14/10/2013 BBC World News

Hello. This is BBC World News. Our top stories: the International Red

Cross has called for immediate release of seven of its workers

abducted in Syria. We hear from a survivor of a terrifying trip

across the Mediterranean. A Muslim court says the word Allah should

only be used by Muslims. Christians will appeal the decision. We

discover if Afghanistan is still the world's worst dangerous place

to have a baby. Hello. The International Committee

of the Red Cross has called for immediate release of seven of its

aid workers abducted in north- western Syria. They were seized in

the Idlib province, where they were delivering aid and assessing health

facilities. It is not clear who carried out the killing. The chair

of the International Committee of the Red Cross has given his

reaction. We know the last point was in a rebel-held area. We pass

through these areas regularly puts up with work on both sides of the

conflict. -- regularly. We work. We call on the grid holding them to

release them unconditionally. We are here to serve the Syrian people.

-- the groups. We deliver food, help. A lot of things. That is for

them and not for us. We expect all authorities respect independence

and neutrality and keep safe passage. We are not going to

suspend our work. We will continue to work with the Red Crescent. We

suspend our work. We will continue will support the people and are

suspend our work. We will continue committed to continue that. We will

take necessary safety and security measures. To have these people

released is fundamental. Jim Muir it is in Beirut for us. These aid

agencies are very careful in the way they operate in such a

difficult place, such as Syria. Nevertheless, it is worrying this

has happened. Absolutely pulls a bid underlines the fragmentation

and chaos on the ground. -- it absolutely. It underlines. They are

often having to cross lines - confrontation lines. Sometimes

going from Damascus and many checkpoints of different groups and

so when negotiating all the way. It is trying business. One reason why

the UN would like to get access across borders from places like

the UN would like to get access Turkey, so they can deliver a

directly to rebel-held areas, they want the Government to sign off on

that. It underlines the huge problems and logistics involved.

that. It underlines the huge They are getting paid to a lot of

people. Quite a few are not getting the kind of humanitarian assistance

they should be getting. The fragmentation of course affects the

work of the chemicals weapons teams who Arnaud in the country. What is

the latest? They have set off on another day to verify and destroyed

the latest? They have set off on equipment and munitions used. They

have until the end of the month to complete a task. There is a bigger

background task which is to get all the chemicals out of the country or

destroyed locally. That is a long- the chemicals out of the country or

term job. The target of that is the middle of next year. From the

destroying of equipment to mix and build the chemicals into the

weapons, that is supposed to be finished this month. They have not

run into problems on the ground but they're making it clear they top of

the sea taking nothing for granted in what is a volatile and

constantly changing situation. They have to cross lines as well and

like to get local ceasefires going. Thank you very much. Italy is

stepping up its patrols of Mediterranean waters following the

death of hundreds of migrants on overloaded boats from North Africa.

The number of naval ships will be tripled to help find and rescue

African migrants. 100 coffins have the right from the shipwreck which

saw more than 300 Eritreans dram. - - crown. After hours of waiting, a

coffins of more than 300 Eritreans who drowned off the island of

Lampedusa have arrived on Sicily. Government officials have turned up,

including the mayor, who is here to receive the bodies. We do not yet

know what will happen to the coffins. Some officials have told

us they will be seeking permission from Eritrea and authorities on

assistance in transporting them to their final resting place. If that

does not happen, they will go to one of many cemeteries that are

here. Many Eritreans have turned up to pay their final respects to

colleagues who did not make it. Speaking to many of them, they say

these are jennies that they would be willing to take despite the

risks involved. It is difficult to see. In this town, at levels of

unemployment are high. They use this island as a stepping stone to

move elsewhere in Europe, where they might be able to change their

lives. Migrants who survive when their boat capsized in the

Mediterranean on Friday said they were shot at as they left Libya.

The Syrians have either has told the BBC that people on the boat

were shot and bullet-holes caused their boat to start sinking. He

described what happened. TRANSLATION: The water was OK for a

while. When we got out into international waters they came out

and fired some shots in the air. We kept moving. When we got inside

Italian waters they gave up trying to catch us and, instead, shot at

us with live rounds was up a shot two skippers. Some of the women got

shot. The last thing a shot was the engine room in the bottom of the

boat and that is when water started to get in. When they make sure they

had shot us and the engine stopped, they left and went back into Libyan

waters. That is when the tragedy got worse. You have been following

this story. What information do you have as to who might be behind the

shooting? What is confirmed is that the boat was shot at. The UN says

that some of the rescuers saved that some of them have injuries

that tell they were fired at. What we do not yet know - what remains

uncertain - is who might be behind the shooting. Some say it could be

a a combination of trafficking gangs, others it is that

authorities have ordered to shoot the boat. Some of the rescuers say

they heard on the boat someone talking on the phone with someone

on the Libyan side, asking for the boat to come back, so it could be a

matter of trafficking gangs fighting with each other on whether

this boat should have left the Libyan side or not. The other

theory about authorities been behind it, we do not know. We will

know more when we hear more from the authorities about Berens

versions - the version of facts. Wind would the Libyan state shoot a

boat -- wide what a Libyan state attempt to shoot a boat with its

own citizens? In the coming hours, we will hear more from the Libyan

authorities and the official side which will mean we can answer this

question. Given the state of play in Libya and the unregulated way

this trafficking happens on a massive and global scale, it is

difficult to see how you can stop these events happening. Absolutely.

What is important is that since the toppling of Gaddafi, many ministers

are still ruling the country. Their ruling main areas. -- they are

ruling main areas. In order to avoid such events, in order to

avoid these events, you need a strong state to be able to

collaborate with the EU and Italy in particular in this case in order

to avoid these types of events. People are talking about and non-

state situation in Libya. Thank you very much for explaining all of

that. A relation Court has decided very much for explaining all of

that the word Allah can only be used by Muslims. The court upheld

the Government's decision saying it was not an integral part of

Christianity and allowing it to be used by non-Muslims would cause

confusion. TRANSLATION: Now the result is

clear, whoever wants to bring a case to the federal court, I urge

them to think twice so the issue ends here so we care and respect a

harmonious relationship between the Muslims and others in this country.

The Reverend is in Kuala Lumpur. He is the General Secretary of the

Council of churches in Malaysia. What is your reaction to this

ruling, saying you have to be Muslim to use the word, Allah? It

has come as a surprise to the Christians in this country. They

have been using the word in their translation of the Malay bible for

centuries. This has not caused any problems for our co-existence with

our Muslim brothers and sisters in this country. What is also alarming

is that the churches and, for that matter, other religious communities

in the country, should not only exist on the basis of the official

statement of the Muslim establishment, they should be

allowed to exercise the freedom that is enshrined in the federal

constitution in Article 3 of this federal constitution. That

guarantees the right of the freedom of religion for all people. Our

correspondent said one of the reasons give faultless is that some

Muslims say that some Christian groups are trying to convert some

Muslims to Christianity. They are using the word, Allah, to mean God

in publications Amazons to not one that to happen. Once again, it has

to be said we have been using this word all along. The majority of

Christians who live in east Malaysia have always been using the

Bible as their native language and they can use the word, Bala. It is

quite alarming to us. -- Allah. Christian's use that word to mean

God. That is the respected usage of the word among Christians. Even the

translation of the Bible in the Malay language, it is Allah.

Have different will it be if he cannot have it in your

communications? -- how different will it be if you cannot have it in

your communications? This practice has gone on for a long time. It is

integral to the lies of people who are Christians in Malay speaking

communities. -- the lives. This is only in reference to the use of the

word for Catholic newsletters. The Government has allowed for the a

free import, publication and distribution of the MLA bible in

East Malaysia. -- the melee Bible. Scientists say they could create a

safe conversion of thalidomide. Now, more than 115 people are known to

have been killed in India while celebrating a major Indian

festival. Hundreds of thousands of people had

gathered near the town of Datia for the festival in the state of Madhya

Pradesh. Pilgrims were crossing a narrow bridge to a temple when panic

broke out. Our correspondent Nitin Srivastava reports.

Prayers turned to morning in this popular town. Hundreds of pilgrims

had turned up to worship in the Indian festival season. Little did

they know that many would be returning home with dead bodies of

their loved ones, especially women and children. Many were crushed and

several jumped off a narrow bridge into the river as a fatal rumour

spread fast. TRANSLATION: Some people spread a rumour that the

bridge was collapsing which triggered a mad rush and a stampede.

The bridge was in a fine state, there is no question about it.

Things will only become clear once the enquiry is over. This narrow

bridge has witnessed tragedy before. Many died in a similar stampede in

2007. Accidents during pilgrimages are not unheard of. Dozens have died

2007. Accidents during pilgrimages in similar tragedies.

Government talks after Germany's inconclusive elections are moving to

a crucial stage with Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats

expected to choose their coalition partner this week. Mrs Merkel's

party which fell short of an absolute majority will agree on

Tuesday. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims are gathering near Mount

Tuesday. Hundreds of thousands of Arafat for the annual hatch

pilgrimage. Officials say they expect 1.5

million pilgrims to descend on the site to perform prayers for the day

of Arafat. Numbers are down sharply because of fears of a virus and

because there is massive construction work going on at the

Grand Mosque in Mecca which will eventually increase the capacity

there. This is BBC World News. Syria is due

to officially join the Chemical Weapons Convention as disarmament

teams continued to destroy stockpiles in the country.

And a Malaysian court has decided the word Allah can only be used by

Muslims but Christians say they will the word Allah can only be used by

appeal the ruling. Four members of the Greenpeace crew arrested in

Russia for staging an Arctic oil drilling protest are seeking bail at

a court today. They of the ship. The crew of 30

face piracy charges which carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

Our correspondent Steve Rosenberg is following events from Moscow. Can

you bring us up to date? Yes, bail hearings began last week for the 30

people who were arrested on board the ship. Four of those 30 are in

courts today in Murmansk, including the captain and a Greenpeace

activist from Argentina. She has already had her application for bail

turned down by a judge. Just remind us what happened during the original

incident. Yes, this was last month. A Greenpeace protest in the Arctic

at a Russian oil drilling platform, when a number of activists scaled

at a Russian oil drilling platform, the platform. Then the Russian Coast

Guard came along and all the people on board the Arctic Sunrise,

including activists, crew members and freelance journalists were

arrested. The Greenpeace boat was impounded. Now, or 30 people are

facing piracy charges. That carries a maximum possible sentence of 15

years in jail. Hundreds of thousands of people who

were evacuated before Cyclone Phailin hit India have started to

return to their homes but many more will remain in temporary shelters. A

huge relief operation is underway with officials providing food to

hundreds of thousands of people who spent nights in shelters in Andhra

Pradesh and Orissa states. Here is Sanjoy Majumder. This is a power

line which has almost entirely fallen over.

Almost everywhere you look in Orissa you can see signs of destruction

left behind by Cyclone Phailin. You can see how the trees that have

fallen over have now been pushed to one side. Slowly, bit by bit, life

is returning to normal across Orissa. Power is gradually being

is returning to normal across restored, communication links are

being rebuilt. The priority for the administration is now to assess the

hundreds of thousands of people who are living in temporary shelters.

Many are from poor communities living along the coast, most of whom

had lost their homes, some, even their livelihoods. The focus now is

to start rebuilding their lives. Now, Afghanistan is one of the

world's riskiest places to have a baby, with a high proportion of

women dying during pregnancy and childbirth. It is out of nine, our

correspondent Lyse Doucet travelled to Badakhshan which was the worst

place on earth to give birth with a woman dying every 27 minutes. Now

place on earth to give birth with a Lyse has gone to a hospital in Kabul

to see if conditions are better. This is Afghanistan's oldest and

biggest hospital. Women come from Afghanistan to give birth here. It

is a good place to find out how much progress the country is making. The

Health Minister is visiting today. This is good news in Afghanistan

when a mother survives childbirth. It remains still one of the most

dangerous things for women here? Exactly. She has come from a

province near Kabul and she has six other children. This is her seventh

child. She gave birth six hours ago in this hospital. Congratulations!

This is one example of millions of women in Afghanistan who have

travelled long distances to arrive at a facility where they receive

travelled long distances to arrive care and where they have access to

medical care. Afghanistan is described as having many dangers but

it is described as one of the most dangerous places on earth to give

birth. Are you making progress? We are making progress. We have seen a

reduction in mortality. We used to have every 27 minutes a woman dying

from pregnancy and childbirth in Afghanistan. Now every two hours a

woman dies from pregnancy and childbirth. We have seen a reduction

in maternal mortality. We have seen a reduction in lifetime risk among

within who experience pregnancy and childbirth. Mothers surviving is a

real measure of the development of this country because everything

impacts on their ability to survive. Absolutely. It is an

indication of development, human development and community

development. It is not solely to prevent health and access to health

care but where women are in the prevent health and access to health

country and society. More women are educated and empowered, the more

that mothers and babies will survive. Experiences show that when

the rate of Higher Education Act women goes up, when the rate of

employment among winning goes up, then the age of marriage delays. And

the number of children they want to have gets reduced, their chance of

surviving childbirth increases. We will let you get back to seeing some

of the other mothers. Afghanistan faces battles on many fronts and one

of them is the most basic and most less and rituals of life and that is

giving birth. They say they are making progress but like everything

else here, there is a long way to go.

Now, the lid I'd is a drug with a diverse and chequered past. --

thalidomide. It was prescribed to prevent morning sickness but it

caused birth defects. Now scientists are trying to create a safer version

of the drug. It is a drug so toxic to the unborn child, no women are

allowed to work on the production line.

Millions of thalidomide pills come out of this factory in Brazil each

Millions of thalidomide pills come year, they are used to treat the

painful complications of leprosy. In the late 1950s it was given to

expectant mothers to help cure morning sickness. It caused

thousands of birth defects before being banned. It was only allowed to

be used again under tight supervision. But as BBC News

revealed earlier this year, these safeguards do not always work. Alan

is eight. His mother took the drug by mistake when she was pregnant.

She did not know the damage it could cause. Thousands of miles away in

Scotland, one scientist horrified by what is happening in Brazil, is

working on a solution. His research on chick and fish embryos indicates

it may be possible to make a safer version of the drug. You can clearly

see in almost every case some kind of limb problems. The versions of

the drug we hope in to be safer, the limbs would break, you could not

tell there was a problem. We need to test to make sure there are no

species differences but it is exciting at the moment. What is

happening inside these eggs may change the way the world views

thalidomide. It raises the possibility for a successor to

thalidomide which does not pose a risk to the unborn child. This

scientist who is the foremost expert on thalidomide birth defect that

says the research in Scotland is vital. The researchers did find a

safe molecule. That would be like heaven to find a molecule that it is

effective to treat serious diseases and at the same time to be safe for

the unborn baby. Too late for Alan and his mother but offering hope

that no other family will have to suffer like they have.

That is a look at our top international stories. I am back

tomorrow. See you then.