britain's joint started preparations for. the soviet union a month before the war. by the british attack on the soviet union. on july first one thousand nine hundred forty seven british divisions were to deliver a crushing blow to the. say that russia should be forced to succumb to the we. just one quote from the plane of the operation. could only be achieved. the occupation of such. a country would be. for the resistance. some credit is certainly due to the british military planners they were clearly aware that the soviet army was nearly twice the size of the western allies combined forces and quick success in any such conflict would be impossible. he knew that something was brewing it's hard to say whether he had a clear knowledge of the details we now know. kim philby was operating in britain at the time were top foreign office officials they were doing a very effective job. son of a german anti-fascist had joined the soviet army in one thousand nine hundred forty two as a volunteer. in april of one thousand nine hundred five he was a propaganda officer. at the e

he says the techniques saved lives in america and prevented attacks in britain. here's our correspondent from washington. pot 4 w bush has had two years to reflect on his present -- >> george w bush has had two years to reflect on his presidency. among them, the field search for weapons of mass destruction in iraq. >> your words, "no one was more sicken or angry than i was when we did not find weapons of mass destruction." was there any consideration of apologizing to the american people? >> i mean, apologizing would basically say the decision was a wrong decision, and i do not believe it was a wrong decision. >> on the war and terror, the former president remained defiant, saying he personally gave the go-ahead to use the controversial interrogation technique of waterboarding. >> the technique is legal, and yes they are. i said use them. i will tell you this, using those techniques saved lives. out there was also anger as the pettitte or -- >> there was also anger as the president -- >> george bush does not care about black people. >> he called me a racist. it i

certainly, china wants to do business in britain. the question mark for british firms trying to do business in china is access to markets. there's long been complaints from british firms that they don't get a share in the chinese market and certainly the british prime minister, along with other government ministers, will be pushing that point. whether or not the chinese actually open up their markets, give british firms more access, which would enable them to increase their share of the market, that remains to be seen. >> western leaders usually feel compelled, as the main purpose of that trip, to raise the issue of human rights. how will david cameron deal with that? >> we don't know. what we do know is that david cameron says he will talk about human rights in china. i think what's important is what david cameron says in public and what he says behind closed doors because what he says in public in front of the world media, in front of possibly chinese leaders, could well define what is the british prime minister's first trip to chi

in the early 19th century, he contemplated an invasion of britain. those ambitions were eventually toward one france left a battle. the last 100 years tell a vastly different story. today's street these have some of their roots in the agreement won a series of agreements marked a new beginning between the two nations. british and french soldiers fought together in the first and second world wars. in 1956, paris and london launched an ill-fated operation in egypt after the suez canal was nationalized. the british prime minister tony blair and the french president formalized armed forces corp. in 1998 when they signed the military pact with limited practical effect. today, french and british soldiers fight together as part of the nato cooperation -- coalition. from conflict to military cooperation, a trajectory that most leaders on both sides however visionary might have found hard to predict. >> earlier i spoke to the defense correspondent for the evening standard. i ask him what makes this accord different from previous bilateral deals. >> this time,

the united states and great britain. on the opening of the second. one thousand nine hundred to one thousand nine hundred three passed. to relieve pressure on the soviet union in the east. but. that it would be only when it became clear that the russians would. that they were. entering europe. and the british and american response had a significant impact on the balance of forces in post-war europe. many in the west are upset about stalin's power to shape the post-war arrangement it makes me want to say look your judgment was with should have gone in the foot sooner who scored the goods by the way with another woman. on april twenty eighth soviet troops encircled the city center and began an assault on the way stop. the building was protected by bands in the spring river and the bridge crossings had been blown up. troops crossed the sprit aboard tiny dinghies from one bank to the other a distance of several dozen meters. they face continuous german fire half of the sailors who were there to secure the crossing died in the shadow of the right stuff .

britain at the time top officials. son of a german anti-fascist had joined the soviet army in one thousand nine hundred forty two as a volunteer. in april of one thousand nine hundred five he was a propaganda officer. early hours of april sixteenth he was summoned to headquarters he was told to announce to the germans through the loudspeakers the start of the war's final so he defensive in a few hours time. general with this isn't possible with we can't possibly give away military secrets. tenant's we can have an interest in keeping casualties to. the war's most massive preparatory bombardment began at five o'clock in the morning of april sixteenth. thousands of artillery pieces shelled german positions for half an hour. were the first to start up the pounding. somebody showed something. antonius schneider was a corporal in the opposing army. tune of heavy machine guns was under his command when they were defending a small railway station near the sea heights at the very outset his platoon lost three out of four machin

britain was aiming to see germany destroy. it wanted to the soviet union weakened as much as possible by their real concern was to bobby appearance of a new rival on the consent of the new continue. in early april the fourth most u.s. troops were about one hundred kilometers west of berlin there were almost no battle ready german army facing them all of them had been moved to eastern front to repulse the soviet offensive. horizon ours known to have asked general simpson whether u.s. troops could take berlin if i was lost as he expected in that case simpson said he expected some thirty thousand an. hour sadler that wouldn't do for us troops were to hold their positions at the russians do the fighting. on april first stalin called a meeting of his supreme command where he decided that the berlin operation should start. i think that if roosevelt hadn't. stolen would have agreed to the participation of the western allies forces in the assault. as a kind of cool would prevent the allies from stabbing him in the. another reason for

britain. a month before the war. by the british. on july first one thousand nine hundred forty seven british. were to deliver a crushing blow to the. say that russia should be forced to succumb to the we. could only be achieved. the occupation. of the country. for the resistance. some credit is certainly due to the british. they were clearly. the size of the western forces. that something was brewing. of the. top officials they were doing. son of a german anti-fascist had joined the soviet army in one thousand nine hundred forty two as a volunteer. in april of one thousand nine hundred five he was a propaganda officer. at the early hours of april sixteenth he was summoned to headquarters he was told to announce to the germans through the loudspeakers the start of the war's final defense of in a few hours time. general with this isn't possible with we can't possibly give away military secrets. tenant's we can have an interest in keeping casualties. as most massive preparatory bombardment began at five o'clock in the morning of april

highlighting grave flaws france and ireland demand obama follow through on the promise to close gitmo britain belgium and dozens of others calling on the u.s. to abolish the death penalty for many it's the ultimate hypocrisy how a state with roughly three thousand people on death row lectures the world about humanity almost like a case in point mumia abu jamal viewed as america's very own political prisoner the united states the perpetrator of gross human rights violations is using human rights as a political football against its enemies and its enemies are enemies not because they violate human rights necessarily but because the us wants to change the government in their country the country often accusing adversaries like syria iran and north korea of oppressing citizens is now faced with defending domestic practices like indefinite detention poor prison conditions and racial profiling don't stand idly by don't be silent when dissidents elsewhere are imprisoned america is home to the largest world's. just prison population with two point three million people currently behind bars children ca

and the threat from islamic militants can be overcome by military force only contained says britain's top soldier. with twenty four hour news from russia and from around the world this is r.t. here in the russian capital good to have you with us moscow has dubbed thailand's extradition of the russian businessman vic to to boot. u.s. as a legal washington is accused of using unprecedented political pressure to have been handed over america says the man nicknamed the merchant of death traffic domes to dictators and conflict zones around the world does not get the latest from or to go to church and she's in washington for where is victor right now well bill as reports have it victor borge will land in new york at nine pm local time following a very contentious extradition procedure there in thailand victor good lawyers family members on the russian embassy in thailand said they received no proper notification of this on this snap extradition plan here is what mr good's wife says . yes it's hard for me to talk about but what happened was totally unexpected for both me and victims know whe

and britain's joining other europeans outcry over deep cuts to jobs and benefits for the biggest display of public tens of thousands. students descended on london against a massive university fees while more money is poured into being you could see more online from us twenty four seven and r.t. dot com. next republican victories in the u.s. midterms underlined voters' growing anger with the current government is exacerbated by the lengthening job queues and political infighting over how to sort out the mess one democratic congressman is taking it on the chin telling our team that with all the problems the country faces right now the blame is always going to land with the governing party.

britain remains a great economic power. show me a city in the world with stronger credentials than the city of london. show me another gathering with the same lineup of financial, legal, accounting, communications, and other professional expertise. you know even better than me that britain is a great trading force in the world. whenever i meet foreign leaders, they do not see a britain shuffling across the world stage. on the contrary. they respect our determination to get our economic house in order so we can remain masters of our nation's destiny. they can see the immense advantages of doing business with britain. we're already ranked first in europe for the ease of doing business, and we intend to become the first in the world. we're cutting our corporation tax to 24%, the lowest in the g7, creating one the most effective corporate tax regimes in the country, cutting the times it takes to create a new business, and cutting the red tape on regulation that has held us back for too long. there is no reason why the rise of n

first though britain seeing its biggest protest yet against the deep cuts the country faces to tackle its massive debts tens of thousands of students poured into the streets against a plan to hike in should we should fees which could see them travel to nine thousand pounds a year artie's london correspondent laura emmott has more what does it do for their peaceful and j.v. demonstration earlier today has now turned into what's going on behind me behind me is the headquarters of the conservative party and demonstrators is gathered outside shouting slogans burning their banners in the middle of the courtyard there is a large fire that they've made that they think it's a very take this is nuts. police presence inside the courtyard as well and they've managed to break one of the windows of the building of the smoking to demonstrate the same as to make their way up one to bring up from where they are waving about as the police are involved police in riot gear have been told and to twenty twenty five police right there are also trying to steal the situation out i've been approached by a cou

britain said austerity and austerity. after a couple of years of that, people were tired of britain. >> i think the challenge for governments is to get involved in changing the psychology of help people feel about. that is not being addressed. universities are measured and evaluated by the number of people like it into new jobs when they graduate. why not do the same for government departments? therefore there will look at the problem differently. whether than sing austerity is that, say actually this is a new chance a new opportunity and it is what i make of it. >> it is hard to change from pessimism to optimism. and >> you can change it and change it quite fundamentally. we worked with an organization that turned around 40% by giving them to think about how they can change it to their advantage. and to help people think completely differently. actually i always wanted to a chef, and now have a few weeks or months to trained. at the moment, the fiscal debate is how many job losses and the consequence of that, not about w

britain's prince william pops the question, carrying a $500,000 ring in his backpack. the royal couple in their first interview together. >>> and good morning, everyone. thanks for being with us. of course, that announcement is front-page news around the world this morning. we'll get to it later in the show. >>> first at home, a major vote for democrats in washington. >> will they vote nancy pelosi after so many members lost their seats in the midterm election. emily schmidt has more. >> reporter: disgruntled democrats argue they need a new face of their party after these midterm election results. but nancy pelosi is expected to win a vote today, making her minority leader. this follows a series of tense meetings, in which members of her own party have urged her to give up her bid to be the party's leader in the house. they say after major losses two weeks ago, the party simply needs change. but the speaker does have enough support to survive today's caucus vote. another option to strip pelosi of certain powers is also expected to fail. >>> there's also developments in

that is what they meant by broken britain. the prime minister used to say that he wanted to restore trust. all he is doing, day-by-day, is destroying trust in politics. >> you can come here every week and have a succession. -- have a succession of lame sound bites or engage in the substance of the future of our country. mr. speaker, we know what he is against. he is against the housing benefit taxed, against the king shall benefit of from millionaires, we know what he is busy against taking child benefit from millions, we know what he is -- he is against the housing benefit tax, against the child benefit from millionaires, we know what he is against. what is he for? >> what practical encouragement can the prime minister give to organizations such as the boy's club who are attempting to direct young people toward positive role models and expenses rather than the fate otherwise? >> we need to make sure, as we are making difficult decisions about public spending, that we got one funding organizations that divert young people away

she lives in britain, and -- he lives in britain, and he are ripe 10 days after his mother was released -- he arrived 10 days after his mother was released from house to arrest. >> though she's never really alone these days. every public appearance, even a meeting as personal as this, attract the crowds. the moment approaches. she sees him coming. a touch, a briefcase, and a gentle embrace. after 10 years apart, mother and son together at last. understandably reluctant to let go. she is renowned for her fortitude, her determination and courage over the long years of her struggle for freedom and democracy in her homeland. she has made huge personal sacrifices along the way. separation from her late husband, two sons, and grandchildren included. this is what opened the door to today's reunion. released from seven years of house arrest, greeted by thousands of adoring supporters. but her son missed all this. he was still in bangkok. all that is for now forgotten. the very public displays of emotion on show since the release are focused on a very personal, intimate relationship. they may st

britain has one of the highest rates of welfare dependency in europe. now we know what the coalition government plans to do about it. first, he is one of the most sought after american painters. his works have sold for $42.50 million, three times the previous record. >> $30 million? >> it just kept going up. >> $33 million? $34 million? >> and up, defying expectations all the way. this lichtenstein is characterized by the artists captive nation with commercial printing, and it features his signature colored dots to create the image. roy lichtenstein is the most famous member of the pop art movement. this a chronic in the war hopis, which was expected to reach -- this iconic andy warhol peace, which was expected to reach almost $50 million, did not do so well. >> there were about 60 different warhols, and people were picking and choosing a bit. that is a singular fantastic work, but the market held back money for other warhols instead. >> this canvas of a black and white coke bottle sold for $35 million at sotheby's. the experts say this proves pop art i

you think that i could accept support from britain. well i mean we have to see how far the countries are going to take this but it's quite clear that britain as well as other european countries right now are trying to almost force upon ireland some sort of a an agreement that is going to extend their access to capital. after the second year in the second half of next year when when ireland is going to run into liquidity problems. so it's we have to see it's going to go that way ireland is seeing right now that it doesn't need the money it's correct in the sense that it doesn't have a liquidity problem right now but that's that's for now and we we're probably going to see a different picture going to merge the sooner we get to first first of july next year what we've seen this happening before with greece and now as we're talking about ireland do you think this could be a domino effect which may actually result in the ending of the euro itself the collapse of the euro as some suggest. no i don't think so i think that's you know vastly e

remove the barriers that are holding britain back. i attended the european meetings in brussels yesterday. we agreed a three-year package for ireland's fourth 85 billion euros, which is warranted to safeguard financial stability. of that 35 billion euros, copy used -- 35 billion will be used to support the banking sector with 10 billion going to a canadian bank recapitalization and 50 billion will be used for sovereign debt support. ireland will contribute 17.5 billion towards the so bragtotal package. the terms of the imf loan will be determined over the coming weeks. in principle the bilateral loan is for 3.2 5 billion pounds. the rate of interest on the loan will be similar to their rates levied by the imf and the euro zone. this loan to ireland is in britain's national interest. it will help arkoses economic partners manage their with the difficult conditions. i should also tell the house that the euro zone finance ministers met without me to discuss a permanent financial stability facility, and i made it clear as a subsequent mee

they are now preparing for their journey home to britain. bbc news. >> still to come, do stay with us if you can -- violent protest in haiti. locals blame u.n. peacekeepers for the cholera epidemic. first though, the united states and european union under a new attack for the subsidies handed out to their farmers to help keep many in the west. they keep many of look, but it can be hugely damaging to agricultural producers elsewhere. the u.s. is one of the biggest exporters of cotton. our international correspondent mark doyle has the story. >> bringing in the harvest in west africa. campaigners backing these farmers said they produced the cheapest cotton in the world, said demand for their output should be strong. but cotton producers and the united states, the world's biggest exporter, are paid industries and in some of the poorer parts of the country. but none are anywhere near as for as those in west africa -- chad, molly -- mali. they are using these subsidies paid to farmers, and they are boosting the incomes of farmers there by 10%. th

a month daern-day cinderella marrying into britain's royal family. their romance reminds us of childhood fairytales and princess fantasies and the tragedy of love's labor lost. >> i'm amazed that she's been brave enough to take me on. and i expose, in that, of course whatever "in love" means. >> we've always been fascinated by all things royal. >> not in a usual, pop-culture reality show, pedestrian celebrity round. they are still above it. they are still about history. about pedigree and about homes. still about all of these things which really excite the public as a romantic idea and in these grim times it's kind of escapist. the romance, the weddings -- >> and here is the moment they've been waiting for. >> the hats. >> ladies and gentlemen, the bridegroom. >> reporter: but no royal wedding was as enchanting as charles and diana, broadcast live to 750 million people watching around the world. less than a year later diana produced an heir. she was a everyone's fairy princess taking the colony by storm as britain's royalty met hollywood royalty. thr

britain saying its biggest protest yet against the deep cut sit face to deep cuts the country faces to tackle its massive debt tens of thousands of students poured onto the streets against a planned hike in she wishing features could see them travel to nine thousand pounds a year london correspondent laura hamad has more. behind me is the head coaches of the conservative party and demonstrators that gathered outside that shouting slogans burning that van is in the middle of the courtyard there is a large fire that they've made that that burning exult throwing sticks is it blocks police presence inside the courtyard as well and they've managed to break one of the windows of the building at this moment to demonstrate the same as to make that way up on to the ring from where they are waving banners at the police to all involved police in riot gear have been told and to twenty twenty five police right there are also trying to still the situation out i've been approached by a couple of people as a news crew who said to me that they want to make it clear this is just a small group of demonst

britain says it's ready to help debt hit and with billions of pounds of direct loans at a meeting of european finance ministers chancellor george osborne says it's in britain's interest to support their closest neighbor the meeting comes amid fresh market turmoil and fears that some smaller economies like portugal and ireland aren't able to service their massive debts the president warned the eurozone is actually facing a fight to survive and even though on and so far rejected any help no leyland a london based investor says he may have little turnitin to take the money. in a position of much choice because clearly it's a sort of rock and a hard place scenario and the short term expediency of bail out so it's better than. the immediate reactions of the situation but just you know you what you want to keep an eye on the fact that one country after another. in terms of news flown in terms of the way the markets looking at this but my guess would be it's likely to be a short situation for arlen because i believe that they will be forced to take bailout money and that will put them back

britain has one of the highest rates of welfare dependency in europe. now we know what the coalition government plans to do about it. first, he is one of the most sought-after american painters. work by him has sold for three times the previous record. >> $30 million. >> it just kept on going up. >> $34 million. >> it surpassed expectations all the way. this liechtenstein has commercial printing. it features his signature using small color got to create the image. he beat his more famous member of his movement. this anti-war whole piece was expected to reach up to $50 million. it was less than half that. why didn't andy do so well? >> our sale had about 16 different warhols. the market for them was full. they put their money on others instead. >> this one sold for $35 million at sotheby's. the experts say that these pieces are being recognized by serious collectors. art forms can transcend boundaries and appeal to an international audience. why, when our economy is struggling, is the art market seeing profits up by 30% on last year? perhaps because art,

another critic, an artist, says that china will trade with britain come what may. it is important that the british prime minister does not caved to pressure. >> if you not talk about this, certainly will see how those in the western world retreat the human rights just for temporary profit. -- if he does not talk about lists, certainly many will see that the western world will prefer profit to a human rights. >> the results are no surprise, not after such a carefully planned general election. the military leadership in burma has won the elections by a landslide. this has been denounced by western governments as a sham. refugees are continuing to pour across the border into thailand. >> counting the votes. the living conditions here are harsh. while these people went to cast their votes in this much criticized election, many homes in this area are empty. they have migrated to look for work elsewhere. the military-back party is claiming victory. president obama insisted that this would be a hollow victory. >> one of the challenges that the world will continue to face

that is what they meant by broken britain. the prime minister used to say that he wanted to restore trust, but all he is doing, day by day, is destroying trust in politics. >> the right hon. gentleman can come here every week and have a succession of lame sound bites or engage in the substance about the future of our country. we know what he is against-he is against a housing benefit cap, against taking child benefit away from millionaires and against a benefit cap-but i think everyone is beginning to ask, "what on earth is he for?" >> i am sure that the prime minister, and indeed the whole house, will join me in sending condolences to the family and friends of marvin henry, a young man who was shot and killed in my constituency just last week. what practical encouragement can the prime minister give to organizations such as the watling boys club in burnt oak, which is attempting to direct young people towards positive role models and experiences rather than the fate that befell marvin? >> my hon. friend makes an extremely goo

today it said no part of britain's aid budget has ended up in part hands -- in pirate's hands. the chandler family declined to speak about the ransom, but we do know in june that an air drop like this one was made. it contained over a quarter of a million pounds, but the pirates demanded more. it is widely believed that the second ransom was paid. we do not know by whom. some say by somali expatriots. the chandlers knew little of the negotiations to get them out. they are now preparing for their journey home to britain, for a life together that was nearly torn apart. >> our headlines for you once again. a group of former guantanamo detainees say the british security services were complicity in their torture are set to receive millions of pounds in compensation. violent protests in haiti against u.n. peacekeepers. they are blamed for the cholera epidemic. now, we are going to take you to the heart -- it has been taking place since sunday. millions of muslim pilgrims are descending from mount arafat and are beginning a slow trip back to mecca. the pilgrims began arriving in the f

even britain's finance minister, george, went into the meeting and said britain would also be taking part. >> we're going to do what's in britain's national interest. airplaneland is our closest neighbor and it's in our interest that we have a stable system. so we stand ready to support ireland to do what it takes to maintain that stability. >> as we heard britain there. saying it will be taking part in this. the 16 members who met last night, late into the night said they'd do whatever necessary to protect the stability of the euro. they were fine words but hasn't dwight worked out that way. we hear greece may not be getting the next installment required to fund its debt and the whole payment agood could be due. it may not happen until january because there's concerns greece is not doing enough to raise taxes around deal with the austarity. those remarks by their finance minister has riled the financial market. they've made it again rather choppy waters in the bond market. we've been speaking to the greek prime minister about this crisis that's unfolding and things were more serious

this is britain, its streets lined with soldiers returning from the front lines. two nations with great military traditions. now, the sons and daughters are on the verge of forming a military partnership unlike anything they have tried before. and tomorrow, the british and french will sign a new treaty which will go before parliament in the usual way. partnership, yes, giving away sovereignty, no. >> so what is being looked at? aircraft carriers. both countries in the future will have just one. the carriers could be used for joint operations. then there are plans for a rapid reaction force, both nations fighting alongside each other, perhaps with british forces under french command. and both countries is the potential for savings in sharing nuclear testing facilities. and ministers have also spoken of refueling each other's planes. in the past, british and french troops have fought side by side, but there is, of course, another history. i am standing in front of napoleon's tomb. there is some unease about forming such a close military partnership, but there is sti

. >> be chandler's -- the chandlers are preparing for their journey home to britain. their life together has been nearly torn apart. bbc news. >> stay with us, if he can, on "bbc world news." still to come -- will silvio berlusconi be forced out? first though, the united states and european union under a new attack for these substances handed out to farmers. they are said to be hugely damaging for agricultural operations elsewhere. campaigners in west africa are the latest to call for a change in approach. our correspondent has the story. >> bringing in the harvest in west africa, campaigners backing these farmers say they produced the cheapest crop in the world. demand for their output should be strong. but the cotton producers in the united states, the world's biggest exporter, are paid almost $1 billion a year in subsidies. that reduces the price that poorer farmers can earn. producer groups in united states say subsidies their guaranteed millions unstable jobs on forms and related industries and in some of the poorer parts of the country. but none are anywhere nea

afghanistan blamed britain for allowing a fake taliban commander to is a disappear with thousands of dollars. u.s. tries to head off the possibility of another embarrassing exposure from wikileaks. welcome to "bbc world news," broadcast to viewers on pbs in america and around the globe. i am mike embley. sunburned and dehydrated, how did the three boys survived lost at sea for 50 days? art versus austerity. italian cinema revived but is now under threat from the financial downturn. ♪ >> it is not war, but the language is more and more were like. north korea has threatened that a joint military exercise between south korea and the u.s. this weekend could push the region to the brink of conflict. tensions are rising. artillery fire has been heard. no more shells have landed in the south. it is just three days since the exchange between north and south that left four people dead on the island of yeonpyeong. >> america's top general in south korea is the head of the united nations command. he saw for himself the damage caused by tuesday's shelling. >> it is clear to me from what i have