Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad survives grenade attack on his convoy


By Mail Foreign Service

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has survived a grenade attack on his convoy in western Iran.

The blast from a homemade bomb took place today in Hamedan as Mr Ahmadinejad was travelling through a busy crowd to make an address at a sports stadium.

The president was unhurt, but other people in the convoy were injured. One person has been arrested over the incident.

Blast: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, centre, and his bodyguards react after hearing an explosion as he travels through Hamadan

Attack: Smoke rises near the vehicle transporting Mr Ahmadinejad as he made his way through crowds of supporters

Mr Ahmadinejad continued with his plans to make a speech in Hamadan, which was broadcast on Iranian television. He made no mention of an assault.

Iranian officials denied Mr Ahmadinejad was targeted, with the state-run Press TV adding 'no such attack had happened'.

Officials said the blast was caused by a firework being set off by someone in the crowd to cheer the president.

'It was a firecracker, and a statement will be released soon,' an official inthe president's media office said.

However, the conservative website Khabaronline said: 'This morning a hand grenade exploded next to a vehicle carrying reporters accompanying the president in Hamedan.

'Ahmadinejad's car was 100 metres away and he was not hurt.'

Al Arabiya television said an attacker had thrown a bomb at Ahmadinejad's convoy before being detained.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves to people as he is welcomed to Hamadan to give a speech

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, although the populist, hardline Mr Ahmadinejad has accumulated enemies in conservative and reformist circles in the Islamic Republic as well as abroad.

Iran has also provoked anger from the UK and the U.S. over its controversial nuclear weapons' programme, which it claims is for peaceful purposes.

During a speech to a conference of expatriate Iranians in Tehran on Monday, Ahmadinejad said he believed he was the target of an assassination plot by Israel.

'The stupid Zionists have hired mercenaries to assassinate me,' he said.

The oil market initially reacted calmly to reports of the attempted attack.

Paul Harris, head of natural resources risk management at Bank of Ireland, said: 'I expect that any backlash there might be from Ahmadinejad will be far more important to the oil market than the initial attack itself.

'You would expect the oil market to react if there is any attempt to link the attack to the current tensions with the West and the ramping up of sanctions.'

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad shakes hands with supporters as he is welcomed to Hamadan

Mr Ahmadinejad addresses a crowd at a football stadium after the incident

Baqer Moin, a London-based Iran expert, said Hamadan was a stable area without any notable ethnic or local tension.

'Let's wait and see who they accuse, an internal or an external enemy,' he added.

Several armed groups opposed to the government are active in Iran, mostly fighting in the name of ethnic Kurds in the northwest, Baluch in the southeast and Arabs in the south west.

The banned Mujahideen Khalq, listed by the U.S. as a terrorist group, carried out several anti-government attacks after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

It was blamed for two 1981 bombings that killed dozens of senior officials in Tehran, including the president and prime minister.

Shahin Gobadi, French-based spokesman for the Mujahideen, now part of an opposition coalition known as National Council of Resistance of Iran, denied involvement.

Mr Ahmadinejad recently sought to isolate rival political factions by declaring that 'the regime has only one party, which is the velayat' - a reference to Shi'ite Islam's hidden Imam, for now represented by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

One of Mr Ahmadinejad's trademarks has been constant travel around his vast country to deliver provocative speeches before outwardly adoring crowds who shout 'death' to Iran's foes.

On Monday, Mr Ahmadinejad called on U.S. President Barack Obama to face him in a televised one-on-one debate to see who has the best solutions for the world's problems.

Mr Ahmadinejad, backed by Khamenei and the elite Revolutionary Guards, crushed street protests that greeted his disputed re-election in June 2009, although he has yet to silence losing reformist candidates Mirhossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi.

The president, first elected in 2005, also seems bent on displacing an older layer of conservative leaders and clerics whose influence dates back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Many of them resent the rising economic and political power of Ahmadinejad's allies in the Revolutionary Guards and are disconcerted by his mystical devotion to the hidden Imam.

Conservatives such as parliament speaker Ali Larijani, a fierce critic of Mr Ahmadinejad's economic policies, have tacitly urged Khamenei, the Islamic Republic's ultimate authority, to rein in the fiery president, to little visible effect.

Reformists have blamed state 'discrimination' for creating discontent that has emboldened a Sunni Muslim rebel group behind two suicide bombings that killed at least 28 people in a Shi'ite mosque in southeastern Iran last month.

Gordon Brown voted third worst post-war Prime Minister by historians

By Daniel Martin

 Winston Churchill once declared that history would judge him kindly because he would write it himself.

But the same cannot be said for Gordon Brown, it seems, as historians have already delivered their verdict.

The academics have voted the former Labour leader the third worst prime minister since the war.

No 10 welcome: Gordon Brown trailed in third last in the poll of prime ministers, while Mrs Thatcher was second only to Clement Attlee

He comes tenth out of the 12 post-war premiers, ahead of Sir Anthony Eden and Sir Alec Douglas-Home - two men who have long been associated with failure.

David Cameron was not included in the survey, as he has only just taken office.

BRITISH PRIME MINISTERS' SUCCESS RATING

1. Clement Attlee (Labour, 1954-51, pictured above)

3. Tony Blair (Labour, 1997-07)

4. Harold Macmillan (Conservative, 1957-63)

5. Harold Wilson (Labour, 1964-70, 1974-76)

6. Winston Churchill (Conservative, 1951-55)

7. James Callaghan (Labour, 1976-79)

8. John Major (Conservative, 1990-97)

9. Edward Heath (Conservative, 1970-74)

10.Gordon Brown (Labour, 2007-10)

11. Sir Alec Douglas-Home (Conservative, 1963-64)

12. Sir Anthony Eden (Conservative, 1955-57)

It means Mr Brown is considered by experts to be the biggest prime ministerial failure for more than 45 years.

The poll of more than 100 academics found that although Mr Brown should be congratulated on his response to the banking crisis, he should be considered a failure because of the huge debt he left behind.

By contrast, his predecessor and bitter rival Tony Blair came third in the list of success, only marginally behind Margaret Thatcher.

Top, by a wide margin, was Labour's post-war leader Clement Attlee who between 1945 and 1951 set up the welfare state and established the NHS.

Harold Macmillan, dubbed Supermac when he led the Tories from 1957 to 1963 and told Britons they had 'never had it so good', came in at number four.

Labour's Harold Wilson (1964-70 and 1974-6) was fifth, while Winston Churchill only came sixth for his peacetime stint as premier from 1951 to 1955.

James Callaghan-who led Labour during the notorious-Winter of Discontent, came higher in the survey than both John Major and Edward Heath, who took Britain into the EU but whose premiership was marred by arguments with the miners.

Next on the list is Brown, followed by Douglas-Home - who was only leader of the Conservatives for a year as the party floundered in the wake of the Profumo scandal.

Languishing at the bottom was Sir Anthony Eden, who led Britain into the disastrous Suez invasion.

Mark Gill, of Woodnewton Associates, who helped run the survey, said Mr Blair's time in charge had been judged by academics as being a benefit for society and the constitution.

But his foreign policy - which included the invasion of Iraq in 2003 - was given a poor mark. Lady Thatcher was the only prime minister to emerge well in terms of foreign policy.

Mr Gill said: 'Tony Blair's performance as prime minister is clouded by his decision to take part in the Iraq war.

More...At least someone loves you Gordon! Sarah Brown uses Twitter to declare devotion on 10th wedding anniversary

HARRY PHIBBS: Tenth place rating for Gordon Brown is too good for him

'Almost two thirds of academics say this was his biggest failure. No other prime minister since 1945 has one issue so closely associated with their reputation.'

The academics are scathing about the damage that Mr Brown wrought on the Labour party - saying that his influence was worse than Sir John's Major's influence on the Tory party.

 Sir Anthony Eden, left, had a difficult premiership which came to an end in 1957 as a result of the Suez crisis. Right, Winston Churchill's second period in Downing Street was also a disappointment to many

His monumental 1997 defeat following years of damaging internal rifts over Europe left the Conservatives out of power for 13 years.

TODAY'S POLL

Who do you think has been the worst post-war Prime Minister?

 Kevin Theakston, the professor at Leeds University who compiled the survey, said length of service was an important factor in determining how well prime ministers did in the survey.

He said: 'Each of the top five PMs served at least six years in Downing Street. In the bottom half of the table, only Major had two terms in office, serving for seven years.'

David Cameron was not included in the survey, as he has only just taken over.

Only five of the 12 prime ministers since the war have been Labour. However, they are more likely to be in the top half of the table than Tory ones - meaning the average Labour prime minister is seen as being more successful.

Breaking nyuuuuuuzz vigogo waanguka kura za maoni (CCM)
Miongoni mwa wanasiasa mahiri na wakongwe walioangushwa ni Mbunge wa Mtera, John Malecela, ambaye ameliongoza jimbo hilo kwa miaka zaidi ya 25, ambapo amekwaa kisiki kutoka kwa Katibu wa UVCCM wilaya ya Tarime, Livingstone Lusinde.

Mzee Malecela alipata kura 3,326 katika kata 13 kati ya 19 wakati mpinzani wake Lusinde amepata kura 3,375.

Hata hivyo, Lusinde alifika katika ofisi za katibu huyo na kudai amekamilisha matokeo ya kata zote na ameshinda kwa kupata kura 5,810 wakati Malecela ana kura 5,379 .

Barongo alisema katika jimbo la Mpwapwa, mbunge wa zamani George Lubeleje alipata kura 4,830 huku mpinzani wake Gregory Teu akipata kura 7,777.

Jimbo la Kibakwe, George Simbachawene, aliibuka kidedea katika kata 13 kati 16 baada ya kupata kura 8,824 huku mpinzani wake Aggrey Galawika akiwa na kura 2,537.

Kwa upande wa jimbo la Chilonwa, Ezekiah Chibulunje alipata kura 5,269 katika kata nane kati ya kata 13 wakati mpinzani Mwaka Joel akipata kura 3,848.

Kondoa Kaskazini Zabein Mhita aliibuka mshindi katika kata 15 kati ya kata 28 kwa kupata kura 6,211 huku mpinzani wake Mohamed Moni akiwa na kura 2,116.

Kondoa Kusini Juma Nkamia alipata kura 4,249 katika kata 11 kati ya 20 wakati mkongwe Pascal Degera akipata kura 632.

Jimboni Bahi, Dinald Majitii aliongoza kwa kupata kura 2,627 katika kata 15 kati ya 24 huku mgombea mwenzake Omar Badwel akipata kura 2,268.

Kwa upande wa jimbo la Kongwa, Job Ndugai ameibuka kidedea baada ya kupata kura 8,208 katika kata nane kati ya kata 22 dhidi ya John Palingo ambaye alipata kura 2,295.

Jimbo la Dodoma Mjini Peter Chiwanga alipata kura 3,183, Georvin Malole 2,479 huku Adam Kimbisa akipata kura 214 katika kata 18 kati ya 37.

Wakongwe wengine waliodondoshwa ni mbunge wa Rorya mkoani Mara, Profesa Philemon Sarungi, ambaye ameangushwa na diwani wa Kata ya Koryo, Lamek Airo.

Profesa Sarungi, ambaye amewahi kushika nyadhifa mbalimbali ikiwemo Waziri wa Afya na Ustawi wa Jamii, ameangushwa mfanyabiashara maarufu Airo.

Katika orodha hiyo ya wakongwe pia wamo mbunge wa Mufindi mkoani Iringa, Joseph Mungai, ambaye ameangushwa na Mahamudu Mgimwa huku Mbunge wa Mchinga, Mudhihir Mudhihir, akipigwa kumbo na Said Mtanda.

Mungai aliwahi kuwa Waziri wa Elimu huku Mudhihir akiwa Naibu Waziri wa Kazi, Maendeleo ya Vijana na Michezo.

Kimaro adondoshwa Vunjo

Kutoka mkoani Kilimanjaro, Rodrick Makundi anaripoti kuwa, Mbunge wa jimbo la Vunjo, Aloyce Kimaro, amedondoshwa kwenye kura za maoni, ambapo Crispin Meela ameibuka kidedea.

Wanasiasa wengine waliokuwa wakiwania jimbo hilo ni aliyekuwa Kamanda wa Kikosi cha Usalama Barabarani, James Kombe.

Kwa mujibu wa matokeo hayo, Meela ameshinda kwa kura 7,162, Kimaro (3,194) Kombe kura 1,110 na Thomson Moshi (788).

Jimbo la Moshi Mjini, aliyekuwa Diwani wa Kata ya Kiusa, Athuman Ramole, ameibuka mshindi katika mchakato huo akiwashinda wapinzani wenzake tisa.

Ramole amepata kura 1,554, akifuatiwa na Mwenyekiti wa WAZAZI mkoa wa Kilimanjaro, Thomas Ngawaiya (1,539) na Justine Salakana (1,152).

Jimbo la Moshi Vijijini, Mbunge anayemaliza muda wake, Dk. Cyril Chami ameibuka mshindi kwa kura 9,196 dhidi ya mpinzani wake Ansi Mmasi (2,791).

Jimbo la Mwanga, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake Profesa Jumanne Maghembe, ameshinda kwa kura 10,743 huku Joseph Thadayo akipata kura 6,889.

Jimbo la Siha, Naibu Waziri wa TAMISEMI Agrrey Mwanri, ameibuka kidedea baada ya kukosa mpinzani.

Majimbo la Same Mashariki na Magharibi, yanayoshikiliwa na Anne Kilango na Dk. Mathayo David, walikuwa wakiongoza.

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Chambiri amng’oa Kwaangw’

Kutoka mkoani Manyara, Tabia Daffo, anaripoti kuwa Mbunge wa Simanjiro, Christopher Ile Sendeka, ametetea nafasi yake licha ya kukabiliwa na ghasia kubwa.

Ghasia hizo zilizuka baada ya mwanachama mmoja kutoweka na daftari lenye orodha ya wapiga kura wa tawi la Landanai na hivyo uchaguzi huo kurudiwa kwenye kata za Terat, Ruvuremiti, Lobosiret na Naberera.

Katika Jimbo la Babati, mbunge anayetetea nafasi hiyo Omar Kwaangw’, ameangushwa na aliyekuwa Mbunge wa Tarime mkoani Mara, Kisyeri Chambiri.

Katika Jimbo la Babati Vijijini, mambo yamemwendea vibaya mbunge wake wa sasa Damas Nakei, ambapo Mwenyekiti wa Wazazi mkoa Manyara, Jittu Vrajlal Soni, ameibuka mshindi.

Jimbo la Hanang, mbunge wa sasa Dk. Mary Nagu, amefanikiwa kumshinda mpinzani wake wa karibu Rose Kamili, ambaye ni mke wa Katibu Mkuu wa CHADEMA, Dk. Wilbroad Slaa.

Dk. Wanyancha ang’oka

Kutoka mkoani Mara, Samson Chacha na Eva-Sweet Musiba, wanaripoti kuwa Mkuu wa wilaya ya Kwimba, Christopher Kangoye, ameongoza Jimbo la Tarime na kumshinda mpinzani wake wa karibu Nyambari Nyangwine.

Jimbo la Serengeti, matokeo yanaonyesha kuwa mbunge wa sasa Dk. James Wanyancha, ambaye pia ni Naibu Waziri wa Maendeleo ya Mifugo na Uvuvi, amepigwa kumbo na Dk. Steven Kebwe.

Jimbo la Musoma Mjini, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake, Vedastus Mathayo, ameibuka mshindi kwa kura 6,489 akifuatiwa na Eliud Tongora aliyepata 3,771.

Kwa upande wa madiwani walioshinda na kata zao kwenye mabano ni Ally Jama (Iringo), Heri Zebedayo (Kitaji), Goldon Mumbala (Nyasho), Madali Kerenge (Mwigobero), Swahib Mohamed (Nyakato), John Matesi (Kamnyonge), Deogratius Ndege (Bweri), Daud Misango (Mwisenge), Patric Gumbo (Makoko), Masumbuko Magesa (Nyamatare ) na John Mawazo (Kamnyonge).

Katika Jimbo la Musoma Vijijini, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake, Nimrod Mkono ameshinda kwa kura 34,113 akifuatiwa na Antony Mtaka aliyepata 5,940.

Mkuchika, Chikawe

Hawa Ghasia kidedea

Kutoka Mtwara Rashid Mussa, anaripoti kuwa mawaziri watatu, Hawa Ghasia (Menejimenti ya Utumishi wa Umma), George Mkuchika (Habari Utamaduni na Michezo) na Matias Chikawe (Katiba na Sheria), wamefanikiwa kumeibuka kidedea kwenye majimbo yao .

Mkuchika, amefanikiwa kutetea Jimbo la Newala, Hawa ametetea Jimbo la Mtwara Mjini na Chikawe, Nachingwea.

Hata hivyo, wabunge watatu mkoani hapa, Mohamedi Sinani (Mtwara Mjini) na Suleiman Kumchaya (Lulindi) na Raynald Mrope (Masasi), wameangushwa.

Hawa ameongoza kwa kura 17,000 na kumshinda mpinzani wake Said Nyengedi, aliyepata kura 6,000.

Mkuchika ameongoza kwa kura 9,650 dhidi ya Rashid Akbaru, aliyeambulia kura 6,602.

Chikawe ameongoza kwa kura 2820 dhidi ya 1,162 za Bernad Mnalli.

Katika Jimbo la Mtama, Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bernad Membe, amepata ushindi wa kishindo baada ya kupita bila kupingwa.

Jimbo la Mtwara Mjini, Sinani ameangushwa na Hasnein Murji.

Dk. Lorri aibuka Karatu

Naye Shaban Mdoe na Lilian Joel, wanaripoti kuwa baadhi ya wabunge wameshindwa kutetea nafasi walizonazo baada ya kudondoshwa.

Katika Jimbo la Arusha Mjini, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake Felix Mrema, ameangushwa na Waziri wa Nchi, Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (MAZINGIRA) Dk. Batilda Burian.

Jimbo la Karatu, mgombea Dk. Wilbroad Lorri, ameibuka kidedea kwa kura 82,460 akifuatiwa na Sixbert Kardya 3,078.

Jimbo la Monduli, Edward Lowassa, ameibuka na ushindi mkubwa na kumtupa mbali mpinzani wake Salash Toure. Lowassa ameibuka na kura 38,262 dhidi ya 321 za Toure.

Jimbo la Longido Mike Lekule Laizer ameongoza kwa kura 13,267 katika kata 14 kati ya 16 za jimbo hili.

Mpesya ‘amliza’ Mwang’oda

Naye Innocent Ng’oko kutoka Mbeya anaripoti kuwa wabunge wawili mkoani hapa, wapo kwenye hali mbaya na wanaweza kudondoshwa. Wabunge hao ni Esterina Kilasi (Mbarali) na Dk. Guido Sigonda (Songwe).

Jimbo la Mbeya Mjini, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake Benson Mpesya, ameibuka na ushindi kwa kura 5,586 dhidi ya 3,362 za Thomas Mwang'onda.

Jimbo la Mbeya Vijijini, Mchungaji Luckson Mwanjale, ameibuka na ushindi wa kura 7,353 akifuatiwa na Andrew Saire 1,902.

Jimbo la Kyela, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake Dk. Harrison Mwakyembe, ameibuka kidedea kwa kura 7,658 dhidi ya 574 za George Mwakalinga.

Jimbo la Rungwe Mashariki, Profesa Mark Mwandosya, ameibuka na ushindi wa kura 4,240 dhidi ya 228 za Steven Mwakajumulo.

Katika Jimbo la Ileje mgombea Ariko Kibona, anaongoza kwa kura 5,849 huku Jimbo la Songwe, matokeo yakionyesha Philipo Mulugo kuwa na kura 7,100. Wanaomfuata ni mbunge wa zamani Poul Ntwina kura 1,968 na mbunge anayemaliza muda wake, Dk. Sigonda akipata kura 780.

Jimbo la Lupa, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake Victor Mwambalaswa, ameibuka kidedea kwa kura 6,135 akifuatiwa na mbunge wa zamani, Njelu Kasaka kura 4,135.

Jimbo la Mbarali, Modestus Kilufi anaongoza kwa 1,521 akifuatiwa na Burton Kihaka kura 1,332 huku mbunge anayemaliza muda wake, Esterina Kilasi akiambulia kura 614.

Jimbo la Rungwe Magharibi, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake na Waziri wa Afya na Ustawi wa Jamii, Profesa David Mwakyusa, ameshinda kwa tofauti ya kura 1,000 dhidi ya Richard Kasesera.

Kutoka Iringa Anita Boma, anaripoti kuwa wabunge sita wa zamani wameangushwa kwenye kura za maoni huku wapinzani wao wa karibu wakitamba.

Wabunge walioangushwa ni Joseph Mungai (Mufindi Kaskazini), Monica Mbega (Iringa Mjini), Jackson Makweta (Njombe Kaskazini), Profesa Raphael Mwalyosi (Ludewa), Benito Malangalila (Mufindi Kusini) na Yono Kevela (Njombe Magharibi).

Monica Mbega, ambaye pia ni Mkuu wa mkoa wa Kilimanjaro ameangushwa na aliyekuwa Katibu Mkuu wa TFF, Fredrick Mwakalebela huku Makweta akiangungwa na aliyekuwa Mwenyekiti wa CCM mkoa wa Iringa Deo Sanga na Mungai akiangushwa na Mahamudu Mgimwa

Katika Jimbo la Iringa Mjini Mwakalebela ameongoza kwa kura 3,897 dhidi ya 2,989 za Monica.

Jimbo Mufindi Kusini, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake Benito Malangalila, ameangushwa na Mendradi Kigola.

Jimbo la Kilolo, ndoto za Venance Mwamoto kumng’oa Profesa Msolla, zimeota mbawa baada ya kuangushwa kwa kura 18,000 dhidi ya zake 3,000.

Jimbo la Isimani mbunge anayemaliza muda wake William Lukuvi, ameshinda kwa kura 7,996 dhidi ya kura 533 za Festo Kiswaga, 286 za Leonard Mwali na Yahaya Mtete aliyepata kura 176.

Jimbo la Kalenga, Steven Galinoma ameangushwa na Dk. William Mgimwa, kwa kura 2,819 akifuatiwa na Abas Kandoro aliyepata kura 2,353.

Jimbo la Ludewa Profesa Mwalyosi, ameangushwa na Deo Filikunjombe. Matokeo yanaonyesha Filikunjombe amepata kura 6,000 dhidi ya 4000 za Profesa Mwalyosi.

Jimbo la Njombe Magharibi, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake Yono Kevela ameangushwa na Thomas Nyimbo.

Jimbo la Makete, mbunge anayemaliza muda wake Dk. Benelith Mahenge, atetea nafasi hiyo kwa kuibuka kidedea huku Naibu Spika Anne Makinda, akitetea Jimbo la Njombe Kusini.

Source by Michuzi

SUGU ASHINDA KURA ZA MAONI CHADEMA MBEYA

Mzee mzima 2proud aka Sugu aka Mr11 ameshinda kura za maoni na kuwa mgombea wa kiti cha ubunge katka jimbo la Mbeya mjini kwa tiketi ya CHADEMA sasa wajameni wale wanaopenda maendeleo na mapinduzi muda ndio huuu , usikae kimya maana uchaguzi ndio huoooo kwa hiyooo tumia kura yako vizuri.

Hapa MRII aka Joseph Mbilinyi alikuwa na Mzee King of Dancehall BeenieMan mitaaa fulani fulani pale kwa bi mkubwa .Tumpe surpot wana waneee huwezi jua anaweza kufanya ya ukweli kwani anaijua street kuliko wazushi wavaa makoti na tai ambao hata hawajaonja swaga la street. Pamoja wana tuwakilishe kwa kwenda mbele.

Source by Hungaz

Straw rejects U.S. Senate's 'unusual invitation' to attend grilling over Lockerbie bomber

Scottish ministers also refuse to attend hearing

Senators forced to deny they will interrogate Tony Blair

Former justice secretary Jack Straw today delivered a diplomatic snub to US senators who wanted him to fly across the Atlantic to answer questions over the release of the Lockerbie bomber.

He joined Scottish ministers and officials who have refused to attend the congressional hearing next week over the controversial release and the possible involvement of oil giant BP.

And MPs today reacted with fury to the demands of American senators for British politicians to be at their beck and call.

Earlier Mr Straw, describing the request as 'highly unusual', had said he would consult with the Foreign Office and with Gordon Brown following the 'invitation' to testify at a hearing over the release of Abdel Basset al Megrahi.

But he added: 'It is in my experience highly unusual for the legislature of one sovereign state to conduct an inquiry into decisions of another sovereign state.

'Invitations': Jack Straw has refused to attend a U.S. Senate hearing on the release of the Lockerbie bomber, while senators have been forced to admit Tony Blair will not be asked after an embarrassing blunder

'There are therefore important issues of principle here which could affect UK governments of any party.'

It was not clear if he would consult with Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr Straw is the most senior politician to be dragged into the row. The politician finds himself at the heart of the affair because of the role he played in securing a prisoner transfer agreement with Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi in 2008.

There are suggestions that this paved the way for the terrorist’s release.

More...Alex Salmond writes to U.S. senators to explain decision to release Lockerbie bomber

In a letter to Mr Straw, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said it wanted his ‘help in understanding the events that led to the release of Megrahi’.

Mr Straw is in a ‘unique position to help us understand several questions still lingering from this decision’, it added.

It has emerged Mr Brown's predecessor Tony Blair will escape a grilling.

Pressure: The controversy over the Lockerbie bomber's release flared up during David Cameron's visit to Washington for talks with Barack Obama

The Senate committee was embarrassed into denying that it had invited Mr Blair to attend after reports of an 'unauthorised draft letter' to the former Prime Minister emerged last night.

Meanwhile Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has refused the Senate request.

'The U.S. Senate's invitation is primarily predicated on an investigation into what may or may not have happened with regard to a BP oil deal,' Mr MacAskill, who made the decision to release al Megrahi last year, said.

'The Scottish government was neither party nor privy to what was going on there, so we've made it quite clear that we have no information that we can provide regarding that.'

Alex Salmond has also declined the invitation.

‘This is now getting out of hand. The Senate inquiry seems to be turning into a hysterical witch-hunt against BP'

Former Labour defence minister Kevan Jones

Megrahi was freed on compassionate grounds last year by Scottish authorities, who have their own legal powers within the British political system.

His release triggered an international outcry that has complicated U.S.-British relations already frayed by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Senate committee is looking into whether British energy giant BP influenced the bomber's release. BP CEO Tony Hayward has also been invited to appear and is consdering the request.

The Committee has no legal powers to compel anyone to attend the hearings.

Announcing plans for the hearing last week, committee chairman Senator John Kerry said it needed to establish what led to the 'mistaken' release of Megrahi, the only person convicted of the 1988 atrocity in which 270 died, in August last year.

Westminster MPs were angered by the Senate Committee request, with one politician accusing Capitol Hill of a ‘witch-hunt’.

MPs were incredulous that the U.S. had the temerity to demand such a senior figure to appear before them.

Former Labour defence minister Kevan Jones said: ‘This is now getting out of hand. The Senate inquiry seems to be turning into a hysterical witch-hunt against BP.

'It is unthinkable for a House of Commons select committee to demand that a senior American politician be summoned across the Atlantic in this way.'

Last night the Committee was forced into an embarrassing climbdown after claims it had asked Tony Blair to attend.

 Controversial: Abdelbaset al-Megrahi landing in Libya after he was released from jail last year

Senators had apparently drafted a letter calling on the former prime minister to appear for an unprecedented showdown.

But the draft was never sent - and now the committee insists he will never be summoned.

Spokesman Frederick Jones said: 'Mr Blair was not and will not be an invitee. I deeply regret any confusion this may have caused. We still have to get to the bottom of this.'

It is unclear whether the draft was written in error and there was never any intention to summon the former leader or if the request was abandoned as too controversial.

The request for Mr Blair to appear was contained in an 'unauthorised draft letter' leaked to the media, forcing the committee to scramble to retract its contents.

Staff director Frank Lowenstein said: 'Let me state unequivocally that Prime Minister Blair will not be asked to testify before the Foreign Relations Committee at the upcoming hearing on the Megrahi affair, and the Committee has no intention of ever asking him to testify on this issue.'

Another spokesman, Fred Jones, added: 'Tony Blair has not been invited to testify. Any such indication was made in error.'

Mr Blair's spokesman said: 'We have received absolutely no invitation whatsoever.'

Mr Straw’s allies say Megrahi was not released under the prisoner transfer agreement, as he was set free under a Scottish law that allows 'compassionate release' if the prisoner has three months or less to live.

Eleven months later, the convicted terrorist is still alive and well, surrounded by his family in Tripoli.

TODAY'S POLL

Should British ministers be forced to give evidence to U.S. Lockerbie bomber inquiry?

Yes No VOTE POLL RESULTS

poll results U.S. Senators believe the prisoner deal was signed in exchange for a multi-billion-pound oil deal for BP and helped influence the Scottish government's decision.

The Edinburgh government denies it was lobbied by BP about the bomber's fate.

Last week, the Mail revealed that Mr Blair was flown to Libya for secret talks with Colonel Gaddafi earlier this year.

He was 'entertained as a brother' while he and the dictator discussed lucrative investment opportunities.

It is rare, but not unheard of, for current or former officials of other countries to testify before the U.S. Congress.

Former British Foreign Secretary David Miliband testified to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about Afghanistan last January

'I'm not making concessions': Cameron defends stance on Lockerbie as he leaves door open for new inquiry 
Senators believe inquiry could still take place after talks with PM
British Embassy: There WILL be a probe if new evidence emerges
Cameron agrees Megrahi should have died in jail in Britain
Obama: We are disappointed and angry, release was 'heartbreaking'

David Cameron today insisted he was not being forced into concessions by the U.S. as he held out the possibility of a new inquiry into the controversial release of the Lockerbie bomber.

The Prime Minister risked anger by describing Britain as the 'junior partner' in the special relationship with America - but denied this meant he was being bossed around.

'I'm not being pushed into any concessions by anybody,' Mr Cameron told Sky News. 'I want to make sure we handle this in the right way.'

Mr Cameron spoke out after meeting four U.S. senators last night to discuss Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi's release and reassuring them a further investigation was still a possibility.

The senators have vowed to keep up the pressure for a full probe, undeterred by Mr Cameron's promise to hand over explosive secret documents about the case.

He repeated today: 'I'm not currently minded to hold an inquiry because I think it is clear that the Scottish Executive made the decision - a bad decision - in the correct way.

'For me to go to the Cabinet Secretary and say "Go back through the paperwork and check to see whether we should be publishing more documents", I think that's a very reasonable step to take.'

Jackets slung casually over their shoulders, David Cameron and Barack Obama in the White House grounds

 Fresh air: David Cameron and Barack Obama wander through the White House' veggie patch

British Embassy spokesman Martin Longden said Mr Cameron would reconsider holding a UK inquiry if new evidence emerged.

Indications are that due process was followed but 'if evidence comes to light that casts any doubt on that, then the prime minister's clear - it should be properly investigated,' he said.

British officials had initially told the senators the Prime Minister would not have time to meet them but Mr Cameron overruled them after arriving in the U.S. and appreciating the strength of feeling.

The four, from New York and New Jersey where many Lockerbie victims lived, spent 45 minutes with the Prime Minister at the British Ambassador's residence in Washington late last night.

Immediately afterwards, Senator Chuck Schumer, said there was 'too much suspicion to brush this aside'.

'The only way to restore the integrity of what happened and to continue the integrity of the British government is to do a full and complete investigation,' he said.

More...Obama's ray of hope for Gary: President pledges 'solution' for British Asperger's sufferer facing jail in U.S.

ANDREW ALEXANDER: Letting go of Uncle Sam's coat-tails . . .

Obama under pressure for U-turn after black official is forced to quit in 'racist' video row

Tony Hayward forced to deny he's about to step down as BP oil spill catastrophe drags on

British troops could start coming back from Afghanistan next year, claims Cameron

Sam will let me off nappy duty this time, David Cameron tells U.S. television

New York senator Kirsten Gillibrand added: 'This is about how we fight terrorism. We cannot have a convicted terrorist be told that he had three months to live and released and sitting in the lap of luxury for up to 10 years.

'That is not justice served and, when we are trying to be able to be effective in fighting terrorism worldwide as allies, we cannot tolerate a convicted terrorist going free on the basis of evidence that may well have been fraudulent.'

Mr Cameron today denied he was being bounced into taking action. 'I'm not being pushed into any concessions by anybody. I want to make sure we handle this in the right way,' he said.

 Demands: Prime Minister David Cameron refused to hold an inquiry into the release of the Lockerbie bomber during talks with U.S. President Barack Obama yesterday

First talks: Mr Cameron and Mr Obama in the White House East Room yesterday

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is leading calls for a fresh British probe into the murky circumstances surrounding the decision to send Megrahi home to Libya last year.

A long-running inquiry could deal a hammer blow to beleaguered BP, which has admitted lobbying the Labour government for a prisoner transfer deal with Libya while in discussions with the country about a lucrative oil contract.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond today said he did not regret sending Megrahi home despite the diplomatic furore it created, arguing the move was 'with due process and in good faith'.

'If you take a decision in good faith, you don't regret it,' he declared. 'We have had absolutely no doubts about the deep feelings and huge, huge hurt about such an atrocity,' he said.

THE U.S MEDIA'S VERDICT
'British Prime Minister David Cameron aspires to greatness and is capable of it. But standing with President Obama, Cameron did just about everything he could to sidestep a full accounting of how Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi got freed from prison last August.'

Joshua Greenman, New York Daily News
'Britain's high-octane Prime Minister'

ABC News
'It was not quite the Tony Blair-Bill Clinton love fest of 1997, but President Obama and the newly minted British prime minister, David Cameron, appeared game to do everything they could on Tuesday to take some of the recent chill out of the relationship between their countries. Standing side by side in near-identical dark blue suits and blue ties in the East Room at the conclusion of Mr. Cameron’s first visit to the White House as his nation’s leader, the two fortysomethings systematically papered over the few areas of daylight between the United States and Britain.'

Helene Cooper, New York Times
'After 10 weeks in office, Mr. Cameron, who met with President Obama in Washington on Tuesday, has emerged as one of the most activist prime ministers in modern times, rivaling in some respects even Margaret Thatcher, the 'Iron Lady' who as the Conservative leader in the 1980s attacked unions and government bloat while privatizing national industries and vigorously pursuing free-market policies.'

John F Burns in New York Times
But he insisted: 'Not all the relatives have the same position. Some, though not all, of the British relatives concerned were in favour of the release of Mr Megrahi.'

Mr Salmond turned his fire on Tony Blair for negotiating a 'deal in the desert' with Libya in 2007 for a prisoner transfer agreement that cleared the way for BP to land a £550billion contract to drill for oil.

He also told Newsnight last night that the only two documents relating to Megrahi not to have been released were correspondence between British ministers and the U.S. government Scotland had been forbidden to publish.

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, the minister responsible for the release, said: 'I stand by that decision as being the right decision for the right reasons.

'We followed the rules and the regulations and it balanced the beliefs and values that the people of Scotland, I believe, seek to live by, which is that we believe that justice has to be served but mercy must be capable of being shown.'

Mr Cameron, who will try to distance himself from the row today as he looks to shift the focus onto trade, yesterday agreed with President Barack Obama that Megrahi should have died in jail.

After the two held their first talks at the White House, President Obama demanded full co-operation from Britain with a Senate inquiry into the affair.

The President described the release of the Lockerbie bomber last August as 'heartbreaking'.

'I think all of us here were surprised, disappointed and angry about the release of the Lockerbie bomber,' he said.

'We should have all the facts, they should be laid out there. I have confidence Prime Minister Cameron's government will be co-operative. The decision ran contrary to how we should be treating terrorists.'

Mr Cameron, speaking at a press conference alongside Mr Obama, said Megrahi's return to Libya 'was a bad decision, it shouldn't have been made. This was the biggest mass murderer in British history'.

Megrahi was the only man convicted of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which crashed in December 1988, killing 270.

He was released last year by Scottish ministers on 'compassionate' grounds after being given just three months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Rather than authorise a full inquiry, Mr Cameron - whose first trip to the U.S. as Prime Minister was in danger of being overshadowed by renewed American anger over Megrahi's release, vowed he would publish any relevant documents relating to the affair.

Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell has been ordered to trawl Government paperwork and determine what should be released.

That would require the Government to consult Tony Blair - prime minister at the time of the infamous 'deal in the desert' struck with Libya in 2007 - and Gordon Brown, as constitutional convention dictates.

There is even the prospect of Mr Blair and other key figures in the affair being asked to give evidence to a Senate probe.

BP - already under intense attack in the U.S. over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill - has confirmed it spoke to the Labour government about the 'negative impact on UK commercial interests' caused by the slow progress on a prisoner transfer agreement with Libya.

But it denies any involvement in the decision to release Megrahi.

Key to the Senate probe will be secret minutes of two telephone calls and an unpublished letter between Jack Straw, then Justice Secretary, and former MI6 agent Sir Mark Allen, who helped negotiate the 'deal in the desert' - which cleared the way for BP to land a £550billion contract to drill for oil - and then went to work for the oil company.

 Pushing for an inquiry: (from left) Sen. Charles Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Sen. Robert Menendez, and Sen. Frank Lautenberg outside the British embassy in Washington last night after meeting Mr Cameron

Mr Cameron said he was asking the Cabinet Secretary 'to go back over all the paperwork... so there is the clearest possible picture out there of what decision was taken and why'.

'I do not currently think that another inquiry is the right way to go,' he said. 'I don't need an inquiry to tell me what I already know, which is that it was a bad decision.'

The Prime Minister dismissed new calls from angry senators for a moratorium on BP oil drilling in Libya. 'I think that trying to connect these issues up, I don't think that is right, frankly,' he said.

British officials had initially told four senators from New York and New Jersey, from where many of the Lockerbie victims came, that the Prime Minister would not have time to meet them. But Mr Cameron overruled them after arriving in the U.S. and appreciating the strength of feeling.

Senator Schumer, before last night's meeting, had said he would demand Megrahi be brought back to justice.

British sources said they could not conceive of a way the bomber could feasibly be brought back. But the demands will heap pressure on Mr Blair - who paid the latest of a series of visits to Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi last month - to at least request his return.

 Hero's welcome: Al-Megrahi, left, returning to Libya last year with Colonel Gaddafi's son

Mrs Clinton urged the British Government to conduct a thorough review of the release.

'Everybody has an interest in making sure this was a decision that was made freely, based on the best information available and did not represent any inappropriate or skewed actions,' her spokesman said.

In a letter to senators, Mrs Clinton said: 'That Megrahi is living out his remaining days outside of Scottish custody is an affront to the victims' families, the memories of those killed in the Lockerbie bombing, and to all of those who worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served.'

Mr Cameron said he believed Megrahi 'should have died in jail' but insisted his release had not been BP's decision.

'It was the Scottish Government that took that decision. They took it after proper process and what they saw as the right, compassionate reasons. I just happen to think it was profoundly misguided.

'He was convicted of the biggest mass murder and in my view he should have died in jail. I said that very, very clearly at the time; that is my view today.'

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who authorised the release, said yesterday: 'I followed the rules and laws set down in Scottish statute... and I believe I also adhered to the values and beliefs that we have in Scotland.'

Now Miliband admits release was a mistake U-turn: David Miliband now says Megrahi should not have gone free

David Miliband performed an astonishing U-turn over the Lockerbie scandal yesterday by saying the release of the bomber was 'clearly wrong'.

The Labour leadership contender and former Foreign Secretary was denounced as 'shockingly opportunistic' for flatly contradicting the stance he took in government.

Mr Miliband said: 'It was clearly wrong because it was done on the basis he had less than three months to live and it's now 11 months on.'

In October last year, just weeks after Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was greeted as a hero on his return to Tripoli, Mr Miliband made clear that Labour had wanted the bomber to go home.

He told MPs that the decision was one for the Scottish Government, but added: 'British interests, including those of UK nationals, British businesses and possibly security co- operation would be damaged, perhaps badly, if Megrahi were to die in a Scottish prison rather than Libya.

'Given the risk of Libyan adverse reaction we made it clear to them both that as a matter of law and practice it was not a decision for the UK government and as a matter of policy we were not seeking Megrahi's death in Scottish custody.'

Yesterday Tory MP Douglas Carswell, commenting on the U-turn, said: 'It's shockingly opportunistic. When he was a mandarin's puppet in government he was happy to regurgitate the party line. Now he

wants to be seen as a credible Labour leadership candidate he's busy telling people what he thinks they want to hear. He's taking us all for fools.'

A Scottish Government source said: 'It was David Miliband's own government that did the deal in the desert and Miliband was Foreign Secretary when the UK signed the Prisoner Transfer Agreement with Libya with the clear intention of sending Megrahi back to Libya.'

An SNP source added: 'This ludicrous about-turn by Miliband will damage his credibility and do him absolutely no good, either in his party or anywhere else.'

The Scottish Government had been asked to consider two applications last year - one for compassionate release on medical grounds and one through the prisoner transfer agreement.

Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill granted his compassionate release from Greenock prison after seeking medical advice, a decision which was met with anger, particularly among victims' relatives and politicians in the US.

Mr MacAskill, speaking on a visit to a Scottish jail yesterday, said he had followed the rules.

The Scottish Nationalist said he was 'surprised' that the shadow foreign secretary had condemned the release.

He also pointed out that Mr Miliband was part of Tony Blair's government that struck the desert deal to return Megrahi to Libya under the separate agreement.

Stop picking on BP warns defiant PM David Cameron mounted his staunchest defence yet of BP last night as he issued a public warning to Barack Obama over his pursuit of the firm.

The Prime Minister said it would be unacceptable for the U.S. to pass legislation specifically targeting BP or to try to make it pay compensation for damages that have nothing to do with the Gulf oil spill.

Proposals that have emerged from the U.S. Congress include a moratorium on drilling for firms that have seen more than ten workers killed in an accident - a figure that only applies to BP.

Others have suggested the firm must not only pick up the bill for the direct consequences of the spill, but even the impact of a temporary ban on oil operations in the Gulf for other firms. Mr Cameron said he did not want to engage in a 'war of words' with the U.S. over the issue.

But he insisted: 'I think there are some areas where we need to be clear about what BP's responsibility is: cap the well, yes, clear up the mess, yes, make compensation, yes absolutely, but would it be right to have legislation that independently targets BP rather than other companies?

'I don't think that would be right. Would it be right to say that BP has to pay compensation for damages that were nothing to do directly with the spill? I don't think that would be right.

'We have to be clear about what BP's responsibility is and those are discussions obviously that BP has to have with the U. S. administration.'

He said he was 'very angry' about the spill, which has caused an anti-British backlash across America: 'I want BP to sort it out, and they are sorting it out.' The Prime Minister said he had held regular meetings with BP executives over the issue.

Concerns that BP moved too soon to shut off the Gulf of Mexico oil spill were allayed last night.

Scientists discovered that an oil seep on the sea floor was unconnected with the BP well, raising hopes that the cap will prevent any more oil from gushing into the ocean.

AMOS MAKALA ACHUKUA FORM ZA KUGOMBEA UBUNGE JIMBO LA MVOMERO - MKOANI MOROGORO




Amos Makala baada ya kukabidhiwa form na Abilai Wakambi, katibu wa CCM Wilaya ya Mvomero.

Wagombea wengine waliotangulia kuchukua form siku ya jumatatu ya tar 19 July kabla ya Makala ni pamoja na........Suleiman Sadick, Musa Mruma, Albane Marcus Mgweno, Engineer Leon Nsimbe

Kabla ya kukabidhiwa form kuna kiasi unatakiwa kulipia niliona imetoka 1.1m kama sikosei

Amos akisalimiana na wanachama mbalimbali wa CCM waliokuwepo kumsindikiza

Amos Makala akizungumza machache na kutambulisha baadhi ya watu waliojitokeza kum support na kumsindikiza akiwemo Steve Nyerere na Lady JayDee

source Lady Jaydee

Pregnant Samantha Cameron 'too knackered' to fly with PM on first official visit to U.S.By James Chapman

Samantha Cameron will not accompany her husband on his historic first trip to the United States as Prime Minister.

Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to and including the 36th week, provided the pregnancy has been straightforward.

Mrs Cameron's baby is understood to be due in early September, meaning she could still travel if she wished.

But she pulled out of a trip last month to the G8 and G20 summits in Canada, citing exhaustion, and has apparently baulked at the prospect of another long flight.

She will also miss a trip by the Prime Minister to India to promote a new 'special relationship' with Britain later this month.

'Samantha Cameron was very keen to come to India, but she won't be coming as she is expecting a baby in September,' said one British diplomat.

'The Camerons are very thrilled at the news and don't want to take any chances with the baby on the way.'

The couple tried for another child after the death of their six-year-old son Ivan, who suffered from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, last year.

Even if Samantha was in a condition to to travel, she may not have been accompanying her husband anyway.

The Prime Minister - in a bid to show that everyone is tightening their belts as part of the Government's austerity drive - has chosen to take commercial flights to America.

More...How Dave's White House plans were changed (as the flight was fully booked...)

Releasing Lockerbie bomber was a 'terrible mistake', Cameron to tell Obama

Mr Cameron will have three hours in the White House and plenty of face-to-face time with the President - in stark contrast to visits by former PM Gordon Brown, which were dogged by rumours of the Labour leader being snubbed by Mr Obama.

Back from holiday: Barack Obama waves to reporters as he and wife Michelle return from a weekend away with daughters Sasha and Malia

Of course Mr Cameron will have plenty to talk about with Mr Obama, and not all of it will be pleasant.

There is the continuing BP crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, which Mr Cameron has been keen to stay clear of but will be uppermost in Mr Obama's mind.

Then there is the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Al Megrahi, who was freed last summer on compassionate grounds because he was supposedly dying of cancer.

 Special relationship: Both leaders, seen getting along fine at Winfield House in London, will be hoping to build on the relationship they already have

Washington was unhappy at the release of a man who had been found guilty of killing 190 American citizens - especially when it was suggested that BP lobbied the British Government for his freedom in return for an oil deal in Libya.

But there is evidence that Mr Cameron and Mr Obama are trying to keep the ofton-mentioned 'special relationship' between the teo countries.

Last month in Canada, Mr Obama even gave Mr Cameron a lift in his helicopter from the G8 to the G20 summit.

It doesn't get much friendlier than that.

Topics of conversation: Mr Obama will want to talk with Mr Cameron about the continuing BP crisis and the early release of terrorist Abdelbaset Al Megrahi.

Blair in secret talks with Gaddafi: Lockerbie families' fury as ex-Premier is treated like a 'brother' by dictator just days after denying links with Libya

Tony Blair was flown to Libya for secret talks with Colonel Gaddafi just days after denying he was an adviser to the dictator.

Mr Blair was 'entertained as a brother', a senior Libyan government source has revealed.

He told the reporter that the former prime minister had offered Gaddafi, with whom he is on first-name terms, 'a great deal of invaluable advice'.

Secret talks: Tony Blair was flown to Libya to discuss international and domestic issues with Colonel Gaddafi - days after denying he was an adviser to the dictator

They discussed a wide range of international and domestic issues, including lucrative investment opportunities.

The meeting, in Tripoli last month, came shortly after Mr Blair's spokesman flatly denied that he had any 'formal or informal', 'paid or unpaid' advisory role to Gaddafi.

The revelation will heap pressure on Mr Blair - now a Middle East peace envoy - over his links to the Libyan regime and potential conflicts of interest between his public and private roles.

More...Paper trail points to Blair: Former PM 'sanctioned the abuse of UK citizens'

BP bosses to be grilled by U.S. senators over role in release of Lockerbie bomber

It will also anger those who lost family members in the Lockerbie bombing, for which Libya has admitted responsibility.

And the timing couldn't be worse for BP, which is being accused in the U.S. of helping to engineer the early release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi in exchange for oil concessions from the Libyan government.

Mr Blair has been closely associated with BP and as prime minister in 2007, he famously shook Gaddafi's hand after smoothing the way to a £450million exploration deal between the corporation and Libya's National Oil Corporation.

Last night relatives of the Lockerbie victims condemned the meeting. 'For Blair to meet Gaddafi like this is incredibly hurtful and immoral,' said Kathleen Flynn, from New Jersey in the U.S.

Her 21-year-old son John Patrick was one of 270 killed in the bombing.

'I do not believe he can even have a moral compass anymore,' she added.

'Because of people like Blair we do not feel that justice has been either served or done in our case. He is a turncoat.'

Since leaving Downing Street, Mr Blair has been advising firms including JP Morgan - with which he has a £2million-a-year contract - about investment opportunities in Libya.

The country is described by speculators as an 'Eldorado' because of its huge energy wealth and outdated infrastructure which needs renewing.

Intrigue: Mr Blair is said to be on first-name terms with the Libyan dictator and was treated like a 'brother' on his visit

According to Libyan government sources, such matters were high on the agenda when Mr Blair arrived in Tripoli on June 10.

He flew in from a two-day visit to the impoverished state of Rwanda - one which had been highly publicised, not least of all on the official 'Office of Tony Blair' website.

Yet, intriguingly, the site contains no details whatsoever of the visit to see Gaddafi.

'It was carried out in conditions of utmost secrecy,' said well-placed Libyan government source, claiming that it was 'private and nothing to do with any of Mr Blair's part-time official roles.'

The source continued: 'Blair was met at the airport and transported from his private Gulfstream jet to the Brother Leader's palace in an armoured limousine.'

The source added: 'Blair was treated as a brother by Brother Leader Gaddafi - the two got on incredibly well, as they always do.

'Blair was delighted to offer both his expertise and friendship to the Brother Leader.'

Less than a week before the meeting, Mr Blair's official spokesman had vehemently denied claims by Saif Gaddafi, son and possible successor to the Colonel, that Mr Blair had advisory links with the Libyan government and the Libyan Investment Authority, the sovereign fund managing the country's £65billion oil wealth.

Yet, following an investigation carried out across North Africa and Europe, can also reveal that the LIA has just opened its new London HQ one street away from Tony Blair Associates, the highly secretive international consultancy.

It has also emerged that the LIA is poised to invest millions of pounds in BP.

BP is already under fire in the U.S. over the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week called for an investigation into claims that it lobbied the Government to release Al-Megrahi in order to smooth an oil deal with Libya.

BP has confirmed that it did indeed lobby Mr Blair's government in late 2007 over a prisoner transfer agreement between Libya and Britain.

The UK's ambassador in Washington Sir Nigel Sheinwald insisted claims that Megrahi was released because of an oil deal were 'not true'.

A spokesman for Mr Blair said: 'It was not a private meeting.

'Tony Blair did not stay with Colonel Gaddafi. He has no role whatsoever, paid or otherwise, with the Libyan government or the Libyan Investment Authority.

'He hasn't the faintest idea where the LIA head office is.'

JK AWATAMBULISHA RASMI WAGOMBEA

Mwenyekiti wa CCM ,Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akiwatambulisha Mgombea Urais wa Zanzibar Dr.Ali Mohamed Shein (kushoto) na mgombea mwenza bara Dr.Mohamed Gharib Bilal kwa wajumbe wa mkutano mkuu wa CCM jana usiku

Mwenyekiti wa CCM Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akiwa pamopja na Rais wa Zanzibar Amani Abedi Karume(kulia) pamoja na Makamu wa Rais Dr.Ali Mohamed Shein(wa pili kushoto), pampja na mgombea mwenza Dr.Mohamed Gharib Bilal mwishoni mwa mkutano mkuu wa CCM mjini Dodoma jana usiku.

Mke wa Rais Mama Salma Kikwete akimpongeza wenyekiti wa CCM ,Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete kwa kuchaguliwa kwa zaidi ya silimia 99 kuwa mgombea pekee wa Urais kwa tiketi ya CCM.
                                                   
                                                         Picha: Freddy Maro/ikulu
source by Global

Confidence in Barack Obama sinks to new low as 60% of voters say they lack faith in President

 Nearly 60 per cent of Americans no longer have faith in President Barack Obama's decision making

But the Washington Post/ABC News poll found that his approval numbers are still higher than politicians in either major party four months ahead of congressional elections.

Asked how much confidence they have in Obama to make the right decisions for the U.S. future, 58 per cent of respondents said 'just some' or 'none'.

Sixty-eight per cent expressed the same sentiments about Democrats in Congress and 72 per cent said the same of Republicans.

The Washington Post said problems in the housing industry, sluggish job growth and other economic issues may have taken a toll on his approval rating.

Just 43 per cent of Americans, including a third of Democrats, now say they approve of the job Mr Obama is doing on the economy, while 54 per cent disapprove.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for grabs in the November 2 elections, as well as 36 of the 100 Senate seats.

Democrats now control both houses of Congress, but a slight majority of those polled said they would prefer to have Republicans in control to serve as a check on Mr Obama's policies.

The poll of 1,288 people was conducted between July 7 and 11.

The Obama party came complete with a barbecue and view of the evening's fireworks from the South Lawn of the White House and doubled as a birthday party for the President's daughter Malia, who turned 12.

Red and blue tablecloths covered tables on the South Lawn and American flags popped up from flower arrangements on the tables.


Barack and Michelle Obama welome their guests to the White House for the July 4th knees-up

The Obamas looked happy and summery as they headed out to the South Lawn to start the festivities yesterday

In his address to the nation from the White House, the President said: 'Today we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of a great experiment, American democracy.

'In every corner of our country, we recall the valour and vision of patriots from Thirteen Colonies who declared independence from a powerful empire and gave birth to a new Nation.

'We gather in town centers and wave flags in parades not only to recall this history we share, but also to honor the vibrant and enduring spirit of America established on this day.

'For those gallant first Americans, such a nation as ours may have seemed like an unattainable dream. Their concept was revolutionary: a government of, by, and for the people. Yet, our founders' tenacity, resolve, and courage in the face of seemingly impossible odds became the bedrock of our country.

'That essence has permeated our land and inspired generations of Americans to explore, discover, and redefine the outer reaches of our infinite potential. It has become the foundation of the American dream.'

Meanwhile, the nation's largest fireworks show lit up the skies in a burst of red, white and blue over the Hudson River straddling New York and New Jersey, a scene that was being repeated in hundreds of communities in a sizzling end to a scorching day for much of the U.S.


Starstruck: A young girl looks speechless as Mr Obama shakes her hand while greeting military families gathered on the South Lawn for the celebrations




'It's amazing on TV,' said Marcos Jimenez, a golf caddy who joined thousands of others lining the riverfront for a prime view of the show. 'I figured seeing it live would be even better.'

Budget cuts forced some communities to pull the plug on the pyrotechnics, but the gigantic Macy's fireworks show went on as planned on Manhattan's West Side, where it moved in 2009 after eight years on the East River.

The show, which aired live on NBC, began just before 9.30pm with huge fireballs exploding in the night sky to the strains of patriotic tunes like Stars And Stripes Forever and The Battle Hymn Of The Republic.


Nice day for some grilling: The skies over the South Lawn were clear as guests enjoyed the Obamas' hospitality with the Washington Monument, on the National Mall, in the background


The White House is illuminated by fireworks as America celebrates 234 years of independence


Shower of sparks: Fireworks explode over the Washington Monument in DC yesterday

The shimmering fireworks that streaked across the night sky replaced a blazing sun that broiled nearly everywhere east of the Mississippi with temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit.

In Washington, vendors with stocked coolers hawked bottles of water along Constitution Avenue. There was a long line for watermelon and near the Washington Monument, firefighters and U.S. Park Police officers sprayed hoses into the crowd.

In Bellevue, Iowa, a 60-year-old woman was killed and at least 23 other people were injured at a parade after two horses pulling a wagon took off, running into spectators along the streets, police said.


Fireworks on the Hudson: The skies above New York City were ablaze last night after the Macy's annual Fourth of July fireworks display


Empire state of mind: The Empire State Building, lit with red, white and blue lights and backlit by fireworks over the Hudson from the Macy's show, is seen from across the East River in Queens

MAN'S ARM BLOWN OFF BY FIREWORK AT JULY 4th PARTY

A man lighting fireworks blew off his arm at a party on New York's Long Island.

Suffolk County police say 36-year-old Eric Smith was using a three-foot long metal tube to shoot mortars from the street near his Islip Terrace home around 5:45 p.m. Saturday.

Police believe he leaned over the device to ignite it and didn't get out of the way before an explosive shot out of the launcher. His left arm was severed at the shoulder.Smith was taken to Southside Hospital in serious condition while friends packed the lost limb in ice to try to save it. Police believe doctors will try to reattach his arm.

In New York, American Joey Chestnut won the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Brooklyn's Coney Island for the fourth straight year, but one of his biggest rivals tried to crash the celebration and was taken into custody.

Six-time champion Takeru Kobayashi, who has not signed a contract with Major League Eating to be free to compete in contests sanctioned by other groups, charged on stage after the competition.

In Washington, thousands gathered on the National Mall were treated to 17 minutes of fireworks, shot off behind the Washington Monument.

Thousands of visitors sat on the steps of the U.S. Capitol for the July 4 concert, featuring David Archuleta, Reba McEntire and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Iraq on Saturday evening for the holiday weekend, his second visit there this year, and attended a citizenship ceremony at one of Saddam Hussein's former hunting lodges.

Festivities in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, will conclude today after 11 days of parades and concerts. The Goo Goo Dolls headlined a free concert on Sunday night, followed by a fireworks show.

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There were more than 40 firework displays in Los Angeles. One of the largest in the area was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Fire crews have spread fire retardant on the nearby hillsides to prevent sparks from igniting brush fires.

Chicago traditionally celebrated a day early on July 3 with a fireworks display that drew more than 1million people.


That sparkly smile: The Macy's fireworks show even featured explosions in the shape of happy faces




A boy watches the fireworks last night on Atlantic Beach in New York

In Seattle, local businesses and individuals donated the $500,000 needed for the city's 20-minute fireworks show, in which three tons of explosives will be set off over Lake Union.

In Durango, Colorado, the fireworks display went on thanks to embattled oil giant BP.

The company stepped forward in December to pay for the fireworks show, five months before oil began spilling from the spot in the Gulf of Mexico where one of the company's rigs exploded.

City officials were poised to cancel the $15,000 show because of a budget crunch but BP, which drills for natural gas in Colorado, offered to pick up the tab.




Goo Goo Dolls headlined a July Fourth concert in Philadelphia, where the declaration of independence was signed in 1776


Staying cool: Temperatures soared across much of the U.S., prompting Americans to stay cool however they
could.