27/06/2014 World News Today

This is BBC World News Today with me, Zeinab Badawi.

EU leaders choose the next president of the European Commission,

but Britain still insists they've chosen the wrong person for the job.

Looks on the former Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker is the nominee

for the new European Commission president. It is seen as a

diplomatic humiliation for Britain. This is a bad day for written. It

will undermine the position of national parliaments and it hands

new power to the European Parliament.

Has the EU set itself on a collision course with Moscow

after three of Russia's neighbours - including Ukraine - sign landmark

Moscow say there will be grave consequences.

Freed from a Sudanese prison - the mother who was sentenced to

death for renouncing Islam talks exclusively to the BBC.

And the Glastonbury Music Festival kicks off under cloudy skies

EU leaders have approved the nomination of Jean-Claude Juncker

as the President of the European Commission, in spite of objections

He had just one ally in the vote - Hungary - which means

the decision was approved by 26 leaders and opposed by only two.

Let's go now to the BBC's Lucy Hockings in Brussels.

This was not an unexpected outcome. Nevertheless, a snub for David

Cameron. It is difficult to see it any other

way. After months of talks and deals, the decision that Jean-Claude

Juncker will be denomination fought the new president felt inevitable.

But David Cameron it did take a stand. He had one ally, as you said.

David Cameron insisted on a vote, but the final result was 26 votes to

two. It is difficult to see it as anything else than a diplomatic

humiliation. David Cameron was not happy about how this process worked,

but also not happy about what he believes Jean-Claude Juncker

represents, an old style federalist who wants more power in Brussels. He

said that this was a sad day for Europe.

This is a bad day for Europe. It risks undermining the position of

national governments, the power of national parliaments, and it hands

new power to the European Parliament. It is therefore

important that the European Council has agreed today to review what has

happened and to consider how we handle the next appointment of the

Presidents next time around. The man at the centre of the

controversy is Jean-Claude Juncker. He is the former Prime Minister of

Luxembourg and one of the architects of the euro. Now that he has been

nominated for the top job, how will the European Union work under him

Chris Mark how will you work with him?

Even as the leaders were having dinner last night, the judgement had

started. One newspaper described David Cameron as the loneliest man

in your report. Others were said to be accused of going to regret their

decision, but they were unmoved. I think that the decision for

Jean-Claude Juncker will allow us to have a president who has got

experience and he will allow the feelings of the individual states as

well as the European Parliament. Throughout the summer, the German

Chancellor has appeared to reach out to the UK. She specifically said

that she shares some of Britain's concerns about what a modern Europe

should look like. The message that Mr Juncker is open to reform is

being pressed. He is saying that he is open to

proposals about how to reform, how to cut red tape, how to make the

European Union more efficient. None of these can disguise the

bitter divide over Jean-Claude Juncker. David Cameron sees someone

who undermines the parliament, but the German Chancellor sees a

committed European. There was anxiety that this defeat

could hasten the accident of the UK from the youth. There was a note of

frustration from the French president who said that Britain has

two play by the same rules. -- the X said of the UK from the European

Union. We need to learn to live together in

a framework of rules and treaties. There is no other way out.

There is a lot of talk here about a humiliated David Cameron. But the

leaders added a paragraph to the final communication, that Britain's

concerns need to be addressed. We will return to Lucy. Britain's

objections to Jean-Claude Juncker are because he is seen as a

federalist by London. To what extent is his appointment to giving an idea

of what direction the European Union is heading?

What's David Cameron will be hoping when he addresses the House of

Commons is that he can convince people that those concerns of these

are not as real as he thought. That he will be able to renegotiate

Britain's relationship with the European Union and that we will see

a Brussels that is not as changed as people fear. David Cameron has

promised that the fight will continue, but he has to convince the

voters if they re-elect him. There will be a referendum about whether

written will be part of the European Union in 2017. -- Britain.

Well, there was another big development

at the EU summit, which provoked an angry reaction from Russia.

Moscow says there would be grave consequences for three

of its neighbours - Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia - after they

signed trade and political agreements with the European Union.

Particularly important is the deal with Ukraine - it's the

biggest pact of its kind the EU has ever agreed with any other country.

It is the deal which Ukraine's former President Viktor Yanukovych

refused to sign late last year , which led to the current crisis.

It was first business at the summit today. The signing of the trade and

economic deals, with nonmember countries Ukraine, and Moldova.

Ukraine's president was unrestrained when he talked about what this deal

could mean for his country. What a great day. Most important day

for my country after the Independence Day. A moment that is

historical and future orientated. It shows how dramatically things can

change in a short time if the people 's will is strong enough.

Moscow's warnings about the European Union doing business with Ukraine

were supported by a personal attack on the president.

This government is the largest region of Ukraine.

You saying that he is a Nazi? He supported the Nazis. He supported

the right sector. And in Kiev after the signing,

people gathered to celebrate the event.

It was all so different here last winter when the very deals signed

today was the trigger for deadly protests. The pro-Russian leader at

the time, Viktor Yanukovych, had decided not to go ahead with the

deal. That led to his ousting and the conflict between the Ukrainian

government and the pro-Russian separatists. One of Ukraine's most

experienced politicians has now called for the introduction of

martial law in parts of the Donetsk and the eastern regions.

As she did so, thousands of Ukrainians were lining up to cross

into Russia to escape an uncertain future. President Vladimir Putin

called for a long-term cease-fire, but he also said that Ukrainian

society was splits, after being forced to choose between Europe and

Russia. The president said that it was a

great day for Ukraine. How is the deal going?

As you say, a historic day and a momentous day for many Ukrainians in

the capital, because this is where the revolution took place. This is

where the street protests broke out at the original cancellation of the

signing of the agreements. And then ultimately Viktor Yanukovych was

driven from power. You can believe that many people here are satisfied

at the turn of events with the successor signing this deal. But

there are a number of other emotions mixed with that, one of them concern

about what will happen in the east, especially with the cease-fire and

if that is not extended. And also concerns about what Russia's next

move might be, as they say that they could take action against Ukraine,

at least economically. Georgia is one of those countries

that has signed one of those agreements.

With me here in the studio is the former Georgian

Are you concerned about the serious consequences that Russia is

threatening? We have been living with these

consequences for years. There was the Rose Revolution, we raised the

European flag. Then a Brussels started to pay attention. They were

lukewarm, then they warmed up. After Russia acted, there was the

response. Yes, there was a rush it -- a war in

2008. We tried to live differently, change the system. We ran into

problems with Russia. It was also connected.

We are also looking at where we are today. Are you worried that Russia

could threaten serious consequences? These three countries

have strong trade ties with Russia. We are lucky that we managed to get

energy independence. We managed to get the independents. Ukraine is

still strongly dependent, but Georgia is a good example. Moldova

is very vulnerable and Russia will act, but President Putin was going

to do it anyway. I was about to ask you, you said

that Russia cannot touch you, but all three of you have some kind of

land dispute with Russia. You have the breakaway republics. The

international communities say that they are part of Georgia, Russia say

that they are independent, they have Russian troops there. Why you not

concerned about these territories? The idea is that Russia is now only

ten or 15,000 people living there. It is the neighbour, it is a very

bad job. As well as it is very similar situation to Crimea. It is

what they had in Donetsk. Are you concerned? We are very

worried. The West and Russia is quite weak, but there is a strong

will. The West is much stronger, but it lacks the will to come forward.

Eventually, Europeans can stop Russia. It is in their hands now.

There can be sanctions. This is not going away. Things will get worse

before they get better. At a certain moment, the Europeans will have two

act. They will pay a higher price. There are already sanctions.

Yes, but we have the experience. If it takes those politicians to bring

about the action. You are a university friend of the

President of Ukraine. Won't this deal make the resolve of the

separatists more strong? Right now, there are directed by

President Putin. But some of them are pro-Russian?

We are ending a risk. We will get millions of internally displaced

people who will go to Europe, because Ukraine cannot receive them.

There will be the traffic to Europe because that is where the money is.

I am not of the opinion that Europe will do something just for the sake

of Ukraine and Georgia, but it should do something for its own

interest. President Putin is talking about peace cos he wants to fight

away, but the more that he talks about this, that is our experience.

There is the communication, he is a liar.

I am sure that he sees himself as having a valid case. Can I asked

your -- you about your position? There was talk of criminal

misreading is being launched against you for a whole host of

allegations. You have denied them. You are not going back to Georgia

because you might be apprehended. According to the European Union,

Georgia was the least corrupt country in Europe. Nobody can accuse

my government of corruption. There were allegations put forward but

because the European union and Brussels knew there were not true,

they warned them not to go that way. I stayed away because I did not

want to spoil it until it is done. Of course I am going to go to

Georgia at a certain point. When? Sooner than people think. I stayed

away because I did not want to spoil this. You can go back now, you are

not worried about being arrested and put on trial? We have created a

modern state which few politicians can do. We are proud of it. Our

people have progressed. The reality is we are under tremendous strain

from Russia, both the government and opposition should unite to fight

away. It is not time for internal fighting, when facing the bear

knocking on the door with one leg inside your house. Thank you very

much for coming in to talk to us. Now the other news in brief.

The most senior Shia cleric in Iraq has urged the country's leaders to

agree on the appointment of a prime minister, president and

parliamentary speaker before the first session of the newly-elected

The intervention by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani

suggests that both he and perhaps Iran believe the level of threat

requires immediate action and probably the removal of the current

Serbs in Bosnia have unveiled a statue to Gavrilo Princip,

a Serbian nationalist whose assassination of Archduke Franz

Ferdinand led to the outbreak of the First World War 100 years ago.

The local Serb mayor in eastern Sarajevo described Princip

The Italian defender who was bitten by the Uruguayan footballer Luis

Suarez in a World Cup match has criticised FIFA's subsequent

punishment of the striker. Giorgio Chiellini said the ban imposed -

four months and nine international games - was excessive. There have

been no games at the World Cup today, but tomorrow the first of the

At least 15 people have died after a gas pipeline exploded

in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, destroying homes

and forcing the evacuation of neighbouring villages.

Residents of the village of Nagaram said they had complained that

the pipelines had become rusty and were not being properly maintained.

A massive fire, after a state-owned gas pipeline exploded near the

village. It happened at dawn. The blast was powerful. The fire it

calls so ferocious that nearby villages had to be evacuated. It

took three hours to get the flames under control. In a local hospital,

doctors treated people that had been injured. 15 died in the explosion.

In the afternoon, local men gathered in the village, angry it took so

long for rescue teams to arrive. Everyone wanted to know why the

explosion happened and what was being done to prevent another. So

far, there are not many answers. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh say

they are investigating the blast. The Sudanese Christian woman whose

death sentence was quashed this week, but then found herself

detained by police, has now been freed and given sanctuary in the US

Embassy in the capital Khartoum. Meriam Ibrahim, who gave birth in

prison, was convicted of renouncing The Glastonbury festival has long

been one of the main fixtures in She has been talking exclusively to

the BBC. Philippa Thomas has the From detention to a place of

temporary safety. Meriam Ibrahim held onto the baby bore -- the baby

girl she had borne in jail. Her husband with the baby boy. The baby

boy. 27-year-old gave this world exclusive interview to the BBC.

TRANSLATION: I would like to thank the Sudanese

people and the Sudanese police. I am really grateful to all of them. I

would like to thank all those who stood beside me. Do you consider

yourself a Christian? TRANSLATION:

Not only was it me, but also the court that released me. What is your

plan now? TRANSLATION:

I will leave it to God. I didn't have the chance to see my family

after I got out of prison. Their ordeal began when Meriam worried

Daniel Wani, a Christian from South Sudan and a US citizen. She was

jailed because some Muslim members of her family were outraged,

accusing her of apostasy, which a court sentenced her to hang after

receiving 100 lashes for adultery. After widespread opposition, the

Sudanese Supreme Court in Khartoum let Meriam go free, but on Tuesday

she was detained at the airport, refused permission to travel on

papers issued by South Sudan. She has gone to the embassy of the

United States, which is ready to welcome her, but she is not yet

allowed to leave. There may have been no World Cup

action today but the Queen's grandson, Prince Harry, has been

in action in Brazil - he visited There he learned

about a government project to cut His visit to a neighbourhood known

as crackle and attracted a lot of attention and needed heavy security.

-- crack land. It is not often a member of the Royal family drops in

on a no-go part of Sao Paulo, when product -- Greg Dyke -- drug addicts

and dealers converge. He was here to learn about a new government

project, where addicts are given food, health care and shelter and

don't insist they give up the drug either. Harry was mobbed as he

walked through the neighbourhood and met crack addicts employed as street

sweepers. The prince wanted to see for himself how authorities are

dealing with the problem of crack cocaine and it has thrown the

spotlight on an issue that some experts have called an epidemic.

Brazil has more than 1 million crack cocaine users. Meters from the

Prince, people were using the drug in the open air. One person

threatened us when we tried to film openly, despite the heavy police

presence. I met one of the people on the government programme. The Clown

used to work in the circus, but he has been an addict for 20 years.

When the World Cup is over, he told me, he wants to rebuild his

relationship with his family and children. When I smoke I feel

relaxed and good, he tells me, but crack is like AIDS, it has no cure

he says. The problem is that the broadest cheap. One gram can cost

just 20 cents. A rock, little over four dollars. Rising wealth has seen

the problems saw in the past few decades. It used to be homeless

people but now the drug has spread to all social classes, middle-class

people, high-class people. It is a problem for the whole society now. A

scene that was clear as Prince Harry walked the streets, not an average

day in cracolandia, or for the Prince.

The Glastonbury festival has long been one of the main fixtures in

But it's also become a huge international event,

attracting performers as diverse as Dolly Parton, Metallica

Despite a gloomy and wet forecast, the start of the festival turned out

unexpectedly sunny, with thousands flocking to acts across the site.

Glastonbury's continuing success depends on fans trusting that

the line-up, particularly the headliners, play the kind of

music they expect to see and hear, especially as they spend more than

?200 on a ticket before it's even announced who is playing. And many

expressed their unhappiness when Glastonbury's choice for Saturday

Metallica are the first big metal band to be given

Their reputation as one of music's most spectacular acts is one reason

Glastonbury's founder thinks the pessimists will be proved wrong.

I think they're going to go down really well because

the enthusiasm to play this event has been second to none, you know.

There is no other band in the world that was

To many, the festival's image is one of

One of Glastonbury's biggest performers disagrees.

She never goes anywhere that doesn't have a seat, and she's here.

If my mum can go here, it is for everyone.

You think it is an inclusive festival?

Yes, if you ignore the mud and focus on the music it's good.

Blondie were having hits long before Ed Sheeran was even born.

They believe their inclusion on one of the main stages is recognition

Music is what I do and what I love to do.

I think I do it better than I did before, so why shouldn't we

And the thousands in an audience of all age groups gave every

impression that this was exactly the kind of start to

What is it, goodbye, enjoy your weekend.

More thunderstorms tomorrow, but they should not be as widespread.

Further south, rather than through Wales and Midlands. That is because

at times this activity is moving