Russian Leader Joins 'Dance Of Diplomacy'

It had been as carefully choreographed as the D-Day commemorations themselves. But until he showed up there was no way of knowing if Russia's president would join the dance.

The breakthrough came when Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, deftly pirouetted Vladimir Putin and Petro Poroshenko, into meeting face to face.

This was the culmination of a plan hatched at the G7 in Brussels where the world's leaders agreed to one last attempt to persuade Mr Putin to return to the dance of diplomacy - and stop making trouble in his neighbourhood, roughing up the locals and breaking the windows in Ukraine.

A 15-minute chat between Ukraine's president-elect and Mr Putin followed the German introduction, then lunch.

French President Francois Hollande told a British veteran that he had had to use the D-Day occasion to bring the two sides of the increasingly violent Ukrainian conflict together.

Speaking in French, the British veteran asked: "Was Putin there, was he friendly?"

Mr Hollande replied: "Yes we talked to him and with President Poroshenko, we made Ukraine and Russia talk."

Mr Putin meets Petro Poroshenko and Angela Merkel in France

The veteran then asked: "Is it going to work?"

"It must work, we want this ceremony to be useful to the world. Of course we want to commemorate your fight and your voyage," the French president replied.

We also learned from the dialogue that Britain's Prince Philip had had a word with Mr Putin.

Later, the White House said President Barack Obama had also decided to engage - defrosting relations a little since February when the Russians seized the Crimea and Obama boasted the US could beat Russia in a conventional war.

The importance of the occasion and the modern role of Germany as peacemaker, while eastern Ukraine continues to suffer bloodletting, meant that this was an opportunity not to be missed.

It was a chance to engage with Mr Putin, who has been sulking about Russia's declining power for decades and reassure him that he is an important and welcome player on the international stage.

The Kremlin quickly issued a statement saying Mr Poroshenko and Mr Putin have agreed there should be a de-escalation by the Ukrainian government and "federalists" (pro-Russian militia).

This will be taken in good faith by the West and offers Mr Putin a dignified way to dial down the tension without looking put upon.

He may, though, be bluffing and gambling that none of those leaders he met in Normandy quite have the steel of their ancestors and the nerve to call him on it.

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Ukraine And Russia Talk Of 'Ending Bloodshed'

Ukraine's President-elect Petro Poroshenko has met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for informal talks on the sidelines of the D-Day commemorations in France, raising hopes of ending the continuing violence.

The two men met for around 15 minutes on Friday to discuss resolving the most serious East-West crisis since the end of the Cold War.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Putin welcomed proposals set out by Mr Poroshenko, who will be officially sworn in as Ukraine's new president today, for ending the conflict.

He said: "I can only welcome Mr Poroshenko's position that the bloodshed in eastern Ukraine must be stopped immediately."

The two men spoke for up to 15 minutes, according to some observers

And Mr Poroshenko said: "The dialogue has begun, and that's a good thing.

"A Russian representative will travel to Ukraine, and we will discuss with him the first steps towards a plan (to resolve) the situation ... We have a good chance of implementing it."

French President Francois Hollande told a war veteran at the main ceremony in Normandy that world leaders had wanted to use the 70th anniversary commemorations to bring the two sides together to discuss the Ukraine crisis.

Mr Hollande, responding to a question about Mr Putin during a conversation with the war veteran, described the meeting as "friendly".

Awkward: The two presidents smirked when pictured on a split screen

He said: "Yes we talked to him and with President Poroshenko, we made Ukraine and Russia talk."

After the photo, Mr Poroshenko, Mr Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel remained outside as they talked.

The talks were the first meeting between the two leaders since Mr Poroshenko was elected on May 25, after promising to bridge the East-West divide that has split the country and thrown it into conflict.

US President Barack Obama also spoke to Mr Putin at the commemoration ceremonies, marking their first face-to-face conversation since the crisis began in Ukraine.

The White House said the conversation was informal and lasted around 15 minutes as the leaders ate lunch inside a chateau.

Mr Obama and Mr Putin conversed on the sidelines

"President Obama made clear that de-escalation depends upon Russia recognising President-elect Poroshenko as the legitimate leader of Ukraine, ceasing support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, and stopping the provision of arms and material across the border," said US deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes.

"If Russia does take this opportunity to recognise and work with the new government in Kiev, President Obama indicated that there could be openings to reduce tensions," added Mr Rhodes.

Mr Putin also held meetings with Prime Minister David Cameron, Mrs Merkel and French president Francois Hollande this week to discuss sanctions imposed on Russia after it annexed the Crimean peninsula.

It comes after 15 pro-Russian rebels were killed at a border crossing on Thursday.

Five Ukrainian soldiers were also injured during the clashes. Parts of the border in eastern Ukraine were closed after the incident.

Officials have claimed more than 200 people have died in fighting between Ukraine government troops and pro-Russian rebels in recent weeks.

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Cameron 'Firm' With Putin In Ukraine Talks

Bringing Russia's President In From The Cold

Updated: 11:41pm UK, Thursday 05 June 2014

By By Sam Kiley, Foreign Affairs Editor

The two men sat widely apart at Charles de Gaulle airport for a brief photograph before getting down to what diplomats like to call a "business-like meeting" - which really means a "frosty encounter".

That the British Prime Minister and the Russian president met at all was a result, though, of overtures from Number 10, officials said.

The British and other members of the G7 think they saw a window. An opportunity for Vladimir Putin to come in from the cold before being frozen out of much of the international economy.

It had been noted that he did not condemn the Ukrainian elections which brought the confectionary king Petro Porochenko to power on May 25.

It had been further noted that the Russian ambassador to Ukraine would be attending the new president's inauguration in Kiev.

And that Russian troops, at least some of them, had been pulled back from menacing locations close to the border with Ukraine.

These have been interpreted as promising signs that, perhaps, Mr Putin feels he has made his point and is now prepared to reset his relationship with his neighbour to the west.

Such optimism has not been matched with any decrease in violence in eastern Ukraine.

Indeed, as both Barack Obama and David Cameron observed at the G7 in Brussels, Russian weapons and militants to use them have been crossing from Russian territory into Ukraine where they have been locked in bloody battles with government forces.

Not so bloody, yet, it would seem for the G7 to impose the wide sectoral sanctions that they have been threatening Russia with now for close to two months.

This may get wheeled out if there is no improvement over the next month or so, the British and Americans said.

French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are to use Mr Putin's attendance at the D-Day commemorations in France to deliver the same message as Mr Cameron.

"The status quo, the situation today, is not acceptable and it needs to change," Mr Cameron said.

"We need the Russians to properly recognise and work with this new president. We need de-escalation, we need to stop arms and people crossing the border. We need action on these fronts.

"There is an opportunity for a successful, peaceful and stable Ukraine especially now there has been a presidential election."

Mr Putin may choose to hear the message and to heed it.

But he may choose to interpret it another way.

That the G7 nations and the other alliances that they represent remain woolly. That their fear of the negative effects of sanctions on their own economies is matched by an even more profound reluctance to get involved in any military action in defence of Ukraine.

If he takes that view, then in four weeks' time Ukraine may have descended into a bloody mess resembling some of the worst moments in the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

Then, though, his calculation must, at last, focus on Russia's self interest.

A Balkanized Ukraine is bad for Europe.

But it would be a disaster to Russia when combined with biting economic sanctions that could induce a permafrost on the Russian economy.

That would squander the popular support he's generated for himself. It's hard to imagine that Mr Putin, a master strategist, could be that bad at politics.

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Bringing Russia's President In From The Cold

The two men sat widely apart at Charles de Gaulle airport for a brief photograph before getting down to what diplomats like to call a "business-like meeting" - which really means a "frosty encounter".

That the British Prime Minister and the Russian president met at all was a result, though, of overtures from Number 10, officials said.

The British and other members of the G7 think they saw a window. An opportunity for Vladimir Putin to come in from the cold before being frozen out of much of the international economy.

It had been noted that he did not condemn the Ukrainian elections which brought the confectionary king Petro Porochenko to power on May 25.

It had been further noted that the Russian ambassador to Ukraine would be attending the new president's inauguration in Kiev.

And that Russian troops, at least some of them, had been pulled back from menacing locations close to the border with Ukraine.

These have been interpreted as promising signs that, perhaps, Mr Putin feels he has made his point and is now prepared to reset his relationship with his neighbour to the west.

Such optimism has not been matched with any decrease in violence in eastern Ukraine.

Mr Cameron told Mr Putin the situation in Ukraine is 'not acceptable'

Indeed, as both Barack Obama and David Cameron observed at the G7 in Brussels, Russian weapons and militants to use them have been crossing from Russian territory into Ukraine where they have been locked in bloody battles with government forces.

Not so bloody, yet, it would seem for the G7 to impose the wide sectoral sanctions that they have been threatening Russia with now for close to two months.

This may get wheeled out if there is no improvement over the next month or so, the British and Americans said.

French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are to use Mr Putin's attendance at the D-Day commemorations in France to deliver the same message as Mr Cameron.

"The status quo, the situation today, is not acceptable and it needs to change," Mr Cameron said.

"We need the Russians to properly recognise and work with this new president. We need de-escalation, we need to stop arms and people crossing the border. We need action on these fronts.

"There is an opportunity for a successful, peaceful and stable Ukraine especially now there has been a presidential election."

Mr Putin may choose to hear the message and to heed it.

But he may choose to interpret it another way.

That the G7 nations and the other alliances that they represent remain woolly. That their fear of the negative effects of sanctions on their own economies is matched by an even more profound reluctance to get involved in any military action in defence of Ukraine.

If he takes that view, then in four weeks' time Ukraine may have descended into a bloody mess resembling some of the worst moments in the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

Then, though, his calculation must, at last, focus on Russia's self interest.

A Balkanized Ukraine is bad for Europe.

But it would be a disaster to Russia when combined with biting economic sanctions that could induce a permafrost on the Russian economy.

That would squander the popular support he's generated for himself. It's hard to imagine that Mr Putin, a master strategist, could be that bad at politics.

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Hostage Video Rare Glimpse Into Mind Of Enemy

The Taliban video is a rare glimpse into a ritual as old as warfare, writes Sky's Diplomatic Editor Tim Marshall.

The Taliban wave white flags

We see several fighters armed with rifles and at least one grenade launcher. They carry white flags. This symbol of a truce is also the Taliban flag. The numbers and types of weapons for both sides will probably have been agreed by both sides in advance.

A Taliban fighter at the scene

Sergeant Bergdahl is in the back seat of one of the vehicles. He looks bewildered but in good physical health.

On the video a voice speaks on what sounds like a satellite phone. It is one of the Taliban men speaking to a radio station about the release. He says: "We did not take our fighters with us for any offensive purposes but only to secure us."

Sgt Bergdahl awaiting his release in the back of a vehicle

The Taliban then chant, "long live the Afghan Mujahideen" and praise their leader, Mullah Omar.

A plane appears, probably for reconnaissance. If so, details of how many Taliban fighters are present, and where they are, will have been communicated back to the commander of the operation on the US side. 

One of the Black Hawks in the air

As two Black Hawk helicopters come into sight, Bergdahl is taken from the vehicle and readied for the transfer.

One of the helicopters lands as the other flies "top cover". In the unlikely event of a double cross this would be the moment the Americans were most vulnerable. They are not seen, but it is likely the Americans would also have had fighter jets nearby and a drone at high altitude.

Sgt Bergdahl appears in good health

Three men in civilian clothes emerge from the Black Hawk. They are not openly armed. They walk a few yards to meet two Taliban men, one each side of Bergdahl. In the background you see several US military men inside the helicopter.

The two sides shake hands, and one of the Americans puts his hand to his chest in an approximation of the Islamic gesture of respect. It's his left hand, traditionally the right hand is used, but the meaning is clear.

The hostage is readied for his release to the Americans

The commentary had said the Talibs were expecting a formal meeting: "I was hoping we would spend hours discussing things but to my surprise they were in a hurry to leave."

As they turn to leave you can see one American surreptitiously puts his hand on Bergdahl's back as if checking to feel for anything suspicious. 

The Taliban approach the Black Hawk with Sgt Bergdahl

They retreat to the helicopter and one of the Americans walks backwards in case of a last-minute problem.

As they reach the aircraft another frisks Bergdahl. It's now clear he is checking in case the Talibs have fitted him with a suicide belt.

Sgt Bergdahl is frisked by the Americans

There's a thumbs up from one of the occupants to the pilot, and as the Black Hawk lifts off in a cloud of dust, there's another thumbs up which may be for the Taliban fighters.

The helicopter heads away from the camera towards the mountains and then comes the Taliban's final twist in what has been for them a propaganda coup designed to show that they have parity with the superpower and can dictate terms.

A Black Hawk lifts off with Sgt Bergdahl on board

A graphic appears on the screen, the spelling is faulty, but the message is clear and aimed not at Bergdahl, but at the United States. It says: "Don' come back to afghanistan."

The Taliban's message to the United States

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Taliban Releases Video Of Hostage Handover

Six Things To Know On Bowe Bergdahl

Updated: 11:11pm UK, Wednesday 04 June 2014

Everything you need to know about Sgt Bowe Bergdahl, the US prisoner of war released by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Bowe Bergdahl had a variety of hobbies including ballet and fencing

The 28-year-old grew up in the small mountain town of Hailey, Idaho, where he was home-schooled with his older sister, Sky.

His devout Calvinist parents, Bob and Jani, taught their children about ethics and religious thinkers.

By all accounts, Sgt Bergdahl was a bookish teenager with a number of pursuits from skiing to shooting. He performed ballet, took up fencing and studied foreign languages.

He also became interested in Buddhism and tarot cards.

Sgt Bergdahl once tried unsuccessfully to join the French Foreign Legion, according to his father. He worked as a barista in Idaho before joining the US Army in June 2008.

The soldier reportedly became disillusioned with the US role in Afghanistan

According to a report in a Rolling Stone magazine profile, Sgt Bergdahl wrote an email to his parents saying he was "ashamed" to be an American.

He wrote: "The horror that is America is disgusting."

Members of his unit said Sgt Bergdahl kept mainly to himself. The New York Times cites platoon members as saying he wrote Jason Bourne-type novels in which he made himself the lead character.

He is said to have learned Dari and Pashto in his spare time and was reportedly traumatised after seeing an Afghan child run over and killed by an American armoured vehicle.

Members of his platoon say he sent all his belongings, including a laptop, home before vanishing.

Members of his unit have accused him of desertion

According to soldiers in his platoon, Sgt Bergdahl abandoned his post while on guard duty, with only a compass, a knife, water, a digital camera, a diary and possibly also a phone.

The New York Times reports that he left a note in his tent saying he did not support the American mission in Afghanistan and was leaving to start a new life.

The Pentagon concluded in 2010 that Sgt Bergdahl had walked away from his unit before he was captured by the Taliban.

Sgt Bergdahl may have attempted to escape during his captivity

The Taliban released propaganda videos during Bergdahl's time in captivity in which the prisoner, looking under-fed, denounced US foreign policy.

In one clip, a bald and bearded Bergdahl said he was "scared" he would not be able to return home. In others, he was seen eating and exercising.

In one video, he shouted at the camera: "Release me, please! I'm begging you, bring me home!"

In 2011, he is thought to have escaped briefly. When he was recaptured, it reportedly took five militants to overpower him.

"He fought like a boxer," a Taliban fighter told Newsweek.

There are claims US soldiers were killed as a result of having to look for him

Former members of Sgt Bergdahl's battalion and military officials have claimed between six and 14 soldiers died in the search for him.

But the facts seem murky, as so often in the fog of war.

Two of the soldiers whose deaths have been blamed on Bergdahl's disappearance died inside a US military outpost that was under Taliban attack, not while out searching for him.

Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has said: "I don't know of any circumstances or details of US soldiers dying as a result of efforts to get Bergdahl."

He will likely face a court martial for desertion

Some have called for Sgt Bergdahl, who is said to be in stable condition at a military hospital in Germany, to be shot for desertion.

But that will not happen, according to Yale Law School professor Eugene Fidell, a specialist in military legal affairs.

He told Sky News the last US soldier to be killed for desertion, Eddie Slovik, was tied to a post and shot in 1945.

Prof Fidell thinks it more likely Sgt Bergdahl will face a court martial, a short sentence of confinement and a punitive discharge.

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US Pledges $1bn To Boost Military In Europe

Barack Obama has promised $1bn (£597m) to bolster its military influence in Europe amid worries of more land grabs by the Kremlin.

The US president said extra military equipment would be sent to the region in the wake of the crisis in Ukraine, and that more American troops would take part in military exercises.

"We need to make sure that the collective defence ... is robust, it is ready, it is properly equipped," Mr Obama told a news conference in Warsaw's Belweder Palace.

"Today, I'm announcing a new initiative to bolster the support of our Nato allies here in Europe.

"Under this effort, and with the support of Congress, the US will preposition more equipment in Europe."

President Obama also spoke to Polish and US airmen in Warsaw

There are worries that states on Russia's western borders could be at threat after the country took control of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.

Mr Obama's plan also proposes more regular naval deployments in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea, right on Russia's doorstep.

No announcement was made on permanent US troop deployments in Europe but the White House said it would review the matter.

It said: "These efforts will not come at the expense of other defence priorities, such as our commitment to the Asia Pacific rebalance."

The extra $1bn will also help boost the defence capability of Western-friendly states bordering Russia, such as Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. For example, through extra training for their troops.

Pro-Russian troops have forcibly taken charge in areas of Ukraine

The European Reassurance Initiative - as the plan is called - must first be signed off by the US Congress.

Mr Obama was speaking at a joint news conference with Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski at he beginning of a four-day visit to Europe.

He also urged other Nato members to do more to help the alliance's defence role, although he admitted the US had to play the biggest role.

Nato states have a target of spending 2% of GDP on defence, but many lag behind.

"Everyone has the capacity to do their fair share, to do a proportional amount to make sure we have the resources, the planning, the integration, the training in order to be effective," said Mr Obama.

There are fears Vladimir Putin's military could move into other countries

The US leader's remarks come ahead of a potential meeting with Russia President Vladimir Putin at D-Day commemorations in France.

The pair have no meeting scheduled but White House officials have not ruled one out. The men have not met since the Ukraine crisis began.

"Mr Putin has a choice to make," Mr Obama said, speaking about the Russian leader reining in pro-Kremlin troops in Ukraine.

"That's what I will tell him if I see him publicly. That's what I have told him privately."

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Fire Breaks Out At Shell Plant In Netherlands

Two people have been injured after an explosion caused a major fire at a Royal Dutch Shell chemical plant in the Netherlands.

Flames and smoke were seen billowing into the sky at the site in the town of Moerdijk, near the port city of Rotterdam.

A spokesman for the company said maintenance was being carried out at the complex at the time of the explosion.

"An explosion occurred on the evening of 3 June in the reactor of the MSPO-2 installation at Shell's Moerdijk chemicals complex in the Netherlands," the company said in a statement.

"A fire broke out as a result. The fire is now under control. The authorities and emergency services were alerted immediately.

"Emergency services are on site. Two employees were injured and have been taken to hospital for treatment.

"The MSPO-2 installation was under maintenance as the fire broke. The plant produces styrene monomer and propylene oxides which are raw materials used to make plastics."

Residents who live close to the site were told to close their doors and windows to avoid the plume of smoke.

Local media reported that many people heard several blasts before spotting flames soaring in the sky.

Firefighters used foam to battle the fire.

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Spain's King Juan Carlos Abdicates For His Son

Juan Carlos Held Reins During Rocky Times

Updated: 2:20pm UK, Monday 02 June 2014

Juan Carlos may have been tainted by recent scandals, but he can abdicate knowing he has led his country through some very testing times.

One of the most testing was when he helped bring an end to a failed coup that nearly sent Spain - now a member of the EU - back to being ruled by a military junta in 1981.

Soon after politicians were pictured cowering under their benches as armed guards burst into parliament, Juan Carlos appeared on television in his green military uniform ordering an end to the revolt.

He said: "I have ordered the civil authorities and the chiefs of staff to take the necessary measures to maintain constitutional order."

It's now largely forgotten in Britain how close one of Europe's most powerful countries came to reverting to military dictatorship.

Juan Carlos kept his son Felipe, then aged 13, at his side throughout the crisis.

"I wanted him to see what one has to do when one is king," he said later.

For years, the Royal family remained popular as Spain emerged from being one of the EU's poorer countries to being one of its most powerful.

After the Madrid train bombings in March 2004, Juan Carlos and his wife Queen Sofia threw protocol aside at a memorial service when they comforted the families of some of the 191 people killed.

But, with the onset of the financial crisis in 2008, things began to change. 

Juan Carlos' image was dealt a blow after he went on a luxury elephant-hunting safari in April 2012 as his subjects struggled in a recession, during which one in four people was unemployed.

Then, his family became embroiled in a corruption investigation when a judge indicted former Olympic handball player Inaki Urdangarin, the husband of the king's youngest daughter Cristina, who has also been accused of involvement.

He has also suffered long term health problems, undergoing surgery nine times between 2010 and 2013.

But, despite the setbacks, history may in time be kinder to him.

He is regarded as playing a determining role in Spain's modern history by stepping up as the first crowned head of state in 44 years, after the death of Franco.

He then defied the hopes of the Francoists for an extension of autocratic rule and instead oversaw the creation of a new system of parliamentary monarchy, with a new constitution that was approved by referendum in 1978.

Without his guiding hand, the country many people regard as their favourite holiday destination could have remained being run by those who followed a similar ideology to Adolf Hitler.

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Syrians To Vote In 'Show Of Force' Election

By Sherine Tadros, Middle East Correspondent

Syria's presidential elections are set to take place in the midst of a brutal three-year war.

For the first time in the country's history there is more than one candidate competing for the top job.

Running against President Bashar al Assad are Maher Hajjar, a little-known parliamentarian from Aleppo, and Hassan al Nouri, a former government minister and businessman from Damascus.

Both were vetted by the government and neither have a chance of winning.

Syria's Supreme Court earlier disqualified 21 candidates from the race and a restrictive election law essentially made it impossible to run without government approval.

One of Bashar al Assad's posters in Damascus

This election is not about democracy, but rather a show of force by Assad.

By holding elections as planned, he is sending a message to the international community and Syrians that he is winning the war.

Two years ago the opposition thought Assad's days were numbered and the West portrayed his demise as imminent.

Not only has he survived but the momentum on the ground is in his favour. Pro-Assad forces recently reclaimed the Old City of Homs from the rebels, negotiating a ceasefire there. As the heart of the uprising, the regime's victory in Homs was an important milestone.

Millions will be prevented from voting - not just those in rebel-held areas where polling stations won't operate, but also the hundreds of thousands of refugees not officially registered, as well as those who are internally displaced or who lost their documents when they fled their homes.

Syrian refugees in Tripoli protest against the possible election of Assad

In Lebanon, where there are more than a million registered Syrian refugees, people queued for hours to vote at the one polling station in the Syrian embassy in Beirut.

Some were clearly eager to show their support for Assad; others were afraid if they didn't vote they would be punished or refused entry back into Syria.

In three years of fighting, an estimated 160,000 people have died and more than three million have fled the country with another million internally displaced. Many Syrians say privately they do not trust Assad or the various opposition forces. 

The incumbent is heading for victory and a third, seven-year term. For him and his allies this election signals a new phase in the conflict where he will be able to use the election to prove he is the legitimate leader of Syria. 

Many fear more intense fighting as an empowered Assad moves to crush rebel fighters. Others see this election as the start of an official splitting up of the Syrian state, as Assad consolidates power in the areas under his control.

Either way, there is no end in sight for the millions of Syrians who continue to bear the brunt of this war.

:: Sky News has been refused visas to enter Syria to report on the political situation in the country. Sky's Sherine Tadros is reporting from Cairo.

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Bombing At Nigeria Football Pitch 'Kills 40'

At least 40 people have reportedly been killed in a bombing at a football pitch in northeast Nigeria.

The explosion in the town of Mubi, Adamawa state, appeared to target fans walking across the field and heading home after watching a local match, according to AFP.

It was not immediately clear if players were among the casualties, but a police officer and a nurse said it was thought most of the victims were supporters.

Muhammad Hassan said the blast apparently came from within the crowd that was leaving, adding: "Women and children were caught up in the blast."

It is not known who carried out the attack, but according to AP it came less than 48 hours after a letter purportedly from the Boko Haram terrorist group threatened to attack a university in the town.

Hundreds of schoolgirls were taken by Boko Haram in April

Mubi was the site of a massacre at a post-secondary technical college carried out by Boko Haram in October 2012.

In April this year, the Islamist group kidnapped more than 200 girls from a school in Chibok, Borno state, which shares a border with Adamawa.

Boko Haram has killed thousands during its battle against the government since 2009.

But the conflict received unprecedented global attention following the schoolgirl kidnapping.

Adamawa is one of three areas in the northeast which has been under a state of emergency for over a year as Nigeria's military tries to crush the extremist uprising.

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Parents' Emotional Address To Freed US Soldier

The parents of a US soldier released by the Taliban after being held hostage for five years have made an emotional public address to their son.

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl's mother and father have been unable to speak to him directly since he was freed on Saturday.

Speaking at a news conference in Boise, Idaho, Jani Bergdahl said: "I am so looking forward to seeing your face after these last five and a half years.

"And giving you a great big bear hug, holding you in my arms again, not wanting to let you go.

"Give yourself all of the time you need to recover and decompress. There is no hurry. You have your life ahead of you."

Sgt Bergdahl's father said his recovery from the Afghanistan ordeal was a "work in progress" and must be carefully planned.

But Mr Begdahl added his 28-year-old son was "very resilient" and has "passed through all the checkpoints with flying colours".

The serviceman is being treated after his ordeal

"When you're ready to hear this and when you see this, I hope your English is coming back and I want you to know that I love you," said Mr Begdahl.

Officials had to act quickly to obtain his release and Sgt Bergdahl's "safety and health" had both been in jeopardy, according to US defence chief Chuck Hagel.

His freedom was dependent on the US releasing five high-level Afghan detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the custody of officials in Qatar.

The prisoner exchange raised eyebrows in Washington, with Republican Senator John McCain claiming those released were "high risk" and "possibly responsible for the deaths of thousands".

Sergeant Bergdahl pictured during his detention

"These are the hardest of the hard core," he said. "These are the highest high-risk people. It is disturbing that these individuals would have the ability to re-enter the fight."

Former CIA director Porter Goss is also concerned.

"We will pay a price on it, down the road, in my view," he said.

"There will be consequences to this, in addition to the fact that I think it was a heavy price to take five really bad guys and trade them for one of our guys."

Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel defended the decision to exchange prisoners

Republican lawmakers are also questioning President Barack Obama's authority to sign-off on the deal without providing 30-days' notice to Congress.

But Mr Hagel told reporters that closing the deal quickly was necessary because intelligence indicated that Sgt Bergdahl's health was "deteriorating".

As part of the deal the government of Qatar, which served as the go-between in the negotiations, agreed to take custody of the five Afghan detainees.

Sgt Bergdahl's parents at a White House news conference with Mr Obama

Under the conditions of their release, they will be banned from travelling outside Qatar for at least a year.

Mr Obama said: "The Qatari government has given us assurances that it will put in place measures to protect our national security."

Sgt Bergdahl was taken prisoner in the Paktia Province of Afghanistan on June 30, 2009.

After undergoing a medical evaluation at Bagram Air Field, Sgt Bergdahl was transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany.

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Kenyan Farmers Threaten Violence Over Khat Ban

By Hind Hassan, Sky News Reporter

Kenyan khat farmers have threatened violent action against the British government following its decision to ban the stimulant.

FG Machuma, who says he represents the Meru tribe, told Sky News the decision to make the plant a class C drug was a "declaration of war".

He added: "If they don't listen to us ... they have a military base in Nanyuki ... and they will have to leave.

"If they don't leave peacefully then we will take arms and deal with them in Kenya."

Men chew khat and drink coffee in London

In the UK, khat is popular among some members of Somali and Yemeni communities.

The latest figures from 2011-2012 put the plant's UK value at £13.8m.

Users chew the leaves then swallow the juice, which contains an ingredient similar to amphetamine.

After a few hours, users become talkative and experience feelings of alertness, euphoria and excitement.

But symptoms can include depression, lack of concentration and psychosis.

The majority of British trade comes from the town of Meru in Kenya.

A farmer plucking khat shoots off a tree on a plantation in Kenya

It provides a source of income for around 500,000 farmers, who say the ban threatens their livelihood.

Home Secretary Theresa May defied the Government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to push through the ban, which was approved by the House of Lords on May 12.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Drug misuse has a serious impact on society and the ban on khat will help protect vulnerable members of our community.

"It will also prevent the UK from becoming a single regional hub for criminals trying to make a profit, as countries across Europe have already implemented the same ban.

"Parliament has now approved the government's decision and khat will become a class C drug on June 24, 2014."

Users of the plant claim they are being unfairly targeted.

A van transporting khat meant for export to Nairobi

Mahamud Ahmed Mohamad - who owns the UK's largest khat warehouse in west London - insists that chewing khat is a Somali tradition.

He told Sky News: "It's like closing a pub ... will you feel happy if you close British pubs?

"Why don't you close alcohol which is affecting a lot of people? Why is it only khat that is a major issue?"

He currently employs around 40 workers and says they will be made redundant once the ban is implemented.

Mr Mohamad is challenging the ban in the Court of Appeal.

Farmer James Ntonyi chews khat leaves at his father's farm in Meru

Abukar Awale, a former user, insists the substance is addictive and psychologically damaging.

The anti-khat activist blames his former habit for a violent confrontation during which he was stabbed.

"Availability of khat and the legality of khat was attracting more young people," he said. "By banning it we are preventing young people from failing in society."

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Cameron: Meriam Death Sentence Is 'Barbaric'

David Cameron says the death sentence handed down to Meriam Ibrahim is "barbaric" and has called on Sudanese authorities to intervene.

The Prime Minister joined international condemnation of the 27-year-old mother's plight, saying he is "absolutely appalled" by the case.

And UKIP leader Nigel Farage has now called on the Government to cut aid cash to Sudan, which last year stood at £42m.

Mr Cameron said: "The way she is being treated is barbaric and has no place in today's world.

Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have also condemned Ms Ibrahim's sentence

"I urge the government of Sudan to overturn the sentence and immediately provide appropriate support and medical care for her and her children.

"The UK will continue to press the government of Sudan to act."

Meanwhile, Mr Farage has urged the ending of UK financial support for Sudan,

He said: "I suspect this particular case is going to shock people, horrify people so much that there will be a renewed debate about where we are spending billions of our pounds every year."

Tory MP for Totnes Dr Sarah Wollaston has also said on Twitter that aid should be conditional on "action to reverse the rising tide of barbarity against women".

Husband Daniel Wani with his newborn baby in prison

But Conservative International Development Secretary Justine Greening argued it would be "totally perverse" to withdraw aid:

She said: "British aid to Sudan only goes on helping the very poorest Sudanese people via the UN and NGOs, and not a penny is given to the Sudanese government.

"Withdrawing support from thousands of Sudanese families, many also with small children, would only compound this terrible situation. That cannot be right."

Ms Ibrahim was found guilty by a Sudanese court of apostasy in renouncing Islam and of adultery for marrying a Christian, Daniel Wani.

She was sentenced to 100 lashes and death by hanging earlier this month.

Her death sentence has been suspended for two years so she can nurse her daughter Maya, who was born in prison on Wednesday.

Ms Ibrahim was forced to give birth to the child while shackled to a prison floor after guards at Omdurman Women's Prison refused to release her.

Both the UK and US governments have summoned Sudan's charge d'affaires to discuss the case.

Foreign Office Minister Mark Simmonds told Sky News Britain is doing everything it can to pressure the Sudanese government to lift Ms Ibrahim's sentence.

He said: "We are putting intense pressure on the Sudanese government to do everything that they can to ensure her release.

"Hopefully the international outrage will push the Sudanese authorities into a situation where they feel they have to release Meriam."

He said her sentencing was unconstitutional under Sudanese law and in violation of the country's commitment to treaties that relate to human rights and freedom of religion.

The US State Department has described Ms Ibrahim's incarceration as "horrific" and continues to press Sudanese officials to intervene.

US embassy officials have been attending Ms Ibrahim's public hearings and are monitoring the appeals process in Khartoum.

Mr Cameron's comments follow condemnation from former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and British politicians including Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg.

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