Fifa likely to honour late Marc-vivien Foe

Marc=Vivien Foe

Fifa may dedicate one of the Confederations Cup matches to the memory of the late Marc-Vivien Foe.

Aged just 28, Foe died shortly after collapsing during the 2003 Confederations Cup in France.

The Cameroonian midfielder died following an on-pitch cardiac arrest caused by a genetic heart defect.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter revealed the idea after being pressed on the matter at a news conference in Johannesburg.

"Now that we are back in Africa, we shall see if a memory to Foe can be staged in one of the matches," said Blatter.

Football's world governing body has already dedicated a previous Confederations Cup match to Foe, namely the 2005 semi-final, which fell two years to the day after his death.

Should a match be staged in his honour, it seems likely to be either one of next week's semi-finals, being staged on Wednesday and Thursday, or the final on Sunday 28 June.

While Fifa established a foundation to look after Foe's wife and the education of his two children, Blatter said the respected Cameroonian's tragic demise left other legacies.

"Foe's death has brought a new approach to the prevention of health, disease and cardiologic problems in football organisation," Blatter declared.

"More and more, a special cardiologic check-up has to be done before tournaments - just as Fifa has done with the eight teams at this year's U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

"Another result was that Fifa has now recommended that a defibrillating machine should be present in all stadiums where football is played."

In his curtailed career, Foe, a powerful central midfielder, won two African Cup of Nations and two French league championships, with Lens in 1998 and Lyon in 2002.

As well as playing in England's Premiership, Foe played at two World Cup finals, winning 64 caps and scoring eight goals for his nation along the way.

In his homeland, where he was given a state burial, the footballer was posthumously awarded Cameroon's Commander of the National Order of Valour.

Zimbabwe

Obama pledges aid for Zimbabwe

m (£44m) in aid for Zimbabwe.

The US president was speaking at the White House in Washington, where he met the visiting Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

Mr Obama said he wanted to encourage the rule of law, human rights and basic health and education in Zimbabwe.

Mr Tsvangirai - who entered a power-sharing agreement with President Robert Mugabe in February - is on an international tour to seek aid.

President Obama said he had "extraordinary admiration for the courage and tenacity" shown by Mr Tsvangirai, the leader of the former opposition Movement for Democratic Change in Zimbabwe.

Contrast with Mugabe

The US president said the power-sharing coalition in Zimbabwe was showing promise, following what he termed the "very dark and difficult" period the country had been through.

Correspondents say the warm welcome given to Mr Tsvangirai is in sharp contrast to the attitude towards President Mugabe, who is the subject of a travel ban and assets freeze by the United States and European Union.

Earlier, Zimbabwean Finance Minister Tendai Biti said the country's economy could grow by between 4% and 6% this year.

Tendai Biti is optimistic about the prospects for economic growth

Mr Biti said steps would be taken to restrict central bank activities such as borrowing and that Zimbabwe was coping with a lack of foreign aid.

The Zimbabwe economy has been battered by years of hyperinflation.

Mr Biti was speaking at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town.

"I think we will be able to achieve a growth rate of at least 6%, although conservatively it will be 4% in 2009," he told journalists.

Zimbabwe's economy has been shrinking for years. It contracted by 6.1% in 2007, according to the International Monetary Fund.

The power-sharing government has said the country needs about $10bn (£6bn) to stabilise its economy.

Israel sets terms for Palestinian state

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced he will back a Palestinian state - but only if it is completely demilitarised.

He said a Palestinian state must have no army, no control of its air space and no way of smuggling in weapons.

In a landmark speech, weeks after the US president urged him to agree a two-state plan, he said the Palestinians must accept Israel as a Jewish state.

Palestinian leaders reacted angrily, accusing him of sabotaging peace plans.

Settlers 'not enemies'

The White House said President Barack Obama welcomed Mr Netanyahu's "endorsement" of a two-state solution as an "important step forward".

The BBC's Paul Wood says Mr Netanyahu broke ground by accepting the principle of a demilitarised Palestinian state, albeit with conditions.

Any demand to resettle refugees within Israel undermines Israel as a state for the Jewish people Benjamin Netanyahu Speech: Key excerpts

But our correspondent says the question is whether the White House regards this as sufficient to make up for the lack of movement on the issue of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Mr Obama has stressed that he wants all settlement activity to stop.

But in his speech at Bar-Ilan university Mr Netanyahu said settlers were not "enemies of peace" and did not move from his position of backing "natural growth" in existing settlements.

Thorny issues

The Israeli leader offered to talk to the Palestinians immediately and with "no preconditions".

Tim Franks, BBC News, Jerusalem Benjamin Netanyahu has shifted. He has used the word "state", when it comes to Palestinian self-rule. In another deeper sense, though, there has been no shift. Mr Netanyahu's closest aides have been saying for months that they have two over-arching pre-conditions: a public Palestinian acceptance of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, and a complete demilitarisation of any future Palestinian entity. And Mr Netanyahu tersely dismissed the US call for an end to settlement expansion: these people have to live, he said. He described them as "pioneers" and "principled". This is a speech which will shore up the prime minister's position within his right-wing coalition. It is, whatever you think of the rights and wrongs of it, a powerful forehand deep into the back court of the Americans. It will be fascinating to see when and how the Americans return the ball.

"We want to live with you in peace as good neighbours," he said.

Mr Netanyahu also said he was willing to go to Damascus, Riyadh and Beirut in pursuit of a Middle East peace deal.

He went on to tackle the major stumbling blocks in negotiations with Palestinians over the years.

Not least was the issue of Palestinian refugees who fled or were forced from their homes in what is now Israel in 1948 and 1949.

The Palestinians say they and their millions of descendants have the right to return to Israel - which would mean an end to its Jewish majority - but Israel has consistently rebuffed that demand.

Mr Netanyahu stuck to a similar line, saying: "The Palestinian refugee problem must be resolved outside the borders of the state of Israel.

"Any demand to resettle refugees within Israel undermines Israel as a state for the Jewish people."

Another key issue the two sides have failed to agree on is the status of Jerusalem.

Mr Netanyahu insisted the city must be the "united capital of Israel", although Palestinians want it divided to allow them to locate the capital of a future state there.

Agreeing the principle of a Palestinian state, he said Israel would "be prepared for a true peace agreement [and] to reach a solution of a demilitarised Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state".

But only if "we receive this guarantee for demilitarisation and the security arrangements required by Israel, and if the Palestinians recognise Israel as the nation of the Jewish people".

'Racist and extremist'

Nabil Abu Rdainah, a spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said the Israeli leader's speech "torpedoes all peace initiatives in the region".

Another Abbas aide, Yasser Abed Rabbo, told the AFP news agency that recognition of Israel's Jewish character was a demand for Palestinians "to become part of the global Zionist movement".

While the militant Hamas movement, which controls the Gaza Strip, said the speech reflected Mr Netanyahu's "racist and extremist ideology".

Confederation cup

Spain 5-0 New Zealand

By Peter Scrivener

Torres' hat-trick was the second of his career for Spain

Fernando Torres' first-half hat-trick helped Confederations Cup debutants Spain to crush New Zealand 5-0.

The Liverpool striker curled in from the edge of the box, sidefooted a second from six yards and powerfully headed a third inside 20 minutes.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas then ended a neat passing move by turning Joan Capdevila's cross into an empty net.

David Villa tapped in a fifth after the break as Spain recorded a 33rd game without defeat and 13th successive win.

It was the first meeting between the countries at senior level, and one that the All Whites will be keen to forget.

They were given a footballing lesson in the opening 25 minutes as a full-strength Spanish side tore them apart with excellent passing and movement.

Torres was the chief beneficiary, delightfully curling in his first from 20 yards after being left unmarked. He then created his own space in the box to coolly turn in Villa's accurate centre from the left.

Moments later Torres should have completed his hat-trick, but New Zealand keeper Glen Moss held his weak header.

However, Torres was not to be denied and he outjumped a static defence to clinically nod in Capdevila's cross from 10 yards.

And on 24 minutes, Spain produced the move of the match to score their fourth.

606: DEBATE Torres is the perfect striker and if he's off his game - oh well David Villa it is Gingfranco_Zola

Villa started the move passing the ball to Torres on the right who cut inside and found Xavi.

The Barcelona midfielder in turn spread the ball to Capdevila on the left wing and he exchanged passes with Liverpool's Albert Riera before picking out Fabregas, who calmly slotted home.

After the break, Torres turned provider after skipping past two players down the left wing. His low cross should have been cleared by Andy Boyens, but he kicked fresh air instead of the ball to leave Villa with the simplest of tap-ins at the back post.

Capdevila and Villa spared New Zealand further humiliation by firing shots wide, while Fabregas blazed over from close range as Spain continued to create chances.

Simon Elliott went closest for New Zealand, but his low shot from 30 yards was comfortably saved by Iker Casillas.

---

New Zealand: Moss, Lochhead, Vicelich, Mulligan, Boyens, Elliott, Brown, Bertos, Smeltz, Killen, Brockie.
Subs: Paston, Bannatyne, Scott, Oughton, Sigmund, Barron, Christie, James, Old, Wood, Bright, Smith.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Albiol, Capdevila, Xavi, Fabregas, Riera, Alonso, Villa, Torres.
Subs: Reina, Diego Lopez, Pique, Marchena, Pablo, Busquets, Llorente, Guiza, Arbeloa, Santi Cazorla, Silva, Mata.

Referee: Bonaventure Codija (Benin)

South Africa 0-0 Iraq

Highlights - Wasteful SA draw with Iraq

Hosts South Africa and Iraq shared the spoils in the opening game of the Fifa Confederations Cup in Johannesburg.

The hosts missed a hatful of chances with Kagisho Dikgacoi unlucky to see a goalbound header accidently blocked on the line by team-mate Bernard Parker.

Earlier South Africa's Macbeth Sibayo saw his 20-yard shot tipped round the post by Iraqi keeper Mohammed Kassid.

Striker Parker saw two efforts saved by Kassid while Thembinkosi Fanteni headed Teko Modise's corner over the bar.

Substitute Katlego Mashego should have done better for South Africa when finding himself one-on-one with Kassid.

The world of football trusts you, and the confidence is in you. It is in Africa, it is in South Africa today Fifa president Sepp Blatter

But as was the case for much of the game the Iraq keeper proved to be unbeatable, doing well to smother the ball at the feet of Mashego.

Iraq rarely threatened South Africa who were cheered on by a partisan crowd of 48,837 at Johannesburg's Ellis Park.

The one time the hosts did beat Kassid, Parker found himself in the way of Dikgacoi's header, blocking it on the line and away to safety.

Earlier Fifa president Sepp Blatter had opened the tournament after a colourful ceremony at Ellis Park.

"Fifa is committed to Africa," said Blatter.

"The world of football trusts you, and the confidence is in you. It is in Africa, it is in South Africa today."

Tanzania troops attack policeman

Officials in Tanzania are investigating the alleged beating up of a traffic policeman by a group of eight soldiers. The soldiers were apparently angry that he had held up their convoy at a roadblock in Dar es Salaam. They attacked him with fists, boots and army belts, prompting a crowd to boo their actions, witnesses say. A BBC correspondent in the city says traffic police are not popular, as they often ask for bribes but people still felt it was wrong to beat the officer. He had to be taken to hospital. This is not the first time that Tanzania's military has clashed with the police.

Somali 'pirate' pleads not guilty

Abde Wale Abdul Kahhir Muse appeared briefly in court A Somali man arrested after a US captain was kidnapped has pleaded not guilty to 10 charges in a New York court, including piracy. Abde Wale Abdul Kadhir Muse was also charged with holding a hostage for ransom and armed hijacking. He spoke through a translator during the brief appearance. His next hearing was set for 17 September. His lawyers said they had difficulty communicating with him, and that he was "confused" about the situation. Defence lawyer Phil Weinstein also said "they are giving him medications that he doesn't understand", AFP news agency reported. It was unclear what the medication was for. 'Pirate ringleader' Mr Muse's mother has said he is only 16 years old but prosecutors argue he is over 18 and a judge last month ruled he should be tried as an adult. He is believed to be the first person to face piracy charges in the US in over a century. He faces life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors have accused Mr Muse of being the ringleader of a pirate gang which boarded a container ship, the Maersk Alabama, on 8 April and took Capt Richard Phillips hostage in a lifeboat. After a five-day stand-off, US Navy marksmen killed three of the pirates and captured Mr Muse, who had gone aboard a US warship, allegedly to demand a ransom. Mr Muse's mother has previously told the BBC's Somali service her son is completely innocent. Heavily-armed pirates operating off the coast of Somalia carry out regular attacks on shipping in recent weeks in one of the world's busiest sea lanes, despite patrols by the US and other navies. Shipping companies last year handed over about $80m (£54m) in ransom payments to the gangs.

Tanzanian to face US trial

Guantanamo inmate gets US trial

Ahmed Ghailani is considered a "high value detainee" by the CIA

An al-Qaeda suspect is to become the first inmate at the Guantanamo Bay camp to stand trial in a US civilian court.

Ahmed Ghailani will face charges in a federal court in New York over the 1998 US embassy bombings in East Africa, the justice department announced.

The news comes as the US Senate voted against funding President Obama's plans to close down Guantanamo Bay detention centre and transfer its 240 detainees.

But Mr Obama later insisted a secure way to close the camp would be found.

In a speech in which he criticised the camp as a "misguided experiment", he said the cases of the remaining detainees were being considered one by one.

Where feasible some would be tried in US civilian courts, he said - though he conceded there remained some who could not be prosecuted but who posed a "danger to the American people".

Apology

"By prosecuting Ahmed Ghailani in federal court, we will ensure that he finally answers for his alleged role in the bombing of our embassies in Tanzania and Kenya," Attorney General Eric Holder said.

The American people don't want these men walking the streets of America's neighbourhoods John Thune Republican senator Detainee move blocked What next for inmates? Profile: Ahmed Ghailani Send us your views

Ghailani, a Tanzanian, was seized in Pakistan in 2004 and was one of 14 so-called "high-value detainees" transferred from secret CIA prisons abroad to Guantanamo in September 2006.

He was indicted in New York on charges related to the August 1998 bombing of the US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya that killed more than 200 people.

According to the transcript of a closed-door hearing in March 2007, Mr Ghailani admitted delivering explosives used to blow up the US embassy in Dar Es Salaam.

However, he told the hearing he did not know about the attack beforehand and apologised to the US government and the victims' families.

The expected announcement comes as Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete is to hold talks with President Obama - the first African head of state to meet the new US leader in Washington.

Mother's joy

Mr Ghailani's mother, Bi-mkubwa Said, expressed joy at the news.

"To receive the news that my son will be transferred from Guantanamo to go to New York - I am thankful and so happy.

"Maybe I will have an opportunity to see him, to even talk to him over the phone, and also when I will see him on his trial, see him with my own eyes, my heart will be relieved and have hope."

She urged President Kikwete to ask President Obama to allow Mr Ghailani to stand trial at home.

"I know my son has nothing to do with the attacks. And I have huge hope that my government will defend this citizen so that he can be returned home," she said.

Congress ruling

The issue of transferring Guantanamo Bay inmates to the US has caused alarm among many members in Congress.

FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme

"The American people don't want these men walking the streets of America's neighbourhoods," Republican Senator John Thune said on Wednesday.

"The American people don't want these detainees held at a military base or federal prison in their backyard, either."

President Obama's request for $80m (£51m) to close the camp was overwhelmingly rejected by senators by 90-6 votes.

The House of Representatives made a similar decision.

Both Democrats and Republicans argue that there needs to be a better plan for closing Guantanamo.

The Republicans want to see the camp remain open, while the Democrats are asking the president for a plan of the closure process before agreeing to fund it.

Concerns will not be eased by a New York Times report on Thursday, which quoted an unreleased Pentagon report as saying that one in seven of the 534 prisoners already transferred abroad from Guantanamo Bay have returned to terrorism or militant activity.

The detention centre, on US territory in Cuba, was established after the 9/11 attacks by the then President, George W Bush.

In one of his first acts on taking office, President Obama pledged to close the camp by January 2010.

He also halted the Bush-era military commissions, saying the US was entering a new era of respecting human rights.

Last week, he announced he would revive the military tribunal system for some Guantanamo detainees but with greater legal rights for defendants.