement for National Revival is holding a `` great gathering '' in the stadium .


He did so and , according to students who were present , spoke in amiable and conciliatory terms .

He did so and spoke in conciliatory terms .


But the students , members of the Popular Front through their own organisation , the Students ' League , said they were less happy with his performance at a meeting with them last Wednesday .

members of the Students ' League said they were less happy with his performance at a meeting last Wednesday .


They said he answered some of their questions sarcastically and spoke in Russian , even though he is bilingual and the questions had been put to him in Moldavian .

They said he answered some questions sarcastically and in Russian , even though the questions had been in Moldavian .


However , as yesterday 's Moldavian press reported , he spoke encouragingly about abandoning Article Six of the constitution , which guarantees the party 's leading role in society --- although not just yet .

he spoke encouragingly about abandoning the party 's leading role in society --- although not yet .


But , not surprisingly , Mr Luchinsky flatly rejected any suggestion of changing Moldavia 's frontiers --- an allusion to unity with Romania .

Luchinsky rejected changing Moldavia 's frontiers to unity with Romania .


`` Anyone who starts talking about reviewing territorial frontiers is consciously moving towards confrontation , and incidentally , not only with local significance , '' he warned .

`` Anyone talking about reviewing territorial frontiers is moving towards confrontation , '' he warned .


Although the students accepted this , and demanded only an open frontier with Romania , across which relatives could easily visit each other , some nationalists are certainly going to raise the issue .

Although the students accepted an open frontier across which relatives could easily visit , some nationalists are going to raise the issue .


Among the slogans of the Stefan the Great Movement are not only `` Liberty '' , but also `` Unity '' , which means unity with Romania .

the slogans of the Stefan the Great Movement are not only `` Liberty '' , but also `` Unity '' , with Romania .


The appeal which this call makes to Moldavians cannot be matched by Mr Luchinsky or his party .

The appeal this makes to Moldavians cannot be matched .


No one at this stage is prepared to hazard a guess at the outcome of the poll on February 25 .

No one is prepared to guess the outcome of the poll .


The rally has been officially authorised and no violence is expected .

The rally has been authorised and no violence expected .


The Stefan the Great Movement is not part of the Popular Front , which is the main umbrella group co-ordinating the opposition campaign , although many people are members of both .

The Stefan the Great Movement is not part of the Popular Front , the main umbrella group co-ordinating the opposition campaign , although many are members of both .


But if it is not calling for immediate independence , or for unity with Romania , the Popular Front is certainly demanding sovereign autonomy for Moldavia and a renewal of national culture and identity .

if it is not calling for independence , or for unity , the Front is demanding autonomy and a renewal of national culture .


While also talking of national renewal , the Communist Party emphasises its ability to concentrate resources on reviving the economy in a way that a Popular Front government could hardly expect to .

also talking of national renewal , the Communist Party emphasises its ability to concentrate on the economy in a way that a Popular Front government could hardly expect to .


However , its record on the economy , housing and social services inspires little respect .

However , its record on the economy , housing and social services inspires little .


With Romania seething next door , Mr Luchinsky will have his work cut out to capture the spirit of Stefan the Great from those who present themselves as his heirs .

With Romania next door , Luchinsky will work to capture the spirit of Stefan the Great from those who present themselves as his heirs .


But the movement will make a strong appeal to passionate feelings of renewed nationhood in Moldavia , which have been fanned by events in neighbouring Romania .

the movement will appeal to feelings of nationhood in Moldavia , fanned by events in Romania .


The Communist Party cannot match this .


But it has other weapons which it deploys with some skill .


The republic 's new party leader , appointed after violent clashes last month between nationalist demonstrators and the security forces , is a good conciliator who has created a favourable impression among many Moldavians .

The party leader , appointed after clashes last month between nationalist demonstrators and security forces , has created a favourable impression among Moldavians .


A native-born Moldavian despite his Russian name , Mr Pyotr Luchinsky , the new first secretary has been going the rounds , talking to people in soothing terms all over the republic .

A Moldavian despite his name , Pyotr Luchinsky , has been talking to people all over the republic .


It seems to have been working --- up to a point at least --- and even members of the opposition Popular Front agree that he has been accepted by many Moldavians .

It seems to have been working and members of the opposition agree he has been accepted by many Moldavians .


He went down extremely well last Sunday , for example , when many people gathered outside the party 's central committee building in an unauthorised meeting and called on him to come out and talk to them .

He went down well when people gathered outside the committee building in an unauthorised meeting and called him to come out and talk .


Israel yesterday maintained an embarrassed official silence on the capture by Us troops in Panama of Mike Harari , a former Mossad officer and close aide to the deposed Panamanian leader , General Manuel Noriega .

Israel maintained silence on the capture by Us troops of Mike Harari , a former Mossad officer and close aide to Manuel Noriega .


Harari was in charge of Israel 's intelligence networks in Mexico , Central America and the Caribbean until his retirement in 1979 , after a 25 year career , when he became Panama 's commercial attache and honorary consul in Tel Aviv before rejoining Gen Noriega in Panama City two years ago .

Harari was in charge of Israel 's intelligence in Central America and the Caribbean until his retirement in 1979 , when he became Panama 's honorary consul in Tel Aviv before rejoining Gen Noriega in Panama City two years ago .


In the 1950s he joined the Shin Bet internal security service and by the early 1960s was operating secretly in Europe , running agents into Arab countries for Mossad .

In the 1950s he joined the Shin Bet security service and by the 1960s was operating in Europe , running agents for Mossad .


Known as a field man par excellence , he led the Israeli assassination teams that hunted down and killed Palestinians involved in the Black September terrorist organisation in the early 1970s .

he led the Israeli teams that killed Palestinians involved in the Black September organisation in the 1970s .


The Mossad squads were set up after the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic games in September , 1972 .

The Mossad squads were set up after the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic games in 1972 .


But in July , 1973 , Harari led a group which accidentally killed an innocent Moroccan waiter in the Norwegian town of Lillehammer .

in July , 1973 , Harari led a group which killed an innocent Moroccan waiter in the Norwegian town of Lillehammer .


Harari left Mossad in 1978 , and shortly afterwards became a private businessman .

Harari left Mossad in 1978 and became a private businessman .


By 1980 he was working in Central America , where he befriended Gen Noriega 's predecessor , Omar Torrijos .

By 1980 he was working in Central America , where he befriended Noriega 's predecessor , Omar Torrijos .


He supplied Israeli security personnel to guard the Panamanian leaders and train their own forces , and later became involved in official Israel arms sales to the central American country .

He supplied security personnel to guard the Panamanian leaders and train their forces , and became involved in official Israel arms sales to the central American country .


He remains the most notorious of a large group of retired Israeli intelligence and security men whose dubious activities in support of unsavoury regimes have embarrassed their own government .

He remains the most notorious of a group of Israeli intelligence and security men whose activities in support of unsavoury regimes have embarrassed their own government .


Former Mossad colleagues have insisted hotly that Harari could not have been involved in the drugs trade , but he is clearly a hard man to defend .

Former colleagues have insisted that Harari could not have been involved in the drugs trade , but he is a hard man to defend .


`` The greatest damage to Israel , '' says Meir Amit , a former head of the intelligence agency , `` is that rather than being known as producers in agriculture , in genetics , or in medicine , our trademark is the security business. '' A second Israeli who acted as a civilian chief of Gen Noriega 's personal security team , Eliezer Ben Gaitan , took refuge in the papal mission in Panama City with the deposed dictator , and was detained by Us troops on Tuesday .

`` The damage to Israel , '' says Meir Amit , a former head of intelligence , `` is that rather than being known in agriculture , genetics , or medicine , our trademark is security '' A second Israeli who acted as a chief of Gen Noriega 's security team , Eliezer Ben Gaitan , was detained by Us troops .


He is credited with forcing Gen Noriega to remove a portrait of Adolf Hitler from the wall of his secret bunker , training the dictator 's personal bodyguard , setting up his computer networks and complex personal banking system , and establishing a small and private intelligence team to watch over the Panamanian secret police and military intelligence .

He is credited with forcing Gen Noriega to remove a portrait of Adolf Hitler from his bunker , training the dictator 's bodyguard , setting up his computer and personal banking system , and establishing a small intelligence team to watch the Panamanian secret police and military intelligence .


Well-paid for his services to Gen Noriega , Harari was known in Panama as `` Mr Sixty Percent , '' according to Panama 's former Ambassador to Tel Aviv , Mr Eduadro Herero Hassan , who was flown back to Panama this week by the Us to help rebuild a new Panamanian security force .

Well-paid for his services to Gen Noriega , Harari was known as `` Mr Sixty Percent , '' according to Panama 's former Ambassador to Tel Aviv , Mr Hassan , who was flown back to Panama to help rebuild a Panamanian security force .


The Us repeatedly asked Israel to ensure that Harari , aged 62 , to leave Panama , but Israel insisted that he was a private citizen , a claim which was treated with considerable scepticism by Washington .

The Us asked Israel that Harari leave Panama , but Israel insisted he was a private citizen , which was treated with scepticism by Washington .


Us officials claim the Israeli has been involved not only in security matters in Panama but also in the drug traffic for which Gen Noriega , now hiding in the Vatican embassy , is wanted by Washington .

Us officials claim the Israeli has been involved not only in security matters but also in the drug traffic for which Noriega is wanted .


For all his international notoriety , Harari is barely known in his native country , and the one photograph known to exist of him was reprinted on the front pages of newspapers yesterday accompanying the news of his arrest .

Harari is barely known in his native country , and the photograph of him was reprinted on the front of newspapers accompanying the news of his arrest .


It was taken in 1985 when , as Panama 's honorary consul in Israel , he accompanied Gen Noriega on an official visit .

It was taken when , as Panama 's consul in Israel , he accompanied Gen Noriega on an official visit .


It shows him , impassive in dark glasses , standing behind the saluting general .

It shows him standing behind the general .


Harari spent much of his adult life in Israel 's secret world .

Harari spent much of his life in Israel 's secret world .


Born in Tel Aviv in 1927 , he worked as a radio operator in Italy for the pre-state Haganah militia during the campaign to smuggle Jewish Holocaust survivors past the British naval blockade of Palestine .

Born in Tel Aviv in 1927 , he worked as a radio operator in Italy during the campaign to smuggle Holocaust survivors past the blockade of Palestine .


Boys Gerald Sterling , 13 , the Conservative candidate , had to cut short his speech because he had a music lesson .

Boys Gerald Sterling , 13 , the Conservative candidate , had to cut his speech because he had a lesson .


Alex Orton-Green , 15 , of the Funky Junky Party , wore his long hair in a pigtail , and Robert Hutchinson , 15 , representing the Football Supporters-Normal Persons Party , was standing for everyone who thinks rugby is boring .

Alex Orton-Green , 15 , of the Funky Junky Party , wore his hair in a pigtail , and Robert Hutchinson , 15 , representing the Football Persons Party , was standing for everyone who thinks rugby boring .


Sam Stopps , 14 , for Labour , was serious and intense , but caused giggles when he raised the subject of crime .

Sam Stopps , 14 , for Labour , was serious but caused giggles when he raised the subject of crime .


`` To improve crime , we will put more money into the police , '' he pronounced .

`` To improve crime , we will put money into the police , '' he pronounced .


Magnus Fehn , 13 , was representing his own creation , the New Democracy Party , which plans to fleece the rich and tax the Queen .

Magnus Fehn , 13 , was representing his own New Democracy Party , which plans to fleece the rich and tax the Queen .


Both policies got a big hand .


Alex Orton-Green wanted to go further .


The monarchy should be abolished and the land of the aristocracy confiscated to pay for putting England back on its feet .

The monarchy should be abolished and the land confiscated to pay for putting England on its feet .


The most senior candidate , Adam Matthews , 16 , of the Socialist Labour Party , said his party would abolish the Queen , generals and public schools , put the Royal Family out to work as wardens in nature parks , and prosecute Arsenal under the Trade Descriptions Act for calling themselves a football team .

candidate Adam Matthews , 16 , of the Socialist Labour Party , said his party would abolish the Queen , put the Royal Family to work in nature parks , and prosecute Arsenal under the Trade Descriptions Act for calling themselves a football team .


The Big Election Debate took place in the Goddard Library of the boys '' school of Haberdashers ' Aske 's Hatcham College in New Cross , south London , which is a City Technology College .

The Election took place in the boys school of Aske 's Hatcham College in London , a City Technology College .


Polling day is on Wednesday .


The mock election has been organised by Mr Ian Gerrard , a history master , chairman of the Literary and Debating Society and returning officer , who confessed that it had been a bit of a `` sleazy '' campaign .

The mock election has been organised by Ian Gerrard , chairman of the Debating Society , who confessed it had been a a `` sleazy '' campaign .


Gerald Sterling neatly summed up the Conservative case : `` Voting Labour means high taxes , high taxes mean less to spend , less to spend means fewer things bought , fewer things bought means fewer things produced , and fewer things produced means less work for everyone. '' His exit left the floor open for the political twins , Matthew Jackson , 13 , for the Socialist Workers , and his brother Thomas , for the Lib Dems .

Gerald Sterling summed up the Conservative case : `` Voting Labour means taxes , less to spend means fewer things bought , and fewer things produced means less work '' His exit left the floor open for twins , Matthew Jackson , 13 , for the Socialist Workers , and brother Thomas , for the Lib Dems .


Matthew 's style was snappy : `` John Major was the Chancellor who got us into recession and he is the Prime Minister who is n't going to get us out ... '' His brother 's party was no better , in his opinion .

Matthew 's style was snappy : `` John Major got us into recession and he is n't going to get us out '' His brother 's party was no better , .


`` The Liberal Democrats have changed their policies eight times in seven years , '' he said .

`` The Liberal Democrats have changed policies eight times in seven years , '' he said .


Thomas Jackson accused his brother of being a Communist .


But he bravely touched on the issue of CTCs , which he said his party would scrap .

he touched on CTCs , which he said his party would scrap .


A British woman may have found the body of her murdered 20-year-old son after a three-year hunt .

A British woman found the body of her murdered 20-year-old son after a three-year hunt .


She was in a Canadian hospital last night suffering from exhaustion .

She was in a Canadian hospital suffering from exhaustion .


She is spending two days isolated from the world. '' Mr Allan , a garment manufacturer who married Denise five years ago , said she was `` deeply upset '' .

She is spending two days isolated '' Mr Allan said she was `` upset '' .


He plans to fly to Canada on Wednesday to bring her home .

He plans to fly to Canada to bring her home .


`` It 's been building up to this .


Everything has pointed towards a body being found. '' `` If it had n't been for her courage and fortitude in going out there and taking on the role of investigator , private detective and motivator , those files would still be closed and the police would just have an unsolved case of a missing person. '' Police now considered the case a murder inquiry and were appealing for any information that would lead to the killer .

Everything has pointed towards a body '' `` If it had n't been for her taking on the role of private detective , the police would just have an unsolved case of a missing person. '' Police considered the case a murder inquiry and were appealing for information .


Mrs Allan 's son disappeared in May , 1989 , after a party during his back-packing trip across North America .

Mrs Allan 's son disappeared in 1989 , after a party during his trip across North America .


Nothing was heard from him after he faxed a message home giving arrangements for his mother to meet him to celebrate her 40th birthday .

Nothing was heard after giving arrangements for his mother to meet him to celebrate her birthday .


She flew to Canada to retrace his steps a month later but had to return after running out of money .

She flew to Canada to retrace his steps a month later .


After two years with no news , Mrs Allan sold her beauty salon in Bradford and raised a £20,000 loan to resume the search a month ago .

After two years with no news , Mrs Allan sold her beauty salon and raised a loan to resume the search .


After she placed an advertisement in a Canadian newspaper , an anonymous hand-written letter was delivered to her motel .

After she placed an advertisement in a newspaper , an anonymous letter was delivered to her .


It said : `` We were partying with your son on May 26 and this is the last time we could establish that he was alive .

It said : `` We were partying on May 26 and this is the last time we could establish that he was alive .


Mrs Denise Allan , 42 , of Sowerby , West Yorks , led a campaign to find out what happened to her son , Charles , after he vanished while trekking across Canada .

Denise Allan led a campaign to find her son , Charles , after he vanished trekking across Canada .


Two people knocked him out but he died .


His body is in Lake Okanagan by the bridge. '' An underwater search was launched .

His body is in Lake Okanagan '' An underwater search was launched .


Mrs Allan used her own funds to hire local divers and a submersible camera crew at a cost of £500 per day .

Mrs Allan used her funds to hire divers and a submersible camera crew at a cost of £500 per day .


Then last week a second note , in the same handwriting , informed Mrs Allan that the search was on the wrong side of the bridge .

last week a second note informed Mrs Allan the search was on the wrong side of the bridge .


The body was found a day later .


Mr Allan , who likened his wife 's campaign to that of the father of murdered British woman Julie Ward in Kenya , said : `` It 's most important we have something positive even though it is bad news. ''

Mr Allan said : `` It 's important we have something even though it is bad news. ''


A body was found on Saturday in Okanagan lake 200 miles east of Vancouver .

A body was found in Okanagan lake east of Vancouver .


It was discovered in 130 feet of water in the exact spot where two anonymous letters written to Mrs Allan had said it would be .

It was discovered where anonymous letters to Mrs Allan said it would .


A post mortem examination will take place in Vancouver later today to confirm identification from dental records .

A post mortem will take place to confirm identification .


Mrs Allan was taken to nearby Kelowna General Hospital after the body was found .

Mrs Allan was taken to Hospital after the body was found .


Her husband , Stuart , 52 , said yesterday he had been in daily contact with her since she flew to Canada last month on the second pilgrimage to find her son .

Her husband , Stuart , said he had been in daily contact with her since she flew to Canada on the pilgrimage to find her son .


`` She is suffering from exhaustion but otherwise fine , '' he said .

`` She is suffering from exhaustion but fine , '' he said .


`` I spoke to her last night and she is under strict orders to have complete rest .


People were urged yesterday to start taking showers instead of baths to avert disaster for the wildlife of rivers , lakes and wetlands as the country suffers its worst drought for 200 years .

People were urged to start taking showers instead of baths to avert disaster for wildlife as the country suffers its worst drought for 200 years .


The Royal Society for Nature Conservation called on the next government to give the National Rivers Authority powers to veto thirsty building and industrial developments , and to make more water available for rivers and wetlands .

The Royal Society for Nature Conservation called on the government to give the National Rivers Authority powers to veto thirsty developments , and to make more water available for wetlands .


She said they could have worrying consequences for wildlife because the grids could entail the mixing of water from acidic catchments with water from alkaline chalk streams .

She said they could have consequences for wildlife because the grids could entail the mixing of water from acidic catchments with alkaline chalk streams .


Mr Gary Mantle , director of the Wiltshire Trust for Nature Conservation , one of the 47 country trusts involved in the society , said water rats were declining and the water weed had been `` badly hammered '' on the Wylye .

Mr Gary Mantle , director of one of the 47 country trusts involved , said water rats were declining and the water weed had been `` badly hammered '' on the Wylye .


However , it was not on the priority list of 20 rivers singled out for urgent action by the National Rivers Authority .

it was not on the priority list of 20 rivers by the National Rivers Authority .


`` It is sick but not dying , '' he said .


The society wants development proposals , such as the building of 10,000 new houses in west Swindon close to drought-stricken rivers , to be refused if there is too little water available .

The society wants development proposals refused if there is too little water available .


Anglers are to challenge Yorkshire Water at a public hearing today over plans to abstract half the 10 million gallon flow of the river Hull , which they claim is already running dangerously low .

Anglers are to challenge Yorkshire Water over plans to abstract half the 10 million gallon flow of the Hull , which is running low .


Mr Allan Edwards , director of the Anglers Co-operative Association , would be opposing all applications to abstract more water from the chalk streams of southern Yorkshire , which are famous for their wild trout .

the Anglers Co-operative Association would be opposing all applications to abstract water from the chalk streams of southern Yorkshire , which are famous for their trout .


Rain was falling in London , where Sir David Attenborough was launching Water for Wildlife , a two-year campaign by the society .

in London , Sir David Attenborough was launching Water for Wildlife .


The television naturalist said southern England recorded its lowest January rainfall for 154 years .

The naturalist said southern England recorded its lowest January rainfall for 154 years .


He added : `` Even if it rained between now and October more heavily than it has ever done in recorded time there would still be rivers , such as the Ver in Hertfordshire , that would not get enough water to enable them to flow properly .

`` Even if it rained between now and October heavily there would still be rivers that would not get enough water .


`` Rivers like the Wharfe in Yorkshire , the Darent in Kent , the Burn in Norfolk are drying up. Where there were once kingfishers , bullrushes and reeds , there is now dry , parched land. '' The source of the Kennet , one of Britain 's best trout streams , was now a sewage farm outfall because springs had dried up. The source of the Wylye , a famous Wiltshire trout stream , was a million gallons of water pumped from a nearby borehole .

`` Rivers are drying up. Where there were once kingfishers , bullrushes and reeds , there is parched land. '' The source of the Kennet was now sewage outfall because springs had dried up. The source of the Wylye was water pumped from a borehole .


`` Many of the things which bring joy to our hearts in the countryside have been destroyed , '' said Sir David .

`` Many of the things which bring joy in the countryside have been destroyed , '' said Sir David .


`` We are all guilty of carelessness and waste , damaging our rivers and wetland. '' According to the society , water voles , otters , redshank , snipe and lapwing and wetland plants such as marsh orchid and bog pimpernel had declined as a result of over-abstraction and drainage over many years .

`` We are all guilty of carelessness , damaging our rivers and wetland. '' , water voles , otters , redshank , snipe and lapwing and wetland plants had declined as a result of over-abstraction and drainage .


Each person in Britain uses an average 30 gallons of water a day and the society called for consumers to take conservation measures to save water : to turn off taps when brushing their teeth , to fix drips and leaks , to water the garden in the cool of the day and to collect rainwater for garden use .

Each person in Britain uses an average 30 gallons of water a day and the society called for conservation measures : turn off taps when brushing teeth , fix leaks , water the garden in the cool of the day and collect rainwater for garden use .


Isobel Drury , of the society , warned against plans to solve water shortages through a national grid or local water grids .

Isobel Drury , warned against plans to solve shortages through national or local water grids .


The Choice of the `` capital '' of Cornwall 's one-time china clay industry as the venue for the Liberal Democrats ' penultimate and most glitzy election rally last night was no accident .

The Choice of the `` capital '' of Cornwall 's one-time industry for the Liberal Democrats ' glitzy rally was no accident .


St Austell is smack in the middle of the party 's natural heartland which Liberal Democrat strategists are increasingly confident will largely revert to its traditional Liberal colours on Thursday .

St Austell is in the middle of the party 's heartland which Liberal Democrat strategists are confident will revert to Liberal on Thursday .


Conservative Central Office has been inundated with jittery reports from regional Tory organisers , but is banking on driving home the message to a receptive audience that a vote for the Liberal Democrats would effectively open the door of Downing Street to Mr Kinnock .

Conservative Central Office is driving home that a vote for the Liberal Democrats would open the door of Downing Street to Mr Kinnock .


`` When people vote on the day , they are looking at the party who will form the government , and in this part of the country they do not want socialism , '' said Mr Peter Hodgson , the Conservatives ' Western Area chairman , who was confident the Conservatives would retain all their seats .

`` people are looking at the party who will form the government , and they do not want socialism , '' said Mr Peter Hodgson , the Conservatives ' Western Area chairman , confident the Conservatives would retain all seats .


At last night 's rally , which culminated in fireworks , Mr Ashdown did not miss the opportunity to evoke the West Country 's Liberal roots .


`` Long before the most recent dramatic rise of the Liberal Democrats , Cornwall was the bedrock of liberalism and democracy .

`` before the recent dramatic rise of the Liberal Democrats , Cornwall was the bedrock of liberalism .


For even in the darkest days of two-party Tory and Labour domination , the flame of hope burns brightly here , '' he said .

even in the days of Tory and Labour domination , hope burns brightly '' .


`` And whenever Liberal Democrats are on the up , we sweep ahead in the South-West .

`` whenever Liberal Democrats are on the up , we sweep ahead in the South-West .


We 'll do so on Thursday .


Here in Cornwall , you are in the vanguard of conscience and reform. '' He warned the Conservatives and Labour that `` from the ancient bastion of liberalism , the flames are fanning out in all directions , consuming your shabby campaigns , your out-of-date policies , your visions of the future '' .

in Cornwall , you are in the vanguard '' He warned the Conservatives and Labour that `` from the bastion of liberalism , the flames are fanning out in all directions , consuming your out-of-date visions '' .


Mr Ashdown descended on the area yesterday for the third time in his marathon campaign amid growing recognition among Tories that the South-West could prove their Achilles ' heel , a danger underlined by the Press Association opinion poll which showed a swing against the Conservatives in the region of six per cent .

Mr Ashdown descended on the area for the third time amid recognition among Tories that the South-West could prove their Achilles ' heel , a danger underlined by the poll which showed a swing against the Conservatives of six per cent .


Liberal Democrat strategists predicted that such a swing would deliver into their party 's hands up to seven Tory seats in the area , including Bath , the constituency held by Mr Patten , Conservative Party chairman .

Liberal Democrat predicted that would deliver seven Tory seats , including Bath , held by Mr Patten , Conservative chairman .


`` This is the area where we are the clear challengers and we have a strong presence , '' said Mr Ashdown during a photogenic visit to a seal sanctuary in Gweek .

`` This is where we have a strong presence , '' said Mr Ashdown during a visit to a seal sanctuary in Gweek .


`` It is a bedrock of traditional liberalism to build on and it is here that we are likely to see the most substantial progress of all. Some are talking about Cornwall falling to us lock stock and barrel .

`` a bedrock of traditional liberalism it is here that we are likely to see the most substantial progress of all. Some are talking about Cornwall falling to us .


I would n't go so far. '' As the only viable West Country alternative to the Tories --- there are no Labour MPs between Bristol and Penzance --- the Liberal Democrats are benefiting from simmering resentment that , while the boom years largely past the region by , the recession has hit agriculture , tin mining , and tourism .

'' As the only West Country alternative to the Tories --- there are no Labour MPs --- the Liberal Democrats are benefiting from resentment that , while the boom years past the region by , the recession has hit .


Cutbacks in local defence establishments is also a factor in some constituencies .


In the Fawlty Towers belt of Torquay , abandoned hotels have been boarded up against vandals .

In Torquay , abandoned hotels have been boarded up against vandals .


Significantly , farmers --- generally reliable Tory supporters --- are blaming the Government for the sins of Brussels and appear to be turning a blind eye to the Liberal Democrats ' pro-European stance .

farmers --- generally Tory supporters --- are blaming the Government for Brussels and appear to be turning a blind eye to the Liberal Democrats ' pro-European stance .


This Was the last rally , the last speech and the last chance for the Tory faithful to enjoy the John Major planetarium experience .

This Was the last chance for the Tory faithful to enjoy the John Major experience .


And they gave him the rowdiest send-off of the campaign .


`` Let Labour loose and you can wave cheerio to enterprise , '' he said .

`` you can wave cheerio to enterprise , '' he said .


There was a This Is John 's Life feel to it all. Members of the audience --- a nurse , a headmaster , a doctor and a shopkeeper --- gave glowing endorsements for last night 's star guest .

Members of the audience gave endorsements .


Then , sure enough , there was a satellite link-up .


Who could it be ?


Which megastar was about to beamed in from a Hollywood poolside to give a transatlantic Tory thumbs up ?

Which megastar was about to give a Tory thumbs up ?


It turned out to be Douglas Hurd and Michael Heseltine , live from the campaign trail .

It turned out to be Hurd and Heseltine , from the campaign trail .


But the audience did n't care .


By the time they had sat through two party political broadcasts and Chris Patten in Tv evangelist mode , they could not stand up fast enough when the Prime Minister finally appeared .

they could not stand up fast enough when the Prime Minister appeared .


In his most passionate tones yet , Mr Major delivered his Ten Tory Truths and his personal plea to be given the chance to build a `` golden future '' for Britain .

Major delivered his Ten Tory Truths and his plea to build a `` golden future '' for Britain .


He finished to well-mannered bedlam .


Given the impenetrable darkness surrounding the opinion polls , who better to rouse the rabble than the host of Blind Date ?

Given the polls , who better to rouse the rabble than the host of Blind Date ?


Party managers had not taken any chances , though .


Under each seat was a packet .


Inside was a baseball cap with Jm4pm on it , a Union flag and a party popper .

Inside was a baseball cap with Jm4pm , a Union flag and a party popper .


Regimented jubilation was not required , though , as the Majors clasped , kissed and saluted a crowd which also included the England cricket captain , Graham Gooch .

the Majors clasped and saluted a crowd .


The only thing missing in the party pack were tissues for the more emotional .

missing in the party pack were tissues for the emotional .


Cilla looked on , grinning as if she was watching the perfect Blind Date union .

Cilla looked on , grinning as if watching the perfect union .


But it will be Friday morning before the the screen of national opinion is drawn back and she discovers whether it is John from Huntingdon or Neil from Islwyn on the other side .

it will be Friday before she discovers whether it is John from Huntingdon or Neil from Islwyn on the other side .


For once , Our Cilla was utterly biased in her choice of which of the three hopefuls should win Thursday 's star prize : five years of running the country .

Cilla was biased which of the hopefuls should win five years of running the country .


Anyway , at last night 's show in a Wembley conference hall , there was only one contestant .

at last night 's show there was one contestant .


And he needed a lorra , lorra votes .


`` There I was in our `` ouse reading the Labour manifesto to Our Jack --- well , he loves fairy stories ... '' she began , her audience lapping it up. Accomplished compere that she is , she knew just when to stick in the `` but seriously , folks '' bit .

`` I was `` reading the Labour manifesto to Our Jack --- he loves fairy stories ... '' she began , her audience lapping it up. she knew when to stick in the `` but seriously , folks '' bit .


`` I 'm voting for John Major because he is a great Prime Minister .


Because he does n't punish success , he promotes it , '' she purred .

he does n't punish success , he promotes it , '' .


Less chirpy was Amstrad chief , Alan Sugar , who spoke bluntly of the perils of a Labour government .

Amstrad chief , Alan Sugar , spoke of the perils of Labour government .


For 15 hours on Tuesday Palestinians worldwide were faced with a prospect which few can seriously have thought about before --- that of the Plo without Yasser Arafat as leader .

Palestinians worldwide were faced with a prospect of the Plo without Yasser Arafat as leader .


Mr Arafat 's advisers in Tunis could scarcely choke back their emotion as they answered reporters ' questions while his fate was uncertain .

Arafat 's advisers could scarcely choke back emotion as they answered questions while his fate was uncertain .


But both were killed --- Abu Jihad by an Israeli hit squad in 1988 , Abu Iyad by a supporter of the breakaway Abu Nidal faction three years later .


The mechanics of the succession would have seen the convening of the Palestinian parliament-in-exile , the Palestine National Council .

the succession would have seen the convening of the parliament-in-exile , the Palestine National Council .


This would have appointed a new executive committee which , in turn , would have chosen a new chairman .


But this would have been a long and painful process .


Critics of the Plo 's decision to back the participation of a Palestinian delegation in the current Middle East peace process would most likely have taken the opportunity of Mr Arafat 's demise to make a bid for power .

Critics of the Plo 's participation in the Middle East peace process would likely have taken Arafat 's demise to bid for power .


At the same time prominent Palestinians from the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip would probably have emerged with their status greatly enhanced .

Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip would have emerged with their status enhanced .


The effect would have been to distance even more those living in the territories from the decision-making machinery of the Plo outside .

The effect would distance those living in the territories from the Plo outside .


Since the start of the Middle East peace process , figures from the occupied territories such as Mrs Hanan Ashrawi and Mr Feisel Husseini have done much to enhance the image of the Palestinians in the West .

Hanan Ashrawi and Feisel Husseini have done much to enhance the image of the Palestinians .


Their suave and eloquent appearances on television contrast sharply with the tough-speaking militaristic image of the current Plo leadership .

Their eloquent appearances on television contrast with the militaristic Plo leadership .


Given the inevitable fact that the next Plo chairman could not hope to match the stature and international acclaim which Mr Arafat has acquired over the years , many Palestinians believe that the influence of the organisation would wane accordingly .

Given the next Plo chairman could not match Arafat , Palestinians believe the organisation would wane .


But even his detractors and enemies within the Palestinian movement confessed to having feelings of unease .

even his detractors confessed having feelings of unease .


Such changes would involve a major upheaval within the Palestinian movement .


Those 15 hours of waiting on Tuesday made Palestinians inside and outside the occupied territories realise the extent to which Yasser Arafat alone holds the whole movement together .

Palestinians realise the extent to which Arafat holds the movement together .


`` No matter what you think of Yasser Arafat , '' one opponent commented , `` his departure would leave an enormous and dangerous vacuum. '' The extent of the vacuum would have reflected Mr Arafat 's giant presence in the Palestinian movement .

`` No matter what you think of Arafat , '' one commented , `` his departure would leave an enormous vacuum. '' The vacuum reflected Mr Arafat 's presence .


He was a founder of the Plo , and since becoming chairman in 1969 he has involved himself tirelessly in every aspect of Palestinian affairs .

He was a founder of the Plo and involved in every aspect of Palestinian affairs .


His supporters say his energy has enabled him to succeed to a large extent in holding the Palestinian movement together during a series of splits and crises .

His energy has enabled him to succeed in holding the Palestinian movement together during crises .


Many Palestinians doubt whether anyone else would be able to do this .

Palestinians doubt whether anyone else would do this .


But Mr Arafat 's critics accuse him of acting like a dictator by forcing his wishes on the Palestinian movement .

Mr Arafat 's critics accuse him of forcing his wishes on the movement .


Such is his domination of Palestinian affairs that the grooming of a successor has been impossible .

grooming a successor has been impossible .


Two of Mr Arafat 's closest aides , Salah Khalaf ( known as Abu Iyad ) and Khalil al-Wazir ( Abu Jihad ) , might have been obvious candidates .

Arafat 's aides , Salah Khalaf and Khalil al-Wazir , might have been candidates .


A Mother fighting for custody of her two young sons has been ordered to hand them back to her estranged American husband from whom she fled a month ago .

A Mother fighting for custody of her sons has to hand them back to her estranged American husband from whom she fled .


Mrs Teresa Leinen , 25 , may be parted from Sean , three , and Ashley , one , within five days after the High Court ruled that she broke international laws .

Mrs Teresa Leinen may be parted from Sean and Ashley after the Court ruled that she broke international laws .


She said : `` I ca n't believe this ruling has been made and I just do n't know what more I can do .

She said : `` I ca n't believe this ruling and I do n't know what more I can do .


`` I 'm scared of what may happen when the children go back .


Jeffrey kept telling me he was only seeking custody because he wanted me back in the States .

Jeffrey kept telling me he was seeking custody because he wanted me in the States .


`` I am devastated .


I ca n't afford to fight this in the American courts and I genuinely fear for the safety of my children. '' Mrs Leinen is spending her last few days with the children taking them for trips , including to London Zoo and the seaside .

I ca n't afford to fight in the courts and I fear for the safety of my children. '' Mrs Leinen is spending her last days with the children taking them for trips .


She said her only hope of having the boys returned was if her husband had difficulty in looking after them .

She said her only hope of having the boys was if her husband had difficulty in looking after them .


Mrs Leinen made allegations of brutality against her husband .


`` There was another side to him which I did n't see at first .

`` There was another side to him I did n't see at first .


I was terrified of him , but I found myself in a horrible Catch 22 situation .

I was terrified of him , but found myself in a Catch 22 .


`` The Usaf do not tolerate domestic violence .


She said : `` It 's a dreadful thought , but there 's nothing I can do about it. I was told I would lose , but it does n't make it any easier. '' Her father , Mr Christopher Monohan , will take the boys back to the United States where they will live with Jeffrey Leinen , a military policeman with the Usaf .

She said : `` It 's dreadful , but there 's nothing I can do about it. I was told I would lose '' Her father , Mr Christopher Monohan , will take the boys to the United States where they will live with Jeffrey Leinen , a military policeman .


If they had found out about it , Jeffrey would have been kicked out .

If they had found out , Jeffrey would have been kicked out .


We would not have been able to afford to look after Sean and Ashley. ''

We would not have been able to look after Sean and Ashley.


The couple met while on holiday in Greece in 1987 and married after she joined him at his base in South Dakota .

The couple met while on holiday in Greece and married after she joined him at his base in South Dakota .


But she filed for divorce in June last year after a series of violent rows .

she filed for divorce last year after a series of rows .


An injunction was later issued stopping her taking the children out of the state .

An injunction was issued stopping her taking the children out of the state .


She dropped divorce proceedings hoping the ban would be lifted .


But a month ago , she returned to Britain , taking the children with her .

she returned to Britain , taking the children .


Lawyers for her husband contested her action in the High Court in London on Wednesday and she was given seven days to hand them back .

Lawyers for her husband contested her action in Court on Wednesday and she was given seven days to hand them back .


Mrs Leinen , who is staying with her mother Mrs Ann Monohan , in Stratton , Swindon , Wilts , says she does not have the money to fight the custody battle in American courts .

Mrs Leinen says she does not have the money to fight the battle in American courts .


Montserrat , the tiny Caribbean island that once boasted one bank for every 40 inhabitants , is bracing itself this Easter for a spate of arrests following a three-year fraud and corruption investigation by Scotland Yard .

Montserrat , the Caribbean island , is bracing itself for arrests following a fraud investigation by Scotland Yard .


More than 300 banks have been closed and one American banker has died in mysterious circumstances since police began their investigation , which includes allegations involving former members of the government .

300 banks have closed and one banker has died since police began their investigation , which includes the government .


Most of those closed were known as paper or `` brass plate '' banks --- banks in name only , with few assets but with the precious protection of confidentiality and secrecy .

Most closed were `` brass plate '' banks , with few assets but confidentiality .


In theory , anyone wanting to set up a bank should have $ 300,000 ( £175,000 ) capital .

anyone wanting to set up a bank should have $ 300,000 .


But this requirement could be circumvented with documents showing that shares to that value had been issued .


However it was not necessary to disclose to whom they had been sold or where the cash had gone .

it was not necessary to disclose to whom they had been sold .


The affair took a sinister turn four months after the investigation began when a young American banker , due to appear in court on fraud charges connected with offshore banking transactions , died in mysterious circumstances .

a young banker , due to appear in court connected with transactions , died .


John Perry Garibay of Michigan , whose offshore bank , Zurich Overseas , was among those being investigated by the Yard and the Fbi , was found dead in the sea off the southern part of the island after going bathing with friends .

John Perry Garibay , whose Zurich Overseas was among those being investigated , was found dead in the sea after bathing with friends .


He was said to have been a strong swimmer .


The problems of Montserrat are mirrored in most of Britain 's Caribbean dependencies .

The problems of Montserrat are in most of Britain 's Caribbean dependencies .


Banks are used for a variety of frauds as well as money-laundering .


They issue certificates of deposits , often based on fictitious assets such as bogus gold mines .

They issue certificates of deposits based on fictitious assets .


Fraud Squad detectives are waiting for the go-ahead from the island 's Attorney General , Stanley Moore .

Fraud detectives are waiting for the island 's Attorney General , Stanley Moore .


Their worthlessness is discovered only when the duped client attempts to sell them on the legitimate market .

Their worthlessness is discovered when the client attempts to sell .


Apart from drugs , detectives believe money is laundered from a variety of black market deals involving arms and high technology .

detectives believe money is laundered from a variety of black market deals .