French military jet opens fire in Libya

Breaking News and Commentary from Citizens For Legitimate Government
19 Mar 2011 --Early Edition
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Breaking: French military jet opens fire in Libya --French aircraft have destroyed four Libyan tanks in air strikes 19 Mar 2011 The first shots have been fired in Libya by French military jets enforcing the no-fly zone voted for by the UN. French aircraft are preventing forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Gaddafi from attacking the rebel-held city of Benghazi, French President Nicolas Sarkozy says after a meeting of world leaders in Paris. French aircraft also flew over "all Libyan territory" on reconnaissance missions, according to French military sources. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte tells journalists he believed British, French and Canadian aircraft would launch the first airstrikes, a BBC correspondent reports.
Breaking: France Fires on Libyan Military Vehicle 19 Mar 2011 A French official says a French fighter jet has fired on a Libyan military vehicle, in a first reported strike in the international campaign to enforce a no-fly zone. French Defense Ministry spokesman Thierry Burkhard says the strike was reported around 1645 GMT Saturday.
Warplane downed over Libya's Benghazi 19 Mar 2011 A warplane was shot down Saturday over the rebel-held Libyan city of Benghazi, an AFP reporter witnessed.
French Warplane Fires First Shot in Operation Against Libya, France Confirms 19 Mar 2011
Western powers launch airstrikes on Libyan military forces 19 Mar 2011 Western powers intervened in Libya on Saturday to prevent Moammar Gadhafi from crushing the rebellion in the eastern city of Benghazi. In a dramatic statement, French president Nicolas Sarkozy announced that French airplanes were in the air over Benghazi to prevent Gadhafi’s aircraft from bombarding the city. Sarkozy said the planes would also attack tanks on the ground if necessary to end any assault. The west will oppose any aggression against the civilian population in Benghazi, Sarkozy said. [Except when Israel attacks the 'civilian population' in Gaza, or when US killer drones bomb 'civilian populations' 24/7 in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and any other place where there's oil, gas or opium routes to control -- then no problem! Am I the only one that sees through this hypocritical humanitarian bullsh*t and pathetic calls to oust dictators -- aka previous CIA assets 'going rogue,' recipients of tons of US armaments? The US government doesn't give a *damn* about civilians, anywhere! The US just wants oil production to slow to a crawl so Exxon Mobil's profits can skyrocket. More 'bad economy' equals more union busting and further decimation of the working class. --LRP]
25 killed in U.S. drone strike in Pakistan 17 Mar 2011 The death toll has risen to 25 following a strike launched late Thursday morning by a U.S. drone in Pakistan's northwest tribal area of North Waziristan, reported local Urdu TV channel ARY. According to the report, the U.S. drone fired four missiles at a house located at a village in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, in which a group of people suspected to be militants were said to be holding a meeting inside.
Pakistanis protest botched US air raid 19 Mar 2011 Thousands of people have protested against a US drone strike that killed up to 40 people in Pakistan. Anti-US demonstrators rallied in cities across the country, including Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. More than 3,000 people gathered outside the Red Mosque in the capital, shouting "death to America" and burning the American flag. The protesters expressed their anger over a US missile strike in the north-west of the country on Thursday.
David Cameron sends RAF fighters to Mediterranean 18 Mar 2011 Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime today announced an immediate ceasefire after David Cameron ordered RAF fighters to the Mediterranean to help enforce a military no-fly zone. The Prime Minister said he was sending Typhoon and Tornado jets - as part of a joint operation with the US and France - in order to prevent foment a "bloodbath" in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
Allies Set Conditions on Qaddafi, Prepare for Air Strikes 19 Mar 2011 Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi’s promise of an immediate cease-fire, even if implemented, falls short of the demands set by the U.S., U.K. and France to avert allied military strikes as soon as this weekend. President Barack Obama, speaking at the White House, described specific demands set in coordination with U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Qaddafi must immediately stop attacks on civilians [ and leave that task to the US/UK/France ], halt his advance on Benghazi, and pull back forces from three embattled cities, Ajdabiya, Misrata, and Zawiyah.
Obama warns of military action against Kadhafi 18 Mar 2011 President Barack Obama Friday delivered a frank ultimatum to Moamer Kadhafi, threatening military action if he ignores non-negotiable demands for a ceasefire and a retreat from rebel bastions. The US warning was immediately backed by France, Britain and Arab nations which have driven demands for a no-fly zone and other measures, now enshrined in a UN resolution mandating action. The US president made dramatic and forceful on-camera demands of Kadhafi, saying the world could not stand by because, if left unchecked, Kadhafi would commit atrocities in which thousands would die. [Right, and only the US and/or its bribed poodle nations are allowed to do that.]
I suffered post-traumatic stress after being waterboarded on Ken Loach set, says actor 18 Mar 20110 A former paratrooper claims he suffered sustained panic attacks and post-traumatic stress after being waterboarded for a scene in a new film ['Route Irish'] by Ken Loach. Trevor Williams said he was strapped to a bench press, had his feet elevated, hands tied and face covered with a rag while experiencing "simulated drowning" for a total of 80 seconds, halting only when he gave small thumb signals to the crew... Loach maintained that the scene was aimed at highlighting the "disgusting" practice of torture which George Bush described in his memoir , Decision Points, as "simulated drowning".

Audit: Pentagon overpaid billionaire oilman by up to $200 million --'The International Oil Trading Company overcharged by hundreds of millions of dollars while the Bush administration looked the other way.' 17 Mar 2011 A Pentagon audit has found that the federal government overpaid a billionaire oilman by as much as $200 million on several military contracts worth nearly $2.7 billion. The audit by the Defense Department’s inspector general, which was posted on the Pentagon’s Web site this week, estimated that the department paid the oilman "$160 [million] to $204 million more for fuel than could be supported by price or cost analysis." ..Harry Sargeant III, a well-connected Florida businessman and once-prominent Republican donor, first faced scrutiny over his defense work in October 2008.

Israel threatens 'military action' if Iran refuses to stop nuclear programme --Israeli PM said Iran has enough material for almost three nuclear bombs 18 Mar 2011 Israel's Prime Minister said the world must make clear that Iran would face 'credible military action' if sanctions do not shut down Tehran's disputed nuclear program. Benjamin Netanyahu's warning comes as Malaysian police found equipment they suspect could be used to make nuclear weapons smuggled on board a ship headed to Iran. Mr Netanyahu said this week it was clear Iran was pursuing its nuclear ambitions despite international sanctions and had enough material for almost three nuclear bombs. [WHY is it fine and dandy for *other* nations to have nuclear power?]

Snipers shooting Yemeni civilians 18 Mar 20111 With a state of emergency already in place, snipers deployed by the Yemeni government are still targeting civilians from rooftops. At least 50 people were killed on Friday alone, when protesters took to the streets to call for an end to the three-decade rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, a Press TV correspondent reported.

Japan Finds Contaminated Food Up to 90 Miles From Nuclear Sites 20 Mar 2011 The government said Saturday that it had found higher than normal levels of radioactive materials in spinach and milk at farms up to 90 miles away from the ravaged nuclear power plants, the first confirmation by officials that the unfolding nuclear crisis has affected the nation’s food supply. While officials played down the immediate risks to consumers, the findings further unsettled a nation worried about the long-term effects of the damaged nuclear power plants.

Radioactive iodine found in Tokyo water --Radiation above national safety level found in spinach and milk 19 Mar 2011 As looming nuclear crisis threatens Japan, the government says small amounts of radioactive iodine have been detected in tap water in Tokyo and five other areas. On Saturday, the Japanese government said a sample of tap water from the Japanese capital contained 1.5 becquerals per kg of iodine 131, well below the 'tolerable' limit for food and drink of 300 becquerals per kg.

Japan advised iodine for people near plant - IAEA --Levels at plant "significantly higher" than normal 19 Mar 2011 Japanese authorities earlier this week issued a recommendation that people leaving the area near a tsunami-crippled nuclear power plant should ingest iodine, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Saturday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also said radiation at the damaged Fukushima Daiichi plant had stabilised at "significantly higher" levels than normal, but these were still in a range allowing onsite recovery measures. Earlier this week, the Vienna-based U.N. agency said Japan had provided 230,000 units of stable iodine to evacuation centres as a precautionary measure in the nuclear emergency.

67 exposed to radiation in Fukushima prefecture following radioactive leaks 19 Mar 2011 Up to 67 people have been exposed to radiation in Fukushima prefecture following leaks of radioactive substances from the troubled nuclear plant, local media reported Saturday. The prefectural authorities detected radioactive substances on their shoes and clothes after having conducted radiation checks on 42,440 people at 13 locations in the prefecture, said the reports.

Workers at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi plant exposed to radiation above past limit -- Six workers at the nuclear power plant have been exposed to radiation beyond the previous limit for an emergency operation , Tokyo Electric Power Co. says. 19 Mar 2011 Six workers at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have been exposed to radiation beyond the previous limit for an emergency operation, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Saturday. Kyodo News reported the employees, whose job titles were not known, were continuing to work despite having been exposed to more than 100 millisieverts of radiation. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry raised the exposure limit to 250 millisieverts for the current nuclear crisis.

Japan radiation fallout reaches US 18 Mar 2011 Radioactive fallout from Japan's crippled nuclear plant has reached the US, with experts saying there is a small chance it could soon reach Britain. Meanwhile, the evacuation of Britons from the disaster-hit country gathered pace as the situation at the dangerously overheated Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear facility continued to deteriorate. The Nuclear Energy Agency, part of the international Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, said radiation from the plant was likely to reach everywhere in the northern hemisphere but in extremely small quantities.

Radiation tests begin throughout US airports 18 Mar 2011 Travelers arriving from Japan may not know it, but U.S. customs agents are on alert for passengers coming into the country with high levels of radiation. It's routine protocol for agents at all ports of entry to screen for radiation with personal radiation devices, but now Homeland Security is directing agents to be more watchful. "In an exercise of caution, and just to make sure everyone remains safe, we are doing screenings of passengers and cargo," said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. "If there happens to be a blip in terms of radiation."

Nissan scanning vehicles for radioactive material 18 Mar 2011 Nissan has started scanning vehicles made in Japan for traces of radioactive material, a company official said Friday. Simon Sproule, corporate vice president of marketing for Nissan Motor Company, said the monitoring began this week. Sources inside the company said there is virtually no risk of contamination from a car and no potential health risk to customers, but testing began because of public concern.

Japanese finally admit radiation leak is serious enough to kill people --Officials admit they may have to bury reactors under concrete - as happened at Chernobyl --Particles spewed from wrecked Fukushima power station arrive in California 18 Mar 2011 The boss of the company behind the devastated Japanese nuclear reactor today broke down in tears - as his country finally acknowledged the radiation spewing from the over-heating reactors and fuel rods was enough to kill some citizens. Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency admitted that the disaster was a level 5, which is classified as a crisis causing 'several radiation deaths' by the UN International Atomic Energy.

U.S. nuclear officials suspect Japanese plant has dire breach 18 Mar 2011 U.S. government nuclear experts believe a spent fuel pool at Japan's crippled Fukushima reactor complex has a breach in the wall or floor, a situation that creates a major obstacle to refilling the pool with cooling water and keeping dangerous levels of radiation from escaping. That assessment by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials is based on the sequence of events since the earthquake and information provided by key U.S. contractors who were in the plant at the time, said government officials familiar with the evaluation. It was compelling evidence, they said, that the wall of the No. 4 reactor pool has a significant hole or crack.

Tokyo Electric Says Cooling Pump Started at Fukushima Plant's No.5 Reactor 19 Mar 2011 Tokyo Electric Power Co. said it restarted the residual-heat removal pump at the No. 5 reactor of its stricken Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant, one of the least damaged at the facility. The utility began cooling the pool in the reactor that contains spent fuel rods, it said in a statement today. Temperatures in the pool had earlier fallen to 67.6 degrees Celsius from 68.8 degrees, Kyodo News reported. Temperatures should be kept below 25 degrees Celsius, according to international guidelines.

UN says nuclear fuel was in fire area at reactor 18 Mar 2011 The U.N. nuclear agency says all the fuel from a reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan was transferred last November to the spent fuel pool where a fire broke out Tuesday. The International Atomic Energy Agency said Wednesday the transfer occurred when Unit 4, one of six reactors, had routine maintenance on Nov. 30. The fire in Unit 4's fuel storage pond, an area where used nuclear fuel is cooled, caused the release of radioactivity into the atmosphere.

Greater Danger Lies in Spent Fuel Than in Reactors -- Electric utility: 11,125 spent fuel rod assemblies were stored at site, about four times as much radioactive material as in reactor cores combined 18 Mar 2011 Years of procrastination in deciding on long-term disposal of highly radioactive fuel rods from nuclear reactors are now coming back to haunt Japanese authorities as they try to control fires and explosions at the stricken Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Japan, like the United States, has kept ever-larger numbers of spent fuel rods in temporary storage pools at the power plants, where they can be guarded with the same security provided for the plants. Figures provided by Tokyo Electric Power on Thursday show that most of the dangerous uranium at the power plant is actually in the spent fuel rods, not the reactor cores themselves.

Japan raises threat level for nuclear crisis --Japanese officials raised the severity level of the accident because the scope of the disaster has spread beyond Japan. 18 Mar 2011 The threat level of the nuclear crisis in Japan has increased from 4 to 5 on a 7-level international scale. The Japanese government is now acknowledging it has been overwhelmed by the scale of the twin disasters that hit the country, which has slowed its response to the nuclear crisis. It's also now welcoming U.S. help to stabilize the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. Damage to the facility is extensive after several explosions.

Engineers consider burying Fukushima to block radiation 18 Mar 2011 Japanese engineers conceded on Friday that burying a crippled nuclear reactor in sand and concrete may be the only way to prevent a catastrophic radiation leak, the method used to seal huge leakages from Chernobyl in 1986. Officials said they still hoped to fix a power cable to at least two reactors to restart water pumps needed to cool overheating nuclear fuel rods. Workers also sprayed water on the No.3 reactor, one of the most critical of the plant's six.

Japan seeks US nuclear crisis help 18 Mar 2011 Japan has asked the US for help in reining in the crisis at its dangerously overheated nuclear complex, while the UN atomic energy chief called the disaster a race against the clock that demands global cooperation. At the stricken complex, military fire trucks began spraying the troubled reactor units once more with tons of water in an attempt to prevent meltdowns that could spew dangerous levels of radiation.

Navy stops moving sailors to Japan 17 Mar 2011 As the situation at the damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant worsens, the Navy has stopped sending personnel to Japan indefinitely, according to a naval administrative message released Thursday. It’s a move that comes as the White House urged Americans to stay at least 50 miles away from the plant, and authorized military dependents and families of other U.S. government employees to relocate from northeastern Japan.

U.S. to evacuate Americans out of Japan --Voluntary evacuation offered to family members and dependents of U.S. personnel 17 Mar 2011 The United States has authorized the first evacuations of Americans out of Japan, taking a tougher stand on the deepening nuclear crisis and warning U.S. citizens to defer all non-essential travel to any part of the country as unpredictable weather and wind conditions risked spreading radioactive contamination. Passengers and cargo arriving from Japan are being screened for radiation “in an exercise of caution,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Thursday. She said no harmful levels of radiation had been detected.

Pentagon buys social networking 'spy software' --'Personas must be able to appear to originate in nearly any part of the world,' the documents stated. 17 Mar 2011 The Pentagon has purchased a pioneering software programme that creates fake identities on social media websites, in an attempt to infiltrate and influence suspected terrorists and extremists overseas. The $2.7 million (£1.7 million) programme developed by San Diego firm Ntrepid allows one military user to create multiple personas on the internet and engage in extended online conversations and communications with suspects.

Wisconsin judge halts state budget law curbing unions' power 18 Mar 2011 A Wisconsin judge issued a temporary restraining order Friday halting the state's controversial budget repair law that curbs the union power of most public employees, the Dane County district attorney's office said. Gov. Scott Walker, who championed the measure and signed it into law last week, said he was confident the initiative would eventually prevail in the court system, a spokeswoman said. The ruling by Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi came in response to a lawsuit filed by District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, charging such a violation of the law.

Russia lifts ban on polar bear hunting --Russia has legalised the hunting of polar bears for the first time in more than half a century, a move that critics say will put further pressure on the endangered mammal. 19 Mar 2011 Roman Kopin, the governor of Russia's remote Chukotka region, signed a decree allowing the area's indigenous people to hunt and kill 29 polar bears each year, including 19 females. Russian wildlife campaigners condemned the move, saying the polar bear was already threatened by a shrinking habitat and rampant poaching. Varvara Semonova, a wildlife campaigner, said the decision would "threaten the survival of the polar bear in the Russian Arctic and will have not only ecological but serious social and political consequences for us."

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