01/08/2013 BBC World News

Hello, this is BBC World News. Our top stories. A leading observer

group in Zimbabwe condemns the country's elections as not

"credible". Spain's prime minister, Mariano Rajoy tells parliament he

won't resign over allegations of corrupt payments by his party. He

called the allegations against him "lies".We have the latest to

Rumbold Trafford where England and Australia battle it out for the

cricket Ashes. And we'll be in the US on patrol with a Texan ranger

who's having a border battle of his Zimbabwe's leading domestic

election monitoring agency says Wednesday's elections have been

"seriously compromised" by irregularities. They say up to 1

million people were prevented from voting. Morgan Tsvangirai has

described the election as an huge farce. And said that in his youth

it was null and void. The Zimbabwe Election Support Network is a group

of 7,000 citizen observers. It says that many more urban voters were

turned away from polling stations than those who live in the

countryside. That's important because there's strong evidence

that President Mugabe enjoys far more support in the countryside,

while his main rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, is stronger in many

towns and cities. That is what has happened in the past hour or so.

With me is Joseph Winter from our Africa team. People saying there

that the election is worthless essentially. Yesterday the regional

observers were praising the conduct of the poll saying that it was

peaceful. But now we're getting these concerted reports that there

was a massive fraud. Zanu PF, the party of Robert Mugabe are denying

that and saying that these claims of fraud by a Morgan Tsvangirai and

his supporters as well as the election support network are just

bad losers, basically. What we seem to be seeing is not a comment on

the Captain of the boats but what happened when people tried to have

boat and could not for whatever reason. -- the counting of the

votes. We had a network of reporters yesterday reporting for

the BBC website and radio. They said a lot to people were being

prevented from voting. That has also been the case in previous

elections. In previous elections the introduced rules to make it

more difficult for young urban voters who are seen as more likely

to vote for Morgan Tsvangirai. Making it more difficult for them

to register. So there saying that those people are being prevented

from voting. The other interesting report we had yesterday was from a

rural area of the country. There one reporter said he had been told

by local villagers and local officials that in some areas

villagers were being taken off by the heads of the villages, the

traditional leaders, and been forced to vote. And their identity

and registration cards were being kept. And the implication is that

that would then be cross-checked so that local people in that village

would know how each individual person had voted. Western observers

were forbidden from attending. But there was a significant munching

presence from the African Union and South Africa Development Community.

They said that things essentially were OK. That is what they said

yesterday. It will be interesting to see how they react to these

latest reports. The local observer at Nat work in Zimbabwe are calling

for those teams to be impartial in their comments and will be watching

closely what they say. Survival there does have a lot of influence

in what happens in Zimbabwe. They are the regional powerhouse and if

they were to increase pressure on Robert Mugabe if he were to win in

what was seen as a fraudulent election, and that was not accepted,

if South Africa took up line it would make it more difficult for

Spain's Prime Minister has admitted making mistakes but denied doing

anything wrong when it comes to the allegations of corrupt payments

that have damaged him and his party. Mariano Rajoy told parliament that

he shouldn't have put his trust in Luis Barcenas, the former treasurer

of his governing Popular Party, but also the he has no intention of

resigning. Mr Barcenas alleges that for years the party had a fund

which received illegal donations and distributed them to senior

party figures. Was our mistake in entrusting the wrong person? Yes. I

made that mistake but I did not commit the crime. Did he tricked

me? Yes. It was easy because I do not jump to condemn anyone. Well

the debate is still going on. The Spanish prime minister, Mariano

Rajoy, is currently in parliament and has been responding to the

allegations made against him. suppose he has cleared things up.

More of a clarification than we have ever had before on this issue.

The opposition has said he has not explained to the Spanish people how

these allegations came about. He has not so far managed to explain

himself. So he gave a lot more detail about this corruption

scandal. He called Mr Barcenas by name several times. That in itself

was a novelty. He flatly denies the accusations. He went into some

detail about what happened and how he felt he had been the victim of

deceit fight Mr Barcenas. Of the opposition in their responses are

saying that that is not enough. Perhaps that he should even resign

according to the leader of the Socialists. There saying that his

explanations do not go far enough to explain why Mr Barcenas was

allowed to carry on apparently handling this slush fund in the

party for so long. We're seeing him there ending his presentation and

acknowledging the applause from his side of the House, from the Popular

Party. But a large part of the assembly not responding at all. It

is all very well him saying he has no intention of resigning, but

could events for since in a different direction? It is

difficult to tell. He has this strong majority, he controls

Congress and the Senate as well. In that sense he is safe politically.

But that does not mean that he is completely safe going forward.

There have been some rumblings of discontent from within his own

party about the way he has handled this crisis. Those have not been

widespread so far but if going ahead, looking ahead to the general

election in 2015, if the Popular Party decided he was an electoral

liability then they might start to manoeuvre to find a replacement.

That is all theoretical. But it is a possibility looking ahead. Even

though he has a strong majority in Congress., Judges in Italy are due

to begin their deliberations in Silvio Berlusconi's appeal against

a conviction for tax fraud. If the court upholds the verdict, the

former Italian prime minister will be barred from holding public

office and possibly jailed. China has released an online video game

that invites players to fight over a group of Japanese-administered

islands that Beijing claims as its own. The islands are known as the

Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China. Millions of people have

already registered to play. In Tunisia, the pressure is mounting

on the government after the Education minister resigned in

protest at the murder of a prominent opposition figure.

Tensions on the streets of the capital have been also running high

- with pro and anti-government protesters turning a central square

into an open sit-in. Now to Egypt and the military-backed government

has authorised the clearance of protest camps. Thousands of

supporters of President Morsi are insisting that they will stay put.

They had been told to end their sit in. They responded with prayers.

Supporters of the proposed President Mohammad Morsi gathered

again in Cairo promising to remain defiant. The attempts to threaten

and terrorise those participating in this it in continue but I want

to reaffirm that the numbers taking part are increasing. The people

here are insistent on their right to reject the military coup will

especially after the killings of terrorism and violence against them.

Earlier in a televised statement the Egyptian information minister

said the Cabinet had decided to take all necessary measures to end

the protest. She also said it had assigned police to do so indicating

that the military-backed government could soon take action against the

demonstrations which have gone on for weeks. The situation in Egypt

is causing concern in the United States which has called on the

transitional government to restore democracy. We are expressing our

concerns about violence to all sides in Egypt. That will continue

to be the case. But also to make clear that we oppose arbitrary

arrests and detentions. And we believe those who have been

arrested and not charged should be released. Three top members of the

Moslem Brotherhood have been referred to court for inciting

violence and the former President Mohammad Morsi has not been seen in

public since he was ousted although he has now been visited by members

of the African Union and the European Union foreign policy chief.

With the government now describing the protests as a security threat

all eyes will now be on how they go about ended them., stay with us.

Still to come we have the latest from Old Trafford where the

football pitch welcomes cricket. When England and Australia battle

Gay rights activists in New York City have dumped Fokker onto the

streets to protest against new laws in Russia banning the propaganda of

non-traditional sexual relations. It imposes hefty fines for

providing information about the gay community to miners or holding Gay

Pride rallies. A growing number of gay bar owners across the United

States have also stopped selling Russian vodka. That is what could

they are dumping. Of the Russian variety. The reason, to protest

against a new law signed by President Vladimir Putin widely

viewed as being anti-gay. But this is not Russia, it is New York.

We're here today at the Russian consulate in New York City to let

the government and Russian businesses in particular the makers

of Russian vodka, know that we're not going to stand silently while

they attack us in our community and scapegoat ass. - us. There was

trouble outside the Russian parliament when the law was passed

back in June. The legislation makes it illegal in Russia to provide

information about homosexuality to under 18 euros. Russians to do so

face hefty fines all foreigners can be detained and deported. This

Musgrove based photographer and gay rights activist has urged people to

go beyond dumping vodka. Let us boycott anything produced in Russia.

Do not bite Russian produce. When you support Russia you support a

regime that destroys innocent people. But the company behind the

vodka brand that has been targeted says it is not anti-gay and it is

being victimised. Our main headlines... A leading observer

group in Zimbabwe condemns the elections in the country as not, and

presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai has called the election a

huge farce, which is now null and void. Spain's Prime Minister,

Mariano Rajoy, has told Parliament he will not resign over allegations

of corrupt payments by his party. He called them lies.

Uruguay is halfway to legalising marijuana. A bill has been approved

by the lower house of parliament, and if the Senate also agrees, then

it becomes law, which would make Uruguay the first country in the

world to regulate the production, distribution and sale of marijuana.

The government says it will take away profits from dealers. This was

the moment Uruguay took its first step towards legalising the

production of marijuana. It had been a fierce battle. After a 13 hour

marathon debate, the lower house of parliament passed a bill by 15 votes

to 46. The measure now goes to the Senate, where, if passed, it will

make Uruguay the first country to license and regulate the

production, distribution and sale of marijuana. There are still rules

attached to the bill. Uruguayans will be allowed to grow up to six

cannabis plants for personal use, or to buy up to 40 grams a month, but

only the government will be allowed to sell the drug, and only to

registered users, aged over 18. The move, initiated by President Jose

Mujica, comes because he believes that this will lead to drug dealers

being able to be shut down. concerns are stimulated by a

prohibition resistant, which creates gigantic markets for in illicit

drugs, in criminal hands. The question is, are there better ways

to deal with the issue of drug use than a prohibitionist system?

Uruguay is going to try it. Critics say that marijuana is a gateway

drug, which could fuel hard drug use. Recent poll is say two thirds

of Uruguayans are opposed to the bill. It comes amid fierce debate

about drug legalisation in Latin America, with some leaders calling

for discussions on decriminalising some drugs, to undermine the cartels

operating throughout the region. The King of Thailand is due to leave a

Bangkok Hospital, nearly four years after first being admitted. He is

widely revered in the country. He was originally admitted for a lung

infection, but it is not clear why he stayed so long in hospital. At 85

years old, his health is frail, but he makes occasional public

appearances, sitting in a wheelchair. He is expected to be

accompanied to the seaside royal palace by his wife. Cricket, and it

is crunch time for Australia, who must beat England in the third Test

match, which has just started in Manchester, otherwise their chances

of regaining the Ashes will have gone. Having won the first two

matches, a draw would be enough for England to win the series. Dan Roan

is at Old Trafford in Manchester. What are the prospects? Well, I

think Australia will have to raise their game dramatically if they are

to get the result that you speak about. They have two win to keep the

series alive. Having gone 2-0 up, England only need a draw to retain

the Ashes. So, Australia have gone in under pressure, they know the

stakes are high, and they have made three changes from the side which

was beaten heavily in the second test. They have brought back in

David Warner, the controversial batsmen, who was involved in the

incident in a bar with Joe Root, when he punched Root a few weeks

ago. But I think it is a sign of how much trouble Australia find

themselves in. Australia elected to bat, and they have made a decent

start Chris Rogers, in particular, looks to be in good form. It is

imperative that Australia do what they have not done yet, and post a

really big first-innings total, to put England under pressure. England

are unchanged. They had some good news with Kevin Pietersen being

ruled fit. Jimmy Anderson is in action, but struggling to make a

breakthrough. Australia will be pleased at the start they have made.

Realistic what about the psychological pressure, when you are

two down out of five, and have got to win the next three matches, the

pressure on them? Especially from the other side of of course,

Australia, for so many years, were the dominant force in international

cricket, for two decades, they were the best team. But that seems a long

time ago now. In those days they might have been expected to have the

resolve to come back, but now, it would be a huge surprise. And

following this series, they have another five Test matches against

England back in Australia in the to win a major -- to win a fourth

Majors this year, something which has never been done by a man or a

woman. She has one all four Majors, but over separate years. It is

pretty incredible, to win the first three, in the way she did it,

executing, and it seems like she is making everything. It is good to

see. It is really neat to see someone out there doing something

that no one has ever done. And at last, Real Madrid coach Carlo

Ancelotti has confirmed his club is in talks with English Premier League

team Tottenham Hotspur to sign Gareth Bale. It is expected a

world-record fee will be required to secure his services. It is reported

that Ray Allen would be prepared to pay more than $120 million for the

player. -- Real Madrid. Now, one issue which many feel needs to be

cleaned up in the US 's border security. An overhaul is currently

being debated in Congress as part of changes to the immigration system.

But so far from Washington, along the southern border with Mexico, it

is local residents and long-time ranchers who are dealing with the

consequences. Here, he tells us his here. We have been here 117 years.

Our south fence is the international border. At any given time, I have

got an illegal on the ranch somewhere, and at any given time, I

have got a border patrol on the ranch somewhere. We have got

cameras, 200 ground sensors, the drones fly so I that I do not know

when they are flying over. So I am pretty well being watched all the

time. My great grandparents had this before Arizona was a state, we were

here. We have given border patrol access to 37 miles of road. I have

dealt with them for 22 years. They have very little respect for private

property or American whites. Yes, it is an invasion of privacy, but it is

part of the border as well. I do not have the freedom to do what I want

to do because of illegal activity and border patrol. We have got

border patrol agents, we have got a steel wall now, we have got a big

station, and nothing has changed. The number of people is down, but

the number of drug events is way up. When they originally proposed

building this, we said, it will only work if you patrol it. People can

climb it, people can cut it, they can do whatever they want. The

Democrats want these people for cheap votes, the Republicans want

cheap labour, and America wants cheap tomatoes. They call these

split gates, they lift them up, and it does not work. This is not going

to keep anybody out. When we start getting our some arranged, all of

this debris start backing up, because nothing can go through fit

-- through it. You could drive a truck through here if you wanted to.

At the minimum you would think they would have an agent sitting here,

watching a hole like this. Do you want to tell the American people how

safe it is? If we have the same philosophy and add another 20,000

agents to it, nobody would tolerate it. If I trusted our government to

put the agents on the border, on the international boundary, not 25 miles

from the border, on the actual line, it would work. But I do not trust

them. They have made promise after promise that they are going to stop

the issue, and they have not done High temperatures in Mexico, but

what about the highest temperature heat waves ever known in living

memory, in China? Zookeepers in the east of the country are using

unusual techniques to keep their animals cool, specially made ice

creams, with fruit. Also, a cooling mist, to help some of the other

species to stay cool. One province in Eastern China saw temperatures in