Iran: Nuclear programme discussions as deadline looms
The P5+1 is a group of six world powers which in 2006 initiated diplomatic efforts with Iran with regard to Iran's nuclear program. They are UN Security Council members, (United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, and France, plus Germany). Earlier this week US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif held talks in Geneva to resolve the remaining issues on Tehran's contentious nuclear programme, as a meeting of the P5+1 nations with Iran ended. The bilateral meeting between Kerry and Zarif was also attended by US Energy Secretary, Ernest Moniz and Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation director, Ali Akbar Salehi. The deadline for the six world powers and Iran to reach a political agreement.31 March Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said it was astonishing that even after the recent IAEA report determined that Iran is continuing to hide the military components of its nuclear program, the nuclear talks are proceeding. See
Syria: Daesh (IS militants) abduct 150 Christians
Over 150 Syrian Christians, including women and elderly, were kidnapped by Daesh militants, (IS’s Arabic name is translated as ad-Dawlah leading to the acronym Daesh). The abductions began at 4.00am on 23 February on a 40km front along the River Khabour. There are 35 Christian villages along the river in that area. The Daesh offensive follows clashes in which Kurdish and Syrian militias claim to have 'liberated' villages from Daesh control in neighbouring Raqqa Governorate. Over 600 families managed to flee from these villages, however many Christians were abducted. There are reports that churches in two villages were set on fire and a 17-year-old Christian was murdered. Examples of Muslim neighbours showing solidarity and assisting Christians have also emerged. The Gulf Today reported on Wednesday that the total of abducted Christians is now more than 150. See
Isle of Man Parliament rejects assisted suicide
Politicians in the Isle of Man have voted overwhelmingly to reject a Bill which called for assisted suicide to be legalised. Members of the House of Keys, the Manx Parliament, voted 17 to 5 to reject the call, put forward by the Minister for Home Affairs, Juan Watterson. The Isle of Man is one of the most recent places to oppose the introduction assisted suicide after the Welsh Assembly voted against it in December. Mr Watterson said: ‘I thought the vote would be a lot closer than that but that is the democratic process – it is what it is and you have to respect that.’ Peter Murcott, who campaigns against assisted suicide, said that the plans go ‘against Christian beliefs’. He said: ‘If you kill someone intentionally then in law that is murder and that is what euthanasia is’.
Saltmine Theatre Company presents: John Newton Amazing Grace
Gifted with incredible talents in storytelling, playing instruments and singing beautifully, this passionate company recounts John Newton's story with energy that you will never forget. You will easily imagine you are on board ship, then amongst slaves being sold at an auction, eavesdropping on conversations between Newton and his love, Polly, then Newton and William Cowper, as if they were alive and living today. Moved with emotion as the ups and downs of John Newton's life story unfolded before us you will be left with a clearer understanding of the poignancy of Newton's life then and what it means to us now across our nation and the world today.
