BBC news with Jonathan Izard.
Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails have agreed to end a (mass hunger strike) following a deal brokered by Egypt and Jordan. Sixteen hundred people were taking part in the strike which began in mid-April. John Donaldson reports.
John Donaldson: “A key element of the agreement was over the issue of what Israel calls (administrative detention), laws which allow prisoners to be held without trial or charges. Officials from both sides said it was agreed that the 300 Palestinians currently held in under such conditions would have not have their detentions extended (beyond their terms), unless new evidence emerge against them. It means they could all be freed within six months. Israel also agreed to allow more family visits. In exchange, Israel says all Palestinian prisoners have to agree not to engage in what it called “(further terrorist activity)”. “
Talks on forming an emergency coalition government in Greece have ended for the day with no sign of progress. The negotiations will resume on Tuesday. The Greek president has summoned the leaders of all the main parties to try to bridge (deep divisions) over the austerity measures imposed by the country’s creditors. Mark Lowen is in Athens.
Mark Lowen: “One proposal under discussion is that of the president to form a government of technocrats made up of what it’s described as distinguished and (non-political figures). That has received a mixed reaction from some parties aware that many Greeks resent the country’s outgoing prime minister for being appointed technocrat rather than elected leader. If theses last ditch talks failed, Greece will face fresh elections, (prolonged) political instability and possibly a slide towards an exit from the euro.”
The White House says huge (trading losses) suffered by America’s largest investment bank, JPMorgan reinforced the need for greater oversight of activities of Wall Street. The bank committed a $2 billion lost week on trades in complex investments. Today, it confirmed a (senior executive) involved in the losses is to resign.
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Louis Moreno Ocampo says he is seeking arrest warrant for two rebel commanders in the Democratic Republic of Congo who are accused of (war crimes). He said he wanted to add more charges to a warrant already out for the renegade general Bosco Ntaganda. The other is for Sylvestre Mudachumura.
Tens of thousands of Manchester City football fans have watched the victory parade for their team which snatches the English Premier League title on Sunday from their famous (rival), Manchester United. Andy Swiss was there.
Andy Swiss: “They packed the streets of the city, decked in blowing white to cheer on their new heroes. The players led by manager Roberto Mancini waved from the top of a sky blew bus, brandishing the Premier League trophy, their (first top division) title for 44 years. Since then, they have to watch their Manchester rivals’ united parade, a selection of trophy through the street. After years of heartache, this has bee the very sweetest celebrations.”
A report from Manchester by Andy Swiss. This is the world news form the BBC.
