Emirates to take this step to become only the third arab state to do this. Effectively it smashes whatever unity was left in the arab world towards israel really is a huge, huge step. Having said that, however, there is no doubt that in one sense this only puts formality to a relationship which p pretty muc existed in any case, although nobody spoke openly about it. I think the key issues probably for the United Arab Emirates were iran, shared concern with israel, and also saudi arabia, of course, on the position of iran. The prospect that doing a deal with israel would open the doors to closer ties with the United States and in particular the supply of weaponry, sophisticated weaponry that it couldnt get its hands on so long as it didnt recognize israel, but also the question of the annexation. This was at the heart, i think, of the decision to go ahead with it. They were concerned, like with saudi arabia, that if annexation went ahead, it wouldnt just be the end of the possible twost
Being s stopped s short in one h ceer will briri you her story later in the show. Its ten pm here in the french capital thanks for watching france twenty four now will start to this evening in the u. S. Where the labor secretary alexandra costa said. On friday that he is resigning at this follows questions over his handling of a two thousand and eight secret plea deal. With wealthy financier jeffrey epsteiein whos beenn accused of sexually abusing d dozens of underage g girls acosta made the announcement of his resignation. Alongside the u. S. President s lets take a listen. I do not think it is right and fafair. For this Administration Labor department they have seen as the focus. Rather than the incredible economy that we have today. It would be self pay for me to stay in this position. And continue talking about a case of twelve years old. Rather than about the amazing economy we have right now. And so i submitted my resignation to the president. No for more at one what is the lates
Detention. Of a preliminary hearing on palestinian girl who kicked theeli soldiers is over in west bank. How long electrical goods will last a move to cut down on waste. All that and more in our business update. Thousands of performers have been parading in Rio De Janeiro for carnival. Not everyone is happy about the event. The mayor wants to slash funding. All of that coming up from our correspondents. But first, our top story. In south africa, according to media reports, the rulining anc party is to formally ask president jacob zuma to stand down after he refused to resign. The reported move comes after lengthy talks with the powerful National Executive committee, amid undramatic power struggle. Five days of discussions between president zuma and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa failed. If zuma refuses to step down, he will likely be ousted by a noconfidence vote within dates. Nick has details in this next report. Well, our International Affairs joins usor rob parsons in studio. It i
Two main parties are pushing for the presidency for the First Time Since prepares to face an independent in next months runoff. Protesters a group of lawyers says dozens of activists have been arrested ahead of the rally and the arrests continue. Coming up over the course of the next hour, a lifeline to certainly energy giant edf, but will it be enough to save the Nuclear Project . We will have the details of that in business and yet another loss for the music business. We will have more on his life and legacy, coming up. The american president has made an impassioned plea for european unity in the face of rising populism and skepticism about the eu. Barack obama was speaking in hanover at the opening this morning of the World Largest Worlds Largest technology show. I have come here today to the heart of europe to say that the United States and the entire world needs a strong and prosperous and democratic and united europe. Your compliments your , in one European Union, remains one of
Restrictions which with havana. The past six years in office, cyberattacks uths being carried out by north korea. He thinks that Sony Pictures have made a release of depicting the assassination of the president of north korea. I wish they had spoken to me first. I would have told them, do not get into a pattern in which youre intimidated by these kinds of criminal attacks. We will respond. We will respond proportionally and well respond in a place in time and manner that we choose. President barack obama speaking there about those cyberattacks, saying he thinks Sony Pictures has made a mistake not releasing that film saying he wishes they had spoken to him first. Well lets get more reaction to what he had to say and join the publisher of harpers magazine, he joins us now from new york. Thank you very much indeed for joining us. One of the things obama said early on in his address im making significant strides where it counts. That starts with the economy. Do you think thats the sense t