Opening ceremonies for the 2014 winter games are set for tomorrow, the olympic torch now making its way through the host city. But security is still a concern, and Rory Challands has our story from sochi. Some of the preparations here have come to the wire with armies of helpers and volunteers putting the finishing touches to the games. But an unwelcome security development, a warning from the u. S. Government that bombmaking equipment could be smulg smuggled on to planes in toothpaste tubes. Translator this information is being checked. If confirmed this means our Security Services are on alert, and this information allows us to say that the security of the olympic games, and the city of sochi will be provided properly. Reporter it has been 6. 5 years since the 2014 host city was announced. The city of sochi. [ cheers ] reporter and russia celebrated, but since then there has been more bad news than good with tails of construction delays, corruption and security concerns. Despite all
Germany has joined brazil, mexico and france in confronting the u. S. Over alleged spying. That ore allegations that chancellor Angela Merkels cell phone was tapped by the nsa. Al jazeeras tim friend has this from brussels. Angela merkel arrived in this summit at angry mood and hinted at long term damage to u. S. Relations not just in germany but across europe. Translator with regards to the National Security agencies, i have made it clear to the american president that spying between friends is unacceptable. I said that in june when he was in berlin and in july and also yesterday in a phone call. Its not about me. Its about the privacy of all german people. Between allies there must be trust and this trust must now be rebuilt. Other leaders gathering in brussels lined up to express alarm on the latest revelations about the extent of u. S. Phone tapping. We cant accept this systematic spying whatever it may be. We need to take measures and i dont just mean at a National Level we need t
Miles of bushfires burn in australia. Wednesday could be the most destructive day. Appear the Barack Obama Administration calls them an important weapon in the war on terror. Pakistans Prime Minister says the use of drones is a threat to his people and must stop. The leaders are meeting at the white house tomorrow, hours after two human Rights Groups issued reports critical of americas widespread deployment of drones. The group says drones kill civilians, violate International Law and their use may be a war crime. Randall pinkston has the storey. Amnesty international focussed on drone strikes in north waziristan. Investigators researched nine of 45 known attacks occurring between january 2012 and august 2013. In one strike they claim 18 labourers were reportedly kill. The most challenging situation we had to face was the complete and utter secrecy of the u. S. Authorities. Because of that we cannot be 100 certain, but we are certain that these and other killings in the reports may con
And we begin in be beth bethlehem where it is Christmas Day. Nick is there, and he joins us live. Nick if you could what is it like for you. You have been there for years but for people who have never been there to bethlehem to take in Christmas Day in that particular city in tony it is such an amazing and special space. And thousands of people came here from all over the world, and it is the largest turnout in years, and that is boosting peace in this tiny town of bethlehem. Here is bethlehem, a solemn celebration of one of chris christianities most sacred moments. After 12 00 the sounds of Midnight Mass filled st. Katherines chapel. Politicians, pilgrims Palestinian Christians all marking christs sacrifices. Hope and reconciliation, on your homelands and families through the new year. Reporter archbishop blessed the crowd in six languages he told palestinians to stop infighting and prayed for all in the holy land including palestinians and israelis. Just a few feet away, this man is
Thousands from come from all over the world to celebrate the bit of jesus, and just hours ago many attended Midnight Mass. Nick has more. Reporter thousands have flocked to this church behind me. It is actually the largest turnout in in decades. And thats boosting hopes for peace here in this holy city in this little town of bethlehem. Reporter here in bethlehem, a solemn celebration of one of christianities most sacred moments. Tradition holds the birth jesus took place below this church. After 12 00 the sounds of Midnight Mass filled st. Katherines chapel. Reporter politicians, palestinians all praying for peace. Jerusalem archbishop blessed the crowd in six languages. He told palestinians to stop infighting and prayed for all in the holy land. So this is the renovation i see. Just a few feet away, this man is praying for the future. He is overseeing the churchs first facelift in 600 years. This is water. This is all water damage. Reporter parts of this church is 1500 years old. 2 mi