OIC: World must act fast to help restore order in CAR

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on the international community to help restore order in the Central African Republic (CAR) amid raging sectarian violence.

OIC Secretary-General Iyad Ameen Madani said the world must act fast and support the new authorities in stabilizing the country because of the implications of the crisis on the peace, security and stability of the wider region and beyond. During a meeting of the OIC Executive Committee, Madani expressed concern over the genocidal and ethnic cleansing campaign against Muslims in the republic.

At least 2,000 people have been killed and some 700,000 have been displaced since December since Christian militias calling themselves anti-Balaka waged a campaign against Muslims. Fighting started when the mostly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power a year ago in the majority Christian state.

Madani cited reports saying the capital, Bangui, has been emptied of its Muslim population with only a quarter remaining in refugee camps. In addition, thousands of Muslims in other provinces of CAR have fled in mass to Chad, Cameron, Mali, Senegal, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan.

The Executive Committee at its emergency meeting on Thursday at OIC Headquarters in Jeddah decided to urgently dispatch a high-level mission led by Guinean Foreign Minister Lounceny Fall, chair of the Council of Foreign Ministers, to visit Bangui “to explore, express solidarity and communicate with the authorities in CAR and contribute to the rapprochement dialogue.”

It also decided to appoint a special representative to lead the efforts toward resolving the crisis and building peace in the country.

Madani urged all to move as fast as possible to alleviate the humanitarian disaster befalling the country and the region.

He said that an OIC team has just returned from Chad after extending humanitarian assistance to Chadian returnees in camps within the capital Ndjamena and in the provincial towns of Sahr, Sido and Doba.

He stressed that the OIC will exert every effort to communicate with the new authorities in CAR towards giving priority to efforts and measures that would enhance dialogue and sustainable national reconciliation. He appreciated all efforts made by organizations working for religious rapprochement and to the present inclusive endeavor of the King Abdullah International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna to arrange inclusive session of dialogue among religious and community leadership in CAR.

He assured the CAR government of the OIC’s readiness to contribute to the process and countering impunity. Madani welcomed the United Nations Security Council resolution that mandated the European Union to deploy troops and the decision by France to raise its troop level to 2,000. He urged the new authorities in CAR as well as the French forces and the African-led Support Mission to take all necessary steps to protect the lives and livelihood of all civilians.

He applauded the recent commitment of the AU and the Transitional President of CAR on taking all necessary measures, including the use of force to wage war against the Anti-Balaka militia, which France had characterized last week as a criminal gang that needed to be combated. He added that he looked forward to having the African Union consider as an urgent matter the transfer of MISCA into a UN mission.

UN unanimously adopts Syria aid resolution

The UN Security Council has adopted a unanimous but non-binding resolution, calling for humanitarian aid convoys to be allowed access across war-torn Syria, but diplomats immediately voiced doubt about its effectiveness.

Syria’s staunch ally Russia, with support from China, has blocked three previous resolutions aimed at pressuring the Damascus regime since the crisis began in March 2011, with an estimated half of all Syrians urgently awaiting immediate help.

But Moscow and Beijing, two of the five permanent Security Council members, did not do so this time, sending a strong message to President Bashar al-Assad, whose regime is accused of serious rights violations in attempting to hold on to power.

The resolution does not threaten sanctions but it does express the council’s intention to take “further steps” if the resolution is not implemented.

The government and rebels hold several areas in the country under siege, leaving tens of thousands of people suffering from lack of food and medicine.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the move, but said the resolution “should not have been necessary”.

“Humanitarian assistance is not something to be negotiated; it is something to be allowed by virtue of international law,” he said.

“Profoundly shocking to me is that both sides are besieging civilians as a tactic of war.

“Some 200,000 people are under siege in government-controlled areas – and 45,000 in opposition-controlled areas.”

Ban added: “If this resolution is implemented quickly and in good faith, at least some of the suffering can be eased.”

Speaking at the UN, Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari said that the Syrian government had always welcomed efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the country.

“Recently a number of conciliation processes have been carried out, sending a message to the world that Syrians can settle their differences among themselves.” he said.

Wave of aerial bombardment

The resolution comes on a day Syria’s air force staged more air raids on the key rebel-held bastion of Yabrud north of Damascus, as clashes also raged on the capital’s outskirts, a monitoring group told AFP news agency.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said that in the northeast, Kurdish fighters seized the town of Tal Barak from jihadists.

Regime forces launched a new wave of aerial and tank bombardment in and around Yabrud, the main town in the Qalamun mountain range and with a mixed Muslim and Christian population, two weeks into a campaign aimed at seizing it from rebels.

Also on Saturday, Syrian government forces captured two rebel-held areas on the edge of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights after days of intense fighting near a decades-old cease-fire line between Syria and Israel, AP said quoting state TV.

The Syrian TV report, citing a military official, said troops and pro-government gunmen known as National Defense Forces captured the areas of Rasm al-Hour and Rasm al-Sad, south of the town of Quneitra

Boro supporters on the open-top bus route: General shots along the way

23 Feb 2014 06:00

Pictures: Were you there for Boro's open-top bus return in March 2004? You may be able to see yourself in these pics

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Gallery: Fans on open top bus tour - Part 4

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Tens of thousands of Boro fans lined Middlesbrough's streets on 7 March 2004 as the triumphant Carling Cup-winning side returned with an open-top but through the town.

After starting at the site of the club's old home at Ayresome Park, the convoy made its way down Ayresome Street, Linthorpe Road, and Borough Road.

It ended up at the Riverside Stadium, where thousands more fans greeted the players and staff.

The Gazette had three photographers working the route that day - taking hundreds and hundreds of pictures of the players and supporters along the way.

We have divided our pictures of the fans up into four sections - the final installment (published today) were general shots from along the route.

Egypt police fire birdshot, tear gas at protesters

Egypt security forces have fired tear gas and birdshot at anti-government protesters during nationwide demonstrations, injuring several people.

The violence took place on Friday, in many cities across the country, leaving a number of protesters injured. Security forces also made several arrests.

Demonstrations were held after Friday prayers in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, as well as in the cities of Alexandria, Faiyum, Ismailia, Suez and Giza.

Protesters denounced what they called the comic trial of ousted president, Mohamed Morsi. They also protested against Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s possible bid to run for president.

In addition, the demonstrators expressed anger at the interim government’s decision on Thursday to delay the resumption of the academic year at all public schools and universities for the third time.

Officials said the delay is due to renovations of schools damaged during earlier protests. However, some believe the authorities are fearful of more anti-government demonstrations at universities.

In another development, unknown assailants threw Molotov cocktails and torched at least eight vehicles belonging to security forces in the capital’s Nasr City and Giza’s Haram area.

Egypt has been experiencing unrelenting violence since last July when the army ousted the country’s first democratically-elected president, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the parliament. It also appointed the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court Adly Mahmoud Mansour as the new interim president.

The interim government has launched a bloody crackdown on Morsi’s supporters and arrested thousands of Brotherhood members, including the party’s senior leaders.

CAH/AB/SS

Germany offers to represent Israel in some Muslim countries

Germany has reportedly offered Israel to become its diplomatic and consular representative mainly in Muslim countries where Tel Aviv has no embassy.

The offer would be discussed during an upcoming visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to al-Quds (Jerusalem).

The German leader is scheduled to visit al-Quds on February 24 with her cabinet for consultations with Israeli officials over the matter.

Merkel is expected to sign a deal that will prepare the ground for offering consular services to Israelis in countries such as Indonesia or Malaysia.

Yakov Hadas-Handelsman, Israel’s ambassador to Berlin said on Friday that the proposal was “a special message” from Germany.

The Israeli envoy also underscored the importance of bilateral ties between Germany and Tel Aviv.

Most Muslim countries do not recognize Israel and have no diplomatic relations with it.

DB/HSN/HRB

Stockton sprinter Richard Kilty in best form of his career

Stockton sprinter Richard Kilty, who has been selected for the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Poland next month, hopes it is the start of some glorious years on the big international stage.

“It’s exciting, not daunting, and I’m ready for it,” said the 24-year-old, who has represented England and Great Britain in team events, and many times as a junior, but not until now, as an individual at the top level.

“I’m going to be facing the best in the world, with the world watching, which is a very exciting prospect.”

Kilty has been selected alongside 35-year-old Dwain Chambers for the 60 metres in the March 7-9 event, the age gap proving to Kilty that his best years lie ahead, as long as he maintains his discipline and work ethic.

“Dwain set his best times when he was in his 30s and Linford Christie was a lot older than I am now, when he peaked. I feel with me the selectors have looked to the future. I could have 10 years ahead of me, especially as I was a late developer and am just finding my feet as a senior.”

And Kilty, who does most of his training at Loughborough where he shares a coach with Teesside long jumper Chris Tomlinson, is now in an environment with top athletes, whereas in the North-east in previous years he was sometimes out on a limb. While this region has lots of aspiring young athletes, Kilty needs to be with others of a similar standing.

“I’m with elite athletes now, which will help me as previously in the North-east there was a lack of athletes of my level,” he said, though he remains indebted to those from this region who have helped him reach his current status.

But while being with top athletes will help him, he knows that he can hit the medal trail at the highest level, only if his commitment is spot on.

“This call up makes me even more focused and driven,” he said. “I must have no distraction, train wiser, eat better, and stay focused.

“I’m in the best form of my career, and have knocked a tenth of a second off my 60 metre best. As a kid it’s easier to knock two or three tenths off, but the quicker you get the harder it gets to go even faster. But I know that there is room for improvement.

“He is working very hard on improving his technique, by fine tuning his training, which includes working on his knee lift, arm movement, and timing.

“It’s no good applying power if you’re not working efficiently,” he explained, a clear indication that he is not getting starry eyed with the opening of the international door.

And he will have to impress, as his selection, and that of Chambers, was helped by an injury suffered by James Dasaolu, who at 25 is the second fastest Briton of all time, but has pulled out of the reckoning for Poland because of a thigh problem.

British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black said of the 35-strong team representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Sopot: “This is a relatively young team with new faces taking individual places which is encouraging as we focus on long term development towards 2016 and 2017.”

That backs up Kilty’s view that if he impresses, he could have a long future in the sport.

“There’s hundreds of thousands of youngsters in the county trying to become sprinters, so for me to be one of two selected for Poland is great. The spotlight is on me, and it makes all the hard work over the years worthwhile,” said the Teessider.

“Now over the next couple of weeks I have to get my work and rest balance right, so that I can give it my best shot - and make sure it all bodes well for the outdoor season.”

Trout topics: Lockwood Back all set for a bumper start to season

22 Feb 2014 15:08

Here we go - the reservoir trout season bursts into life next Saturday when LOCKWOOD BECK opens for the new campaign

Fishing on Lockwood Beck

Here we go - the reservoir trout season bursts into life next Saturday when LOCKWOOD BECK opens for the new campaign.

And with the weather forecast looking reasonable, and the usual stocking of top quality trout just before the season starts, there could be a bumper opening to the campaign.

Prices have been pegged at last season’s level, season tickets are still available, and with more competitions and courses this season, anglers can test their skills against others, and improve their technique, as well as enjoying pleasure sessions.

There’s a British Float Tube Association competition on March 15, and a heat of the Airflo World Bank Masters individual competition takes place the following day.

But before that, anglers can anticipate rod-bending action in the opening days.

Fishery manager Gordon Byers said: “It could be a good start, because the forecast is for mild weather and a westerley breeze coming over the lodge which will make the overflow end of the dam ideal, while the whole of the wooded bank should be comfortable.

“The last time the weather was overcast and mild on opening day we had a rod average of 13.”

The reservoir will be stocked with around 1,100 rainbows, and the fish selected for Lockwood include individual trout to 12lb, and a fair proportion of 4lb plus trout.

And the smaller ones are also a good size, averaging around the 2lb mark.

Fish will be caught on all methods in the opening days, though the traditional early season lures, including Dawson’s Olive, Zonkers and Cat’s Whisker will all take their share.

Fish quickly switch on to natural insect life, and early season buzzer hatches will ensure that anglers fishing imitative patterns will be among the fish.

Trout tend to shoal early in the season so where you find one you can expect others, though they will quickly spread.

All the boats for opening day and have been booked, and some of the courses are full or nearing capacity. Others will be laid on during the season, but to ensure you secure a place, contact Gordon Byers on 01287 660501 or 07973 779527

There is some construction work taking place on site, and anglers are asked to park their cars considerately to ensure that they leave as much room as possible for their fellow anglers.

The work will not impact on the fishing and is scheduled to be finished early in the season.

THE Northumbrian Water reservoirs open a fortnight later on March 15, when the action starts on Scaling Dam on the North Yorkshire moors, as well as at Grassholme and Hury in Teesdale, Derwent Reservoir near Consett, and Kielder and Fontburn in Northumberland.

Day ticket prices were reduced last year and will be kept at the same level this time around. There will be loyalty days for regular anglers, and tuition courses for those wishing to try the sport.

There will be a full preview of the Northumbrian Water season in next week’s angling page.

THE small waters continue to fish well and at SHARPLEY SPRINGS rainbows to 15lb have been caught, while the more successful anglers have caught over 20 fish a day.

Richie's return could help Billingham Stars shine in play-offs bid

22 Feb 2014 15:04

Billingham Stars know a win tomorrow night against Sutton Sting is vital in their battle to secure a play-off final slot

Stephen Wallace earned praise from coach Terry Ward for his performance against Sutton Sting

Billingham Stars know a win tomorrow night against Sutton Sting is vital in their battle to secure a play-off final slot.

With only champions Solway guaranteed one of the four places at April’s play-off weekend, Billingham are scrapping it out with Blackburn, Whitley, Sutton and Sheffield for the remaining three slots.

Ultimate Windows Stars manager Allen Flavell hopes his side can raise their game following last week’s 4-0 home ice shut-out by newly crowned champions Solway Sharks.

The Stars currently enjoy a five-point lead over fifth-placed Sutton and are two rungs higher in the NIHL Moralee Conference. “This is a must-win match for both teams,” Flavell said.

“We weren’t really in the game last Sunday, and with Sutton fighting to stay in the play-off race it’s vital that we lift ourselves to the level we know we’re capable of playing. We need the whole team to come with their A-game because we know that Sutton will be really fired up for this one.

“Two points on Sunday should just about secure our place in the play-offs, but should we slip up there’s four teams waiting to pounce – we can’t afford any mistakes.

“We’ve had a team meeting and everyone knows how important this game is. If we play how we know we can, we’re confident we can get the right result.

“We were so pleased to see a bumper crowd at the Forum last weekend with many new faces. Although the result didn’t go our way, we hope that people come back this weekend and help us make a game out of it against the Sting.”

Following on from tomorrow night’s game at Billingham, Sutton look to have the harder run-in, with two games to play against title winners Solway, then a trip to Blackburn and a trip to Telford.

Last weekend’s 3-1 win over Sutton Sting gave Whitley Warriors’ play-off chances a huge boost, and Sheffield Spartans’ ill-tempered 3-3 draw against Blackburn Hawks means the Steel City side still are only trailing Whitley and Sutton by a point and a late surge could see the on-form Spartans make the cut.

With only three league games remaining the Stars face Sutton on home ice tomorrow, followed by a trip to bottom of the table Telford on March 1.

The Stars round off their regular season games with a visit from Sheffield Spartans.

By then the play-off participants should be decided, but it could go to the wire for any of the clubs in the mix.

Stars will be without long-term injury victim Andy Finn and Scott Ward will sit the game out after picking up an injury against Solway last weekend.

But Richie Thornton will be back. “We really missed his presence last weekend,” Flavell added.

The Moralee Conference play-off details were confirmed this week, with the fixtures being played out at Dumfries Ice Bowl on Saturday, April 12 at 1pm and 4.30pm.

Sunday, April 13 sees the play-off final take place at 2pm. Tickets are on sale via ticketweb.co.uk priced at £25 for the weekend or £10 per game.

Under-16s are free with a paying adult and online booking fees may apply and early booking is advised.

Tickets for tomorrow’s home game against Sutton Sting go on sale at Billingham Forum Ice Arena box office from 5.45pm.

Prices are adults £7.50, concessions £5 and family £20 (2+2).

Stockton drug dealing couple locked up over stash in garden

22 Feb 2014 15:00

A drug dealing couple who kept their cache of drugs outdoors in a sock were snared in a police surveillance operation

Clare Sparrow and Robert Cameron were both jailed after being found in possession of drugs

A drug dealing couple who kept their cache of drugs outdoors in a sock were snared in a police surveillance operation.

They stored hundreds of pounds’ worth of crack cocaine and heroin in the black and green sock which was hidden under a brick in their back yard.

Police discovered the secret spot when they kept observations on the Stockton home of Robert Cameron and his pregnant partner Clare Sparrow, who are both 30.

Cleveland Police officers, with a drugs search warrant, raided the couple’s address in Stanley Walk, Stockton, two years ago on February 12, 2012.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters told Teesside Crown Court that the sock held numerous foil wraps of crack and heroin wrapped in cling film. Sparrow was taken to an upstairs bedroom and searched and more drugs wrapped in cling film were recovered from her. The total value of drugs seized was about £500.

Sparrow had a previous conviction for possession of Class A drugs.

Miss Masters added: “There is no suggestion that one was involved more than the other; they were in this together.”

Sparrow had a difficult pregnancy and sentence on them both was delayed.

She was jailed for three years and nine months at Teesside Crown Court on December 10 last year after she pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

Cameron, who pleaded guilty early in the case claimed compassionate reasons when he failed to answer bail and he surrendered to police after an arrest warrant was issued on September 20 last year.

Judge Howard Crowson commented when Cameron appeared for sentence yesterday: “Although they appear to be quite enthusiastic drug dealers, there was a lack of sophistication about it.”

Duncan McReddie, defending, said: “My instructions are that the police had only been to the house twice during the period that he was at large.

“He is a working man, and he stands in the dock in his working clothes.”

The judge told Cameron: “I take the view that you two were trading Class A drugs.

“You were both enthusiastically involved in a serious trade.”

Cameron, of Hartington Road, Stockton, was jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.

Campaigner reveals Redcar caravan plan for victims of violent crime

22 Feb 2014 14:50

Campaigning mum Theresa Cave aims to provide a seafront caravan for families hit by the trauma of violent crime

L-R are Lillian Willshaw, Theresa Cave & Jeanette Sparrow are pictured as they look at the site

Campaigning mum Theresa Cave aims to provide a seafront caravan for families hit by the trauma of violent crime.

When Theresa’s teenage son Chris was stabbed to death in a Redcar flat in 2003, she had nowhere to turn.

Theresa and other son Tom, then aged just two, lived just yards away from where Chris died. But while the mental torture was unrelenting, she never had the chance to move away for a few days to get her emotions together.

The opportunity to be somewhere peaceful, alone with her thoughts, would have been invaluable.

But even though it’s something she missed out on, Theresa now plans to give others the chance.

Through the group she set up in Chris’s memory, the Chris Cave Foundation, Theresa aims to buy an eight-berth caravan, probably costing about £6,000 and hopefully to be based at Redcar Caravan Park.

It is expected the pitch will cost about £1,500 a year, but any families would pay no rent.

Theresa said: “We really hope the Teesside public will support us.

“When families are affected by murder, manslaughter and violent crime, all they want is peace and quiet. They don’t want Blackpool Pleasure Beach - they want somewhere peaceful to get their heads together and give their kids a break.

“Half of these kids will never have a holiday in their life. If we can just get them a break, a little bit of happiness or somewhere to have a scream and shout and not bottle it all up, they can come away from it and start afresh.”

Theresa says a plaque in Chris’s memory will go on the caravan.

Anyone wanting to help can get details via the Give To Chris page on Facebook or by calling 07981 991 482.

Crackdown planned on rogue private landlords in Middlesbrough

22 Feb 2014 14:35

New rules to crack down on rogue private landlords look set to be introduced in Middlesbrough

John Giles/PA Wire

Middlesbrough Council are cracking down on rogue landlords

New rules to crack down on rogue private landlords look set to be introduced in Middlesbrough.

The move follows concerns a “significant number” of homes are not being well managed - causing problems for individuals, families and entire neighbourhoods.

The town’s private rented sector currently accounts for around 11,000 of the town’s 61,000 dwellings. Problems include anti-social behaviour, with landlords failing to take appropriate action against problem tenants, and poor housing conditions.

At a meeting this week, Middlesbrough Council’s executive gave the go-ahead for detailed consideration of a private landlord licensing scheme in a number of neighbourhoods.

A licensing scheme would mean that landlords could only operate in certain areas if granted a licence from the council, and subject to a number of terms and conditions.

Any licence holder found to be in breach of the licence conditions could face a fine of up to £5,000 upon conviction in a magistrates court.

In such circumstances, the council could then consider whether it would be appropriate to revoke the licence.

Failure to hold a licence for each property would be a criminal offence with a possible penalty fine of up to £20,000. A report into the issue by the council said: “The private rented sector (PRS) plays an increasingly important role in the housing market by offering flexibility and choice.

“A well-managed private rented sector can make a positive contribution to economic growth and social sustainability, allowing mobility and speedy access to accommodation.

“However, there is evidence to suggest that a significant number of PRS homes in Middlesbrough may not be well managed, with resulting implications.”

The report added there is evidence that “well known dysfunctional families” move around the private rented sector - with one having had more than 20 tenancies.

There are also problems of disrepair and poor living conditions with many vulnerable residents too afraid to report this for fear of losing their home.

Under the new scheme, a licence fee would be charged for each property and failure to obtain a licence or comply with its conditions could result in a fine. The fees would be used solely to administer and enforce the scheme.

The level of fees has not yet been decided but the council report said it would need to be “very carefully considered and justified against the antcipiated costs of the scheme”.

Licensing would be part of a wider strategy to work with tenants, landlords, partner agencies and communities.

Boro 0 Leeds United 0: Match report from the Riverside Stadium

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Boro's long goal drought now stretches back over six games and over a club record ten hours after yet another goalless draw at the Riverside.

It was Boro's third goalless goal on the trot at the Riverside and while they edged the match on chances they could not beat in-form Leeds debutant keeper Jack Butland.

Karanka shuffled his pack and dropped Albert Adomah, Dean Whitehead and Emmanuel Ledesma all dropped and Ben Gibson suspended.

That meant starts for Jacob Butterfield, Kei Kamara, Curtis Main and Kenneth Omeruo while new boy Lee Tomlin and youngsters Bryn Morris and David Atkinson were on the bench – although there was no place in the matchday squad for lively winger Mustapha Carayol.

The Red Faction unveiled 11 banners in the South Stand before the game bearing the names and numbers of the team that started the 2004 Carling Cup final – ten years ago this week.

Boro started brightly in a crackling atmosphere and twice made good probes down the right then on five minutes Butterfield barged through two tackles to lay the ball off to the left for Kamara to cut inside then drill a low 25 yard effort a yard outside the far post.

Then another move down the right as Jozsef Varga over-lapped down the right before being wiped out by Warnock but the ref waved play on.

Boro surged forward again on eight minutes as Leadbitter pushed a ball into the box for Danny Graham to chase but his angled shot was turned behind for a corner then the ref went back to book Wootton for a foul in the build-up.

Leeds made their first serious push forward on 13 minutes as Kebe sent full-back Peltier down the right to cut inside then square towards McCormack but Woodgate arrived with a sliding tackle to block.

Then on 18 minutes they broke down the left and Stewart drilled a low ball across the face of goal but Hunt failed to make contact under pressure from Omeruo.

After a scrappy spell in midfield Boro broke out on 24 minutes as George Friend raced down the left and sent a low cross zipping the far post where Graham came sliding in but just failed to reach it.

Leeds then attacked down the right on 28 minutes and the ball appeared to be over the line before Peltier whipped a cross to the far post but Stewart couldn't quite reach.

Boro had a good chance on the half-hour as Chalobah slotted into Kamara just outside the box but with time to shoot he took a touch and checked inside then was closed down before he could unload.

Then after good defensive work by Chalobah and Varga, Karama flicked through to send Main bursting forward but the offside flag went up.

Leadbitter was booked on 38 minutes for bringing down Kebe as he burst over the half-way line.

Leeds threatened from the short free-kick as Kebe dribbled forward to find Hunt and when he laid it off Murphy sent a low 20 yard effort fizzing just outside the far post.

Boro almost broke the deadlock on 43 minutes when a corner was only headed clear as far as the edge of the box for Butterfield to unleash a screamer that alert keeper Butland did well to tip over.

HALF-TIME: BORO 0 LEEDS 0

Boro almost grabbed the opener within three minutes of the restart as Butterfield sent Friend to the byline to drill in a low cross towards Graham but defender Warnock got there first with a touch that forced keeper Butland into a point blank reflex save.

And they went close again on 51 minutes as Main headed a ball down in the six yard area and as it bounced Kamara took a swing but failed to get a good contact and it screwed sidewards for Graham to put in an overhead kick that bounced at the feet of the keeper and up into his hands.

Leeds hit back with some scrappy possession in the Boro half and won a couple of corners that were easily cleared.

Then on the hour Boro went close again as Leadbitter slotted a diagonal ball to the edge of the box for Graham to hammer an angled effort just over the bar.

And on 66 minutes Main brought down a chip from Leadbitter to fire well over from 25 yards.

On 67 minutes Lee Tomlin came for Kamara to make his debut and quickly won a corner that came to nothing.

Leeds almost broke through on 70 minutes as Kebe sent Stewart racing towards the box but Varga was across quickly to put in a sliding tackle.

On 72 minutes Albert Adomah came on for Main.

The game was opening up now with both sides finding space and Leeds had a half-chance on 73 minutes as McCormack sent one wide from 30 yards.

Then Adomah wriggled down the right and squared across the face of goal but there was no red shirts there.

On 77 minutes Emmanuel Ledesma came on for Butterfield.

And Ledesma was quickly into action as he engineered a golden chance for Boro on 79 minutes, crossing for Adomah eight yards out but when he chested it down and stabbed it goalwards keeper Butland was out quickly to block.

On 81 minutes Leeds put on Smith for Hunt.

Boro had to dig in for a spell and defend some high balls into the box but first Friend then Woodgate blocked efforts in the box.

And on 83 minutes from a long Peltier throw, McCormack sent a sizzling shot through the crowd and while Given did well to tip it onto the post the whistle had already gone for a foul for a push on Woodgate.

Boro broke on 89 minutes as Leadbitter robbed Kebe and sent Adomah down the left. With red shirts streaming forward in numbers Adomah cut the ball back to the edge of the box but Leadbitter blazed over.

Then in stoppage time Graham touched on a ball for Adomah 10 yards out but he was leaningback as he shot and the ball flew over.

BORO (4231): Given,Varga, Omeruo, Woodgate, Friend, Chalobah. Leadbitter, Butterfield (Ledesma 77), Kamara (Tomlin 67), Main (Adomah, 71), Graham. Subs: Konstantopoulos, Whitehead, Morris, Atkinson.

Leeds (433): Butland, Peltier, Wootton, Pearce, Warnock, Murphy, Hunt (Smith 81) Austin, Stewart, McCormack, Kebe. Subs: Cairns, Poleon, Brown, Tonge, Mowatt, Zaliukas.

Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

Att: 20,424 (3,211visitors)

Mexicans protest against US policies

Mexican people have staged a protest to condemn the policies of the United States toward the North American country.

According to reports, demonstrators clashed with police in the city of Toluca, near the capital, Mexico City, on Wednesday ahead of a visit by US President Barack Obama for the sixth annual Summit of North American Leaders.

The protesters, who belonged to different organizations, said trade negotiations between Mexico City and Washington favor US workers and businesses.

Obama’s attendance at the trilateral summit coincided with the 20th anniversary of the formation of a continental trade bloc between Mexico, the US and Canada, known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The protest was held hours before Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper sat down with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in Toluca to discuss the expansion of trade.

The three sides are expected to hold talks on regional security, economic development and immigration reforms.

SSM/HSN

Car crashes into house on Thrush Road in Redcar

22 Feb 2014 11:45

Police were called to Thrush Road, Redcar, after a car crashed into a house. It is not known whether there were any injuries

Neighbours have spoken of their shock after a car smashed into a house in Redcar.

Christine Jackson said “it is a wonder someone wasn’t killed” when the Fiat Punto crashed into her next door neighbour’s home on Thrush Road.

The accident happened at around 10.55pm yesterday.

Police were called to reports of a vehicle having crashed into a house.

Christine, 60, said: “I had just gone to bed when I heard an almighty crash.”

Her sister Debbie Mitchell, 42, added: “It shook the house.”

Christine’s granddaughter Natalie Dandy, 17, said they couldn’t believe it when they went outside.

She said: “There was glass everywhere.”

It is understood that the lady who lives in the house was in bed at the time.

Christine said: “Her sofa is by the window, if she had been sat there she would have been a goner. There was no window left at the front.”

John Peacock, 32, who lives on the same road said he returned home at midnight last night to find the road closed and police in the street.

He said: “The car was head on in to the house. How it’s gone into it, I don’t know.”

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: “We can confirm we dealt with an incident.”

An ambulance was called but it is not yet known at this stage whether anyone was injured.

No room for excuses as Aitor Karanka demands more from players

22 Feb 2014 11:40

Aitor Karanka won’t accept any excuses for inconsistent performances from his players

Boro head coach Aitor Karanka

Aitor Karanka won’t accept any excuses for inconsistent performances from his players.

The Boro head coach pulled no punches in his assessment of his team’s performance at Watford last weekend.

And a week on, his no-nonsense attitude hasn’t softened.

Speaking before today’s derby clash with Leeds, he said: “Since coming here I have seen all my players in action.

“I know what they can do and at the moment I have players who are not playing like I want them to.

“The training sessions since I arrived here have been perfect but the most important thing is the games.

“We spent all of last week working towards Saturday and then the squad didn’t turn up at Watford and that’s why I said some players think they are better than what they are.

“If you go to the game thinking you are better than you are you may relax, so you need to give 100% all of the time.”

Karanka started his Boro career with a game at Leeds and, three months later, takes on the same opponents today, this time on home soil.

Overall, he’s been pleased with how his players have responded since taking charge, but is demanding that they all play at their absolute maximum week-in, week-out.

Assessing his time in charge so far, he said: “The team have generally played well but I am disappointed with the way some players have played.

“They are training well but the problem is the games.

“It is my problem and my responsibility,” he added. “I am the manager and I need to transmit to them my energy and motivate them and at the moment the players are not playing at 100% all of the time.”

Meanwhile, Boro striker Lukas Jutkiewicz is enjoying his loan spell with Bolton.

The 24-year-old joined Wanderers for the remainder of the season, scoring twice in five appearances ahead of today’s clash with Watford.

He said: “It was an easy decision to join Bolton and I’m relishing showing the fans what I can do.

“It’s been a bit of a mixed bag at Middlesbrough. When I joined them on loan, I had a really good time but when I had my first full season last year, it was the first time in my career that I’ve really struggled with injuries.

“When I was playing regularly I did score quite a few goals, but I struggled for consistency because of the injuries I’d picked up which was frustrating.

“It’s a great opportunity for me at Bolton now. As soon as the chance came up, I felt like it was the right move for me to make.”

Shay Given sure that Boro are still in safe hands

22 Feb 2014 11:15

Shay Given believes whoever takes the Boro gloves on his departure can keep it clean

Shay Given

Shay Given believes whoever takes the Boro gloves on his departure can keep it clean.

The on-loan shot-stopper plays his last game today and returns to Aston Villa on Monday.

But, he says, with regular keeper Jason Steele back after ankle surgery and new boy Tomas Mejias busting for a chance, there is plenty of talent between the sticks at Boro.

“I’m leaving but the club is in safe hands,” he said. “There are plenty of good goalkeepers here.

“Tomas has come in from Real Madrid and looked sharp and Jason is back fit now and fighting for his place back so there is a lot of competition.

“The manager has a tough choice to make next week when he picks the keeper but it a nice problem to have. And everyone of them will be working hard vieing for that jersey.”

Given, who has kept nine clean sheets in 15 games so far, says it is not just down to the keeper anyway and Boro’s recent record is as much a testament to the team.

“The clean sheets are not just down to me,” he said. “It is the back four, the boys up front closing down, it’s the wingers stopping crosses, it’s the midfield breaking up play ... it’s very much a team effort.

“It’s just trying to get the balance right. It’s been disappointing lately as we’ve kept so many clean sheets and we know we need to be scoring more goals.

“But the players and the supporters need to keep believing and if we do the right thing and play with the right tempo then we’ll get more wins than draws.”

Egyptian court sentences deceased MB leader to three years in prison

An Alexandria court sentenced on Thursday Jamal Madi, a former leader of the Muslim Brotherhood movement in Alexandria, to three years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of 50,000 Egyptian pounds ($7,143), even though Madi died in October 2013.

Madi’s lawyer Mohammed Ramadan said that Madi was found guilty of inciting violence in the Bab Sharqi incident in Alexandria in September 2013 in violation of Egyptian law, which prohibits prosecuting the deceased, as they are denied the right to defend themselves against the charges. Madi pointed out that he submitted to the court a document proving that his client had passed away, but the court disregarded the document. He will be appealing the court’s ruling.

The Court also sentenced on Thursday 27 supporters of President Mohamed Morsi to one year in prison, ordering them to pay a fine of 10,000 Egyptian pounds ($1,428 USD), and found ten others guilty in absentia, giving them a punishment of three years and a fine of 50,000 Egyptian pounds ($7,143 USD).

The Freedom and Justice Party stated that, “The court’s sentence signals the deterioration of the justice system in Egypt.” The party’s statement added that: “The Egyptian security and police have been investigating the deceased although they know he died in October. The court has also been informed of his death; however, it issued its decision regardless.”

Madi’s son, Muhammad told Anadolu Agency that the charges against his late father “are baseless and reveal that the investigating officer is an irresponsible person. My father died five months ago in his hospital bed where he spent the last days.”

The Egyptian authorities were unavailable to comment on the matter.

The Muslim Brotherhood described Madi on its website as an active leader who joined the movement at a young age. “He was an active member of the organisation who supervised many activities including educational and intellectual ones. He remained a member of the administrative office, the highest organisational unit, until his death,” the statement read

Chinese-made flags banned in US military

A new law in the US has banned flying Chinese-made American flags over US military bases and carrying them in processions.

The law, which is part of the 2014 omnibus appropriations bill, requires the US Department of Defense to buy flags which are 100 percent “Made in America.”

The United States imports an estimated $3.3 million worth of US flags from China each year.

However, the change will cost American taxpayers a considerable amount of money as Chinese-made flags cost significantly less than those which are 100 percent American-made.

“I thought it was appalling our Department of Defense would have flags made in other countries,” said Representative Mike Thompson (D-California) who wrote the legislation.

“I am proud to have worked to pass this law so that our men and women in uniform never have to fight under a US flag made overseas, and so that our Defense Department never again spends American tax dollars on a US flag made overseas,” he added.

Meanwhile, other US government agencies are still allowed to buy flags which are not American-made as US lawmakers did not pass a similar bill which would ban the use of foreign-made US flags in all federal buildings.

ISH/ISH

Sixteen Palestinians injured in Gaza protests

At least 16 Palestinians have been injured by Israeli gunfire during two protests in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In one of the incidents, 14 protesters were injured during a protest against the Israeli-designated buffer zone near Jabalia in the northeast of Gaza City on Friday.

Medical sources said one of the injured, a 12-year-old boy, was in critical condition after being shot in the head.

An Israeli military spokeswoman claimed the forces opened live fire at the protesters after they threw stones at the soldiers. She also said that “hundreds of Palestinians” took part in the protest.

Meanwhile, a Hamas security officer and a Palestinian boy were also injured by Israeli soldiers during a different protest in southern Gaza.

The Israeli military frequently targets Palestinians along the border with the besieged enclave.

Gaza has been blockaded since June 2007, a situation that has caused a decline in the standards of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.

The apartheid regime of Israel denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, such as freedom of movement, jobs that pay proper wages, and adequate healthcare and education.

NT/MHB/MAM