July 2020 – Page 31

On average, nine women leave Ireland every day to have a termination in the UK.

This totalled 3,265 people travelling to the UK from Ireland for a legal but privately-funded abortion that they couldn’t have in their own country in 2016.

Since 1980, more than 170,000 women and girls have done the same, travelling to another country – usually Britain or sometimes the Netherlands – for an abortion.

On Friday, the Irish people will go to the polls in a referendum over whether to repeal some of the world’s toughest abortion laws and allow these women to have abortions at home.

If people vote Yes, the government has said that it will legislate for unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks – and on the…

Click Here: nrl league jerseys

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

Unlimited access to Premium articles
Subscriber-only events and experiences
Cancel any time

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options |
Already have an account? Login

1951

Kansas City, Kansas: Attendance was 3,200 (sellout)
– Buddy Rogers beat Roy Graham in 2 out of 3 falls
– Heart of America Champion: Jimmy Coffield and Dennis Clary went to a 45 minute draw

1954

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada:
– Tex McKenzie & Ilio DiPaolo defeated Tiny & Al Mills to win the NWA Canadian Tag Team Title

1955

Minneapolis, Minnesota:
– Verne Gagne beat Kinji Shibuya by countout
– Red Bastien beat Duke DeMetri

1962

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Bob Orton defeated Roy Collins
– Bob Geigel & Lee Henning defeated Matt Jewell & Sonny Myers in three falls
– Tiny Mills fought Red Bastien to a no contest
– Pat O’Connor fought Bob Ellis to a draw in three falls

Click Here: Golf Equipment Online

1972

Honolulu, Hawaii:
– Ed Francis & Billy Robinson beat Nick Bockwinkel & Ray Stevens in 2 out of 3 falls to win AWA Tag Team Title (Title change only
recognized in Honolulu)
– Dusty Rhodes beat Sam Steamboat in 2 out of 3 falls to win North American title
– Giant Baba beat Bulldog Brown dq
– Lonnie Mad Dog Mayne beat Jack Carson
– Tony Borne drew Ray Glenn

1973

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Mike George & Jim Brunzell fought Baron Scicluna & Bob Orton ton a draw
– Kit Conway defeated Bob Brown via DQ
– Steve Bolus & Gentleman Ben the Wrestling Bear defeated Tokyo Joe & Taro Kabayoshi
– Roger Kirby & Lord Alfred Hayes defeated Jose Rivera & Black Angus
– Harley Race defeated Dory Funk, Jr. in three falls

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada:
– No dq Match: Superstar Billy Graham beat the Crusher
– Billy Robinson & Geoff Portz beat Larry Heiniemi & Buddy Wolff
– Mad Dog Vachon beat Reggie Parks
– Rene Goulet drew Billy Red Cloud
– Greg Gagne beat Ric Flair

1976

Augusta, Georgia:
– Dick Slater defeated Mr. Wrestling #2 to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title

Omaha, Nebraska:
– No dq Match: The Crusher beat Baron Von Raschke
– Pierre Poisson beat Peter Maivia (sub Greg Gagne)
– Jim Brunzell beat Bobby Duncum
– Pedro Morales beat Moose Morowski

– Greg Valentine defeated Tim Woods to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Title

1977
Macon, Georgia:
– Tommy Rich & Tony Atlas defeated Jacques Goulet & Ole Anderson to win the Georgia Tag Team Titles

1983

Allentown, Pennsylvania:
– Tony Atlas & Rocky Johnson defeated The Samoans (Afa & Sika) for the WWF World Tag Team Titles

1985

Denver, Colorado: (Attendance was 7,500)
– Road Warriors drew Fabulous Freebirds
– AWA Champion Rick Martel drew Stan Hansen
– AWA Tag Team Champions Jim Garvin & Steve Regal beat Fabulous Ones

1989

Troy, New York:
– Ric Flair defeated Terry Funk in an “I Quit” match
– The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) defeated The Dynamic Dudes (Johnny Ace & Shane Douglas)
– Rick & Scott Steiner defeated The Skyscrapers (Dan Spivey & Sid Vicious) via DQ

1998

St. Louis, Missouri:
– The Rock defeated Mankind to win the vacant WWF Championship in the finals of a one night tournament

2009

Orlando, Florida:
– TNA Champion AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels to retain the title
– Kurt Angle defeated Desmond Wolfe (Nigel McGuinness)
– Scott Steiner defeated Bobby Lashley in a no DQ street fight

Harvey Weinstein is expected to be arrested and charged over sexual misconduct allegations as early as Friday.

The 66-year-old movie mogul was set to surrender to authorities in New York who have been investigating him for months.

He is expected to face charges related to accusations by at least one woman – Lucia Evans, the former actress – The New York Times reported.

She has claimed that the studio boss forced her into oral sex during a business meeting in 2004.

The exact nature of the charges being brought by the Manhattan district attorney’s office was unclear. It was also not clear if Weinstein would be charged in connection with allegations by any other women.

The former producer will surrender himself at a police station before being brought to Manhattan Supreme Court, the New York Post reported.

Harvey Weinstein timeline: Key moments in Hollywood scandal

More than 70 women have publicly accused Weinstein of sexual harassment and assault in recent months.

He has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.

The latest development followed an investigation by the Manhattan district attorney’s office and New York police department. Both did not comment.

Ben Brafman, a lawyer for Weinstein, declined to comment.

Actress Rose McGowan, who has accused Weinstein of raping her 20 years ago, said was gratified but "still in shock" at the news that he was expected to surrender.

"I still have very guarded hopes," McGowan told The Associated Press on Thursday night. "The justice system has been something very elusive. I hope in this case it works. Because it’s all true. None of this was consensual.

33 Hollywood stars who have spoken out about Harvey Weinstein

"I hope this gives hope to victims and survivors everywhere, that we are one step closer to justice. Because one win is a win for all of us," McGowan said. "It shows that it can be done."

The allegations gave rise to the #MeToo movement in which hundreds of women have accused powerful men in business, government and entertainment of sexual misconduct.

Ashley Judd, the actress, last month sued Weinstein, saying that he cost her a part The Lord of the Rings in 1998 after she rejected his sexual advances, allegations that Weinstein has denied.

Click Here: Cheap Golf Drivers

Other prominent actresses who have made public accusations include Uma Thurman and Salma Hayek.

Salma Hayek is one actress who has accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct Credit:
Stefania M. D'Alessandro/Getty

The twice-married father-of-five has been investigated by British and US police, but has not yet been charged with any crime.

In a previous statement, a representative for Weinstein said: "Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr Weinstein. Mr Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances."

Earlier this week federal US prosecutors opened their own criminal investigation into sexual assault accusations.

Mr Brafman said he had met with them "in an attempt to dissuade them from proceeding" and would continue to meet with them in coming weeks.

He is one of America’s most celebrated criminal defence lawyers and his previous clients include Michael Jackson; Martin Shkreli, the former drug company executive; and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former head of the International Monetary Fund. Weinstein has recently spent time at a rehabilitation centre in Arizona.

Last week, Madison Rayne debuted wacky ninja training and used it against Gail Kim. Sadly, it didn’t do her much good as she still lost. Eli Drake cheated to beat Jessie Godderz, and Matt used a top rope Twist of Fate to beat Eddie Edwards. DJZ beat Mandrews with a cradle, while EC3 beat Anderson in the main event. A video package recaps the wins for last week’s matches, and tonight’s matches include Kong vs. Brooke and Roode vs. Abyss. There will also be a face off between Matt Hardy and EC3. Pope and Josh recap the events of the video package before we get another video package recapping the opening video. We’re two minutes into the show and they’re already loading the show with filler. Brooke, who just left the company, comes out to face Kong. Kong comes out and they recap her beating Rayne, but losing to Gail in the series.

Brooke vs. Awesome Kong

Pope talks about how the knockouts main event the show here in the opener, and then Josh says the main event will be Abyss vs. Roode. No part of that match screams “main event” at all. Kong gets a big Biel throw and Brooke responds with flying forearm shots. Kong takes her down and works on the fingers a bit. Kong stomps on the hand for a bit and they talk about having a target on her hand with the split. Brooke rolls to the floor and then rolls back in and gives her the double bird! Well, that was unexpected and hilarious. Kong whoops her ass for doing that and slams her down for a cocky two count with her foot on her chest. Brooke gets a drop toehold and gets a bizarre variant of the Cattle Mutilation that Kong counters. Josh plugs Dixie’s Twitter and Kong hits a modified AA on Brooke, but misses a corner splash. Turnbuckle X factor hits for 2. Kong counters a back suplex and hits the chokeslam for the win. Brooke is now out of the series as a contender, while Kong and Gail have advanced. This was pretty good. EC3 and Matt Hardy meet next.

We get a recap of Brooke vs. Kong while Josh asks just how for the knockouts can go in this tournament facing men. They throw to Matt Hardy on a very jumpy Skype video call where he says he’ll use the Matt Hardy Formula to win the series. EC3 says that Matt’s not in the champions group because he wasn’t a true champion. Matt rambles on about things and says “it’s gonna be YOU VERSUS I!” while EC3 says he wants to take him out in the series whenever he gets the chance. EC3 ends the promo mercifully while Josh threatens that it will continue later. EY talks about being a dangerous man and now isn’t a good night for Storm to face him and that Storm’s a has-been.

After a break, we get a recap of EC3’s send-off on the promo. Josh says that EC3 has refused to be on-screen with Hardy, so we’ll get separate Matt Hardy and EC3 promos. Well, that will get the show closer to the grave, I suppose. Tigre Uno is out to face Manik, and he has to win to stay in the series. Pope calls Manik a maniac while Josh buries him for calling everyone a maniac and promises to buy him a thesaurus. Pope welcomes that as long as it has the word “maniac” in it.

Tigre Uno vs. Manik

They fly to the floor to start and Manik suplexes him on the ramp. Josh plugs their Youtube channel and says that in a couple of weeks, they’ll have a very interesting announcement with it. Well, that seems to indicate that they’ll be leaving DA and then publishing the show straight to their Youtube channel until they find a new TV deal. Something called Bracket Brawl is coming soon – I guess it’s a fan voting context, and the winner gets a free trip to an Impact taping. Josh plugs more things and says he’ll give Don West a run for his money. Manik gets a kneeling surfboard on Uno and turns it into an armbar. Uno kind of hits a weird springboard DDT. Uno gets a shotgun dropkick, but eats the double chickenwing lungblower for 2! Uno sends him down with a wacky inverted Samoan drop and wins with a split-legged corkscrew moonsault.

Recap of the TNA Originals’ finishes in the series so far. Josh says that EY vs. Storm is up next and one of the most important matches in the careers of either of these men. They recap Uno vs. Manik and Josh says that it will be a three way match between DJZ, Uno, and Manik next week to determine who goes on in the series. Basically, everyone moves on except for the guy who gets pinned. Josh brags about #bubbleburst trending since last week and then buries Storm for being done. A video of Abyss highlights airs while Roode puts him over as a monster. Storm comes down while Josh runs down a recap of how he got here, and then EY comes out and they do the same for him.

Eric Young vs. James Storm

EY jumps Storm and they cut to a break mid-mudhole stomp in the ropes. EY beats him up on the floor. Josh says there’s no honor among thieves while Pope says that EY just did it to Storm before he could have it done to him. So if cheating is okay for literally everyone to do, why should fans ever be angered by it? Storm fires back on EY with some elbows to the gut, but a hairpull sends him down for 2. Josh ponders that perhaps Storm will get fired up thinking about Eric Young being a trending topic in the series. Storm runs a bit wild and gets the corner hopping kick before landing a sloppy Codebreaker. EY goes for the piledriver, but eats a backdrop. Whirly Bird gets 2 for Storm and he’s cheered on by the fans. EY takes him down and grabs the legs for an ’80s cradle on the ropes for 2. Backstabber hits, but Storm gets lightly tapped off a forearm and EY low blows Storm and hits a piledriver for the win. Storm is out of the series. This was a basic match, but not bad outside of the commentary.

Josh and Pope talk about Lashley vs. Austin Aries next week – well, that should be fantastic. Matt Hardy’s second promo of the evening is up next after a break. Matt says this could get anymore personal, and he loves taking haters and jamming their hate down their throats. He talks for 500 miles a minute and says that he is the guy. He’s confident and feels he’s as good as he’s ever been. No one can stop the Matt Hardy Train and he’s picking Roode to win the main event. Aiden ‘O Shea comes out in black slacks and a green shirt, looking like an angry Amish golfer to face Mahabali Shera.

Aiden ‘O Shea vs. Mahabali Shera

Shera does his dance in the corner before doing it in front of the corner and dodging a punch to send Aiden into the buckle. Shera takes him down with a headlock takeover before doing it again. Pope talks about chatting with ‘O Shea and realizing that this isn’t his first time being in TNA before just moving off of that point right away. Aiden lands his slick left handed jab before nailing him with a few elbow strikes. Aiden puts him over the apron and clubs away while Josh talks about how you’re seeing a lot of World Title Series copycats out there now. Aiden stands on the hand and slaps him in the face before going up top for some reason. Shera slams him off the top, but eats an eye rake. Aiden goes for a punch, Shera ducks and gets the Sky High for the win. EY cuts a backstage promo about how he’ll always win as long as he’s drawing a breath. Eli Drake still comes out with a goofy Aquaman vest and trunks with “ED” all over them. Eli is facing Crimson in what might be the only match in Group Future 4 to be aired in full.

Eli Drake vs. Crimson

Crimson tackles him down and takes him down with a big suplex. Crimson’s gear consists of small MMA-style shorts and MMA gloves – it’s a fairly unique look right now and works for him. Plus, it plays off of his debut in the company in the Double J-MMA angle. Eli drags him down and drops a knee on the arm for 1. EC3 interrupts and says he’s ready for his interview while Josh says he’ll have to wait – we have a match. Why would this match be more important than the other Future 4 matches we’ve seen the closing moments of? Crimson hits a lariat mid-ring and another in the corner. Eli gets a standing Kimura and wins. EC3 comes back and says that the TNA World title is his possession and he’ll take it back. He’ll prove that he is the rightful champion and then gives the show permission to move forward. They rundown the matches tonight and pick who will progress next week. Abyss comes down and they air clips of his matches in this series.

Abyss vs. Bobby Roode

Abyss shoves him into the corner before posing a couple of times. Abyss does the “Beer!” part of the Beer Money bit and eats a few punches. Roode avoids a chokeslam with a kick to the leg, but is sent down for an ad break. We come back to some floor brawling and Roode is flung into the steps knees-first ala Mick Foley. Abyss grabs a chair and brings it in and places it in the corner. Earl tries to move it, but Roode gets a schoolboy so he counts 2 for that. Abyss clotheslines him down. A nerve pinch/head twister is locked on, but Roode punches free and we get a five minute countdown clock.

Three lariats take Abyss down. Blockbuster hits for 2. Abyss misses a corner charge and hits his own chair, but he counters Roode’s attempt at a chokeslam. Roode takes him down and gets a crossface locked on, but Abyss goes to the corner to break it up. Roode goes for the Roode Bomb, but he can’t hold him up and Abyss gets 2 off a chokeslam. Abyss leaves the ring to grab his implement of death, which isn’t a DQ here in this sporting tournament. Janice gets wedged into the buckle, but falls and luckily Roode spinebusters him away from it and wins. EY and Roode move on in the series, so we’ll probably get at least one more “final battle” between them this year. Pretty nothing happening show overall. To see every screenshot for it, just click here.

Click Here: Cheap Golf Golf Clubs

Austria plans to cut benefits for immigrants, including refugees, who do not speak German in a controversial move that puts the country in conflict with the EU.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz intends to cap refugees’ benefits receive at €563 (£492) a month. They will only be able to claim the amount given to Austrians – €863 – if they successfully pass a German test, he said.

In addition, immigrants will also be barred from claiming benefits for five years.

“The fundamental rule we will introduce is that German will become the key to accessing the full minimum benefit,” Mr Kurz said on Monday.

“That means that whoever has insufficient language skills will not be able to claim the full minimum benefit."

Mr Kurz’s conservative People’s Party and the far-right Freedom Party won last year’s election in Austria by taking a hard line on immigration.

Austria took in one of the biggest shares of asylum seekers in Europe during the height of the migration crisis in 2015 and Mr Kurz pledged to prevent it happening again. The benefit cuts for new arrivals are expected to act as a deterrent.

Austria may face legal challenges and opposition from the rest of the EU, which requires that all member states’ citizens be treated equally.

It could also be blocked by the constitutional court, which has previously ruled that refugees must be treated better than other foreigners, as they cannot return to their home countries.

But Mr Kurz has not been deterred. “Freedom of establishment is the freedom to work in all of Europe," he said. "It is not the freedom to seek out the best social benefits system and in that sense this waiting period is in my opinion a step in the right direction."

Austria will take over the six-month rotating presidency of the EU in July, giving it an important say in setting the agenda for meetings between the member states.

Mr Kurz said in March that he wants to use the presidency to shift the bloc’s focus away from resettling refugees and towards preventing new arrivals from reaching Europe.

Click Here: cheap nsw blues jersey

Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 79: Henderson vs. Masvidal from the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul, South Korea. The event is headlined by a five-round welterweight bout as former UFC and WEC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson takes on Jorge Masvidal. Also on the card, in the co-main event, is South Korea’s own, Dong Hyun “Stun Gun” Kim, ranked seventh at 170 pounds, taking on Dominic Waters, plus the return to action of Yoshihiro Akiyama, who takes on the undefeated Alberto Mina. The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 5 AM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass. The action remains on UFC Fight Pass for the main card at 8 AM eastern time.

UFC Fight Night 79 Weigh-In Results
UFC Fight Night 79 5 Storylines To Watch
Click Here: Atlanta United FC JerseyUFC Fight Night 79 DFS Playbook

Coverage provided by Ryan Frederick

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 5 AM ET/2 AM PT)

WELTERWEIGHTS- DOMINIQUE STEELE (13-6, 0-1 UFC) VS. “MAESTRO” DONG HYUN KIM (13-6-3, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- We have the first of our two Dong Hyun Kim’s fighting on the card. Steele drops Kim with a left hook early and gets on the top but they get to their feet. The crowd is loud early. KIm has Steele against the fence. KIm lands a head kick. Steele lands a left hook and they trade in the clinch. Steele with some foot stomps and then lands a big elbow. They trade in the clinch and they are throwing a lot of punches. Kim grabs the neck and pulls guard but Steele is in the full guard against the fence. They battle to their feet. Kim with a spinning elbow as they break the clinch. Steele lands a right hand and Kim counters with a combo and a head kick. Flying knee to the body from Kim. Good first round. 10-9 Steele.

ROUND 2- Kim with a jumping head kick to start the round off. Steele lands a right hand right as Kim goes for a low kick and Kim goes down and Steele follows into the guard. Steele with punches from the top and Kim is cut under the eye but they get to their feet. Steele picks Kim up and lands a takedown. Steele with an elbow from the top. Steele with more elbows from the top. Steele with a couple more big elbows from inside the guard. Steele with punches from the top as Kim is unable to work to his feet. More big strikes from the top by Steele. 10-9 Steele, 20-18 Steele.

ROUND 3- Kim lands a big right hand and Steele counters with a big takedown and some elbows from the top and Kim is out! Big slam and Kim was out there and ate the elbows as he was out.

Official Result- Dominique Steele def. “Maestro” Dong Hyun Kim by knockout (slam) at 0:27 of Round 3

BANTAMWEIGHTS- NING GUANGYOU (5-2-1, 2-0 UFC) VS. MARCO BELTRAN (6-3, 1-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- They are each missing kicks early. Beltran with a body kick and lands a knee instead and then a right hand. Guangyou with a low kick that went a little too low. Beltran misses a spin kick. Not a lot of action and the crowd is letting them hear it. Beltran with a body kick and Guangyou lands one. Neither man is doing anything. A round full of circling and movement and missed strikes. Beltran with a late takedown. 10-9 Beltran.

ROUND 2- Guangyou lands some punches and goes for a takedown. Beltran slips as he tries to land a knee and Guangyou goes into the guard. Guangyou lands a punch from the top. They are trading punches from the guard and then are stood up. Beltran with a leg kick. Guangyou with a leg kick. Not a lot of action when they’re on their feet. Beltran just misses a head kick. Guangyou with a leg kick. 10-9 Guangyou, 19-19.

ROUND 3- Guangyou with a leg kick. Beltran lands a combination. They trade leg kicks. Guangyou fighting very timid in this fight. Beltran lands a head kick. Beltran lands a right hand. Beltran with a front kick but Guangyou grabs the leg and forces the fight against the fence. Guangyou with an elbow on the break and then a left hand. Beltran with a big knee to the body on the break and then a big combo and lands in the clinch with some knees. Beltran with another big knee. They clinch and Beltran lands some knees as Guangyou lands some body punches. Dirty boxing by both to end the fight. Fight could really go either way. 10-9 Beltran, 29-28 Beltran.

Official Result- Marco Beltran def. Ning Guangyou by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

FLYWEIGHTS- YAO ZHIKUI (2-2, 1-1 UFC) VS. FREDY SERRANO (2-0, 1-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Serrano is a big-time prospect, even at age 36, and a 2008 Olympian in wrestling. They trade punches and Serrano lands a takedown and some punches from the side and the fight is stopped. Zhikui hurt his arm on the takedown as he posted on his right arm and he dislocated his arm. Serrano gets the win though.

Official Result- Fredy Serrano def. Yao Zhikui by TKO (arm injury) at 0:44 of Round 1

WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS- SEO HEE HAM (15-6, 0-1 UFC) VS. CORTNEY CASEY (4-2, 0-1 UFC)

ROUND 1- Ham got a big reaction walking out. They trade punches. They trade again. Casey lands a right hand. They trade in an exchange with Casey getting the better of it. Ham lands a left hand. Casey with a big head kick and looks for the finish with some punches. Ham survives and fires back with a combo. Casey with some punches. They trade punches as Casey lands a leg kick. Casey with an aggressive attack and they end the round in a wild exchange. Good round. 10-9 Casey.

ROUND 2- Ham with a leg kick as she looks to get inside of Casey’s range. Casey drops Ham with a right hand but Ham gets right back to her feet and lands a left hand. Break in the action as Casey is poked in the eye. Casey lands a leg kick as we get back to action. Casey just misses a head kick. They trade body kicks. They trade in an exchange and clinch against the fence. Ham with a body kick that went a little low. They trade as we get back to action and Ham lands a left hand. Casey lands a big right hand and they have another wild exchange to end the round. Another good round. 10-9 Ham, 19-19.

ROUND 3- Casey misses a head kick but lands a side kick. Ham lands a big left hand and then a nice combo. Ham with a spin kick to the body but Casey lands a right hand. Ham with a right hand as she looks for a finish. Casey has slowed down as Ham as picked up the pressure. Casey with a knee in close. Ham with a barrage of strikes and a spinning back fist. Ham with a body kick. They trade punches and clinch against the fence. Ham with a big combo. They trade an exchange. They battle for a takedown with 40 seconds left. Wild exchange to end the fight. Really good fight that comes down to how the second was scored. 10-9 Ham, 29-28 Ham.

Official Result- Seo Hee Ham def. Cortney Casey by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- TAE HYUN BANG (17-9, 1-2 UFC) VS. LEO KUNTZ (17-2-1, 0-1 UFC)

ROUND 1- They trade punches to start the fight and Bang drops Kuntz with a left hand and looks for the finish. Bang grabs the guillotine and is looking to finish. Kuntz escapes. They get to their feet. Kuntz with a low knee. Bang’s eye is cut open and is looking bad. Kuntz lands a combo and Bang counters with a spinning back fist. Bang with some nice punches. Kuntz looks for the takedown but eats some knees before he gets it. They break on the feet. Bang with a right hand. They trade punches. Good round. 10-9 Bang.

ROUND 2- They trade right hands and Kuntz landed a big one but ate a big one. Bang with a big right hand and both looking for a knockout. Kuntz goes for a takedown but Bang defends. They break as Kuntz can’t finish the takedown. Bang looks gassed. Bang with a solid combo that lands. Bang with a left hook. Kuntz gets a double-leg takedown straight into side control. Kuntz with punches from the top as he takes the back. Kuntz with punches from the back as he looks for a choke. Bang not defending the choke but somehow scrambles out. Bang on top and lands some punches but Kuntz rolls out from the bottom to the feet. Both men are gassed. Good fight though. 10-9 Kuntz, 19-19.

ROUND 3- Kuntz a little fresher to start the final round. Bang with his hands down. Kuntz goes for a takedown against the fence. Bang with some elbows. Bang has the neck and drops down for the guillotine choke. Bang squeezing tight. Kuntz escapes and Bang looks dejected and extremely tired. Kuntz with some soft hammerfists from the top. Bang tries to work to his feet and they are stood up. I’m not sure about that one. Kuntz misses a takedown. Bang scores a takedown of his own against the fence and goes for the back. Kuntz scrambles to his feet and spins out. Bang with a right hand and they trade punches. Bang with a big right hand. Sloppy fight, but a good one. 10-9 Bang, 29-28 Bang.

Official Result- Tae Hyun Bang def. Leo Kuntz by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

FEATHERWEIGHTS- YUI CHUL NAM (18-5-1, 1-1 UFC) VS. MIKE DE LA TORRE (13-5 1 NC, 1-2 1 NC UFC)

ROUND 1- They trade quickly and Nam goes in for a takedown. Torre with some huge right hands and these guys are swinging for the fences. That was a wild brawl as they clinch against the fence. Nam is cut above his left eye. Nam with some knees in the clinch. Another wild brawl as both throw and land punches. They break away from a clinch. Nam misses on a takedown but has the back. Nam really wincing his eye. They are battling hard for position in the clinch. Torre with some heel strikes in the clinch and they are broken apart. Another wild exchange from both men and they clinch again. Good round. 10-9 de la Torre.

ROUND 2- Torre lands a left hook as Nam shoots in for a takedown against the fence. Torre with some knees in the clinch as Nam works for that takedown. They battle for position with a bunch of switches. They break. Another wild exchange. Nam misses a takedown attempt. They break after not much happens in a clinch. Nam lands a nice right hand. Nam whiffs a takedown and Torre makes him eat a left hand. Nam lands a right hand but can’t score a takedown. de la Torre with some short elbows in the sprawl. They are still throwing big punches with one hoping to land the ender. 10-9 de la Torre, 20-18 de la Torre.

ROUND 3- Nam lands a right hand. de la Torre lands a kick but eats another right hand from Nam. Nam misses a takedown. de la Torre with a kick but Nam catches the leg and finally gets a takedown. de la Torre gets right back up. Nam misses another takedown. His gameplan is really obvious right now. They are clinched again. This fight feels on repeat. Broken up by the referee again. Nam misses a big left hand. Nam with two body kicks and his face is showing the counters he has eaten. Nam misses a takedown. He misses another. Torre lands a left hook. 10-9 de la Torre, 30-27 de la Torre.

Official Result- Mike de la Torre def. Yui Chul Nam by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

I don’t see how you can score that fight for Nam, but the right guy got the decision in the end.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS- DONGI YANG (12-3, 1-3 UFC) VS. JAKE COLLIER (9-2, 1-1 UFC)

ROUND 1- This is Yang’s second stint in the UFC. Yang with a big body kick early. They exchange and Yang lands some nice left hands. Collier with a body kick. Collier drops Yang with a right hand and goes into the half-guard. Yang scrambles to his feet. Collier with a leg kick. Yang with a nice combo. Yang with a left hand and then gets poked right in the eye. Yang lands a left hand and they exchange punches. Yang with a takedown and landing from the top. Collier to his feet but eats strikes from Yang. Collier reverses a takedown and goes into half-guard. Yang scrambles to his feet. Collier with another takedown but Yang reverses and lands punches. Back to their feet. Yang with a late takedown. Close round. 10-9 Yang.

ROUND 2- They exchange and Collier grabs the neck looking for a guillotine choke. Yang defends and lands body punches. Yang escapes and lands big punches from the top and looking to finish. Collier rolls for a leg lock but Yang landing big punches. Collier has a leg and looking to extend it. Yang gets out and lands more punches and Collier is eating them and not fighting back and Herb Dean stops it. TKO win for Yang in his UFC return.

Official Result- Dongi Yang def. Jake Collier by TKO (punches) at 1:50 of Round 2

MAIN CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 8 AM ET/5 AM PT)

FEATHERWEIGHTS- DOO HO CHOI (12-1, 1-0 UFC) VS. SAM SICILIA (15-5, 5-4 UFC)

ROUND 1- Choi is a solid prospect at 145 pounds. Choi lands a combo to start. Choi rocks Sicilia and drops him. Sicilia gets up but is on wobbly legs. Sicilia lands a big right hand. Choi with another big punch. Sicilia goes for a trip but it is defended. Cjoi with a flying knee. Both men landing punches. Choi drops Sicilia with a left hand and some more punches on the ground and this fight is stopped. Choi extends his win streak to 11. Excellent fight while it lasted.

Official Result- Doo Ho Choi def. Sam Sicilia by TKO (punches) at 1:33 of Round 1

Choi called for a fight against Tatsuya Kawajiri next. Coincidence, Kawajiri fights in 13 days in Las Vegas, and doesn’t have an opponent as his opponent, Mirsad Bektic, pulled out due to a torn ACL yesterday.

WELTERWEIGHTS- YOSHIHIRO AKIYAMA (14-5 2 NC, 2-4 UFC) VS. ALBERTO MINA (11-0, 1-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Akiyama is returning to action after 14 months off, still as shredded and as sexy as ever. Huge pop from the crowd when he took his shirt off. Mina with a right hand. Akiyama and Mina trade leg kicks. Akiyama with another big leg kick. Akiyama with a spinning back fist as the crowd chants for him. Mina with a leg kick. Mina lands a right hand. Mina with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Mina misses a takedown and a flying knee. They trade right hands. Mina with a late takedown. Close round. 10-9 Akiyama.

ROUND 2- Mina with a leg kick. Akiyama with a leg kick and then a big right hand. Akiyama with a leg kick. Mina misses a takedown. Mina with a front kick. Big uppercut lands from Akiyama. Mina then attacks the legs with kicks. Akiyama with a leg kick. Mina misses another takedown as he telegraphs them. Akiyama with another leg kick. They trade leg kicks and Akiyama stuffs a takedown attempt from Mina. Mina with a combo rocks Akiyama for a moment and they clinch against the fence but break. Mina with a too low kick and we have a timeout. We get back to action and Mina rocks Akiyama with a left hand. Mina goes for a takedown but it is stuffed. Mina with another right hand rocks Akiyama and drops him. Mina going for the finish and Mina rocking Akiyama big time but he is saved by the bell. Mina stole that round. 10-9 Mina, 19-19.

ROUND 3- This fight could be up for grabs. Mina misses a big left hook. Akiyama with a leg kick. Mina whiffing on his punches. Akiyama lands an uppercut. Mina misses a spinning elbow. Akiyama with a left hook as Mina drops for a takedown. Akiyama landing some punches as Mina looks gassed trying for a takedown. Crowd chanting big for Akiyama. Mina misses a takedown and tries to pull guard but Akiyama has none of it. Mina’s leg is badly bruised from the leg kicks. Akiyama with a right hand and then a combo. Mina just getting desperate for takedowns and it could cost him the fight. Mina lands a combo though. Akiyama with a solid combo and both are landing punches. Mina catches a leg kick from Akiyama and gets a takedown but Akiyama reverses. Akiyama in the guard and landing punches. They get up. Akiyama landing the left. Mina gassed out badly with the leg hurting. Akiyama with a left hook. Mina misses a takedown and is laying on the mat and Akiyama capitalizes and nearly finishes him. Akiyama finishes the round with strikes from the top. Good fight, comes down to how the first was scored. 10-9 Akiyama, 29-28 Akiyama.

Official Result- Alberto Mina def. Yoshihiro Akiyama by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Crowd booed the decision as Akiyama is the big crowd favorite, but nothing wrong with it at all.

WELTERWEIGHTS- (#7) DONG HYUN KIM (20-3-1 1 NC, 11-3 1 NC UFC) VS. DOMINIC WATERS (9-3, 0-1 UFC)

ROUND 1- We have the more well-known Dong Hyun Kim up now. Kim with a cartwheel kick and Waters takes advantage and grabs the back. Kim with a kneeto the body in the clinch. Kim with a judo throw and is in side control and the crucifix. Kim with a lot of punches from this position. Kim looking for a shoulder lock. Kim with more punches from the top. Kim with more and more punches. Waters in a lot of trouble as he fights to escape. Kim looking to finish and it is over. Kim has finished Waters and gets the big win.

Official Result- Dong Hyun Kim def. Dominic Waters by TKO (punches) at 3:11 of Round 1

WELTERWEIGHTS- (#7 LW) BENSON HENDERSON (22-5, 10-3 UFC) VS. JORGE MASVIDAL (29-9, 6-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- This is interesting for Henderson as it is the last fight on his current contract. Henderson with a leg kick. Henderson with a nice combo and a leg kick. Masvidal with a body kick. They trade punches. Masvidal with a body kick. They trade punches. Masvidal with a body kick but gets dropped for a moment by a right hand counter from Henderson. He gets back up and they clinch and Masvidal lands a liver punch on the break. Masvidal with a series of body kicks and then a head kick. Henderson with a leg kick. Henderson with a body kick and Masvidal lands his own and a right hand. Masvidal with a flying knee attempt and Henderson tries a takedown but it is defended. Good and close round. 10-9 Henderson.

ROUND 2- Both missing head kicks to start but Masvidal lands a glancing one to the arms of Henderson, who counters with a combo. Masvidal misses on two kicks. Masvidal with a punch and Henderson goes to the mat and Masvidal chases him down. Henderson has the leg but Masvidal defends. They get back up and both land punches in a nice exchange. They clinch and land knees. They break and Masvidal with a high kick. Lots of output from both men, especially Masvidal. Big head kick from Henderson but it is checked. Henderson shoots in for a single-leg but Masvidal has the neck. Masvidal goes for a guillotine but Henderson rolls out and Henderson looks for one of his own. Henderson with knees as the round ends. Another good and close round. 10-9 Masvidal, 19-19.

ROUND 3- Front kick to the face from Henderson. Body kick and then leg kick from Masvidal. They trade punches. Henderson with a body kick. They trade punches and Henderson sets up for a takedown but Masvidal defends against the fence. Henderson landing in the clinch but Masvidal has his tounge sticking out. Masvidal drags Henderson down for a moment and has the back but Henderson spins around. Masvidal has the neck but lets go. Henderson with a knee to the legs. They break and Masvidal got hit in the groin on the break. Masvidal with a body kick. He lands another. Masvidal with a head kick that just misses but lands a right hand. Henderson with a nice right hand and a leg kick. They trade in close range. Big body kick by Masvidal. 3 rounds down, 3 close rounds. 10-9 Henderson, 29-28 Henderson.

ROUND 4- Henderson with an outside leg kick. They trade some punches. Masvidal with a high kick. Henderson goes in for a takedown but Masvidal defends against the fence. They remain clinched against the fence. They break. They trade punches. Masvidal with a wild combo and Henderson grabs the clinch and pushes the fight against the fence. Henderson with a quick takedown but Masvidal slips out and grabs the neck. Masvidal with some elbows off the break. Henderson ducks under a right hand from Masvidal and gets the takedown but Masvidal gets right back up and grabs the back and looks to take Henderson down. Masvidal gets in the guard of Henderson and Henderson looks to set up a triangle. Masvidal gets out and grabs the neck. Masvidal with a combo as Henderson gets off the fence. Henderson lands a flying knee as the round ends. Another close round. 10-9 Henderson, 39-37 Henderson.

ROUND 5- No telling how the scores are in this close fight. Henderson with a left hand to the body. Masvidal misses a big right hand. Henderson misses a flying knee but looks to set up a takedown. Henderson gets Masvidal down for a second but right back up. Masvidal grabs the neck and goes for a choke and Henderson is in trouble as this is tight. Henderson goes to his back to defend but Masvidal still going for it. Henderson defending well. They get back to their feet. Masvidal with a knee in the clinch. Masvidal with a right hand over the top. Masvidal with a body kick and Henderson goes for a takedown but it is stuffed by Masvidal. Henderson with knees to the thighs. Masvidal with a roll and Henderson gets into mount but Masvidal escapes. Nice scramble and Henderson lands a knee. They scramble and go back down to the mat. They get to their feet and Henderson has the back. Henderson trips Masvidal down and looks for the back. Masvidal escapes with 30 seconds left. Masvidal trying a late takedown. Masvidal goes for the neck but the fight ends. Excellent fight, one of the better fights of the year. Every round is close. 10-9 Henderson, 49-46 Henderson.

Official Result- Benson Henderson def. Jorge Masvidal by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46)

Harvey Weinstein has been indicted by a grand jury in New York on charges of rape and sexual assault, taking the criminal case against him a step further.

Weinstein, 66, waived his right to appear before the panel on Wednesday afternoon.

The grand jury – a group of between 12 and 23 people, assembled to investigate criminal conduct and decide whether there is enough evidence for criminal charges – announced their verdict several hours later.

Cyrus Vance, Manhattan district attorney, said the film producer was brought "another step closer to accountability" by the indictment.

Weinstein was initially charged last week in what was hailed a landmark for the #MeToo movement, nearly eight months after his career imploded in a blaze of accusations of misconduct.

Harvey Weinstein being led out of a New York police station in handcuffs on Friday. On Wednesday he was indicted on the same chargesCredit:
Reuters

On Wednesday he was indicted on the same charges as he faced on Friday – two counts of rape and one of a criminal sexual act.

"This indictment brings the defendant another step closer to accountability for the crimes of violence with which he is now charged," said Mr Vance.

"Our office will try this case not in the press, but in the courtroom where it belongs.

"This investigation remains active and ongoing. We continue to urge additional survivors and others with relevant information to call us."

Weinstein has not been seen since handing himself in to a Tribeca police station on Friday, and his subsequent court appearance.

He posted bail of $1 million (£751,060) in cash and agreed to wear an electronic monitor which tracks his movements 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

He also surrendered his passport and agreed to stay within the states of New York and Connecticut.

Harvey Weinstein accusations

Weinstein, who has repeatedly denied allegations of non-consensual sex, intends to plead not guilty to the charges, his lawyer, Ben Brafman, said outside court.

In a statement responding to the indictment, Mr Brafman said: "The announcement of Mr. Weinstein’s indictment, does not come as a surprise.

"Indeed, it was predicted by me this morning in an earlier statement we issued. We also note of course that the indictment merely mirrors the same charges in the criminal court Complaint and does not add anything to the case we did not already know.

"We asked the District Attorney for more time so that Mr Weinstein’s attorneys could gather the material needed to properly prepare him for his grand jury testimony but that request was denied.

"We remind everyone that an indictment is merely a formal accusation. Mr Weinstein intends to enter a plea of Not Guilty and vigorously defend against these unsupported allegations that he strongly denies.

"We will soon formally move to dismiss the indictment and if this case actually proceeds to trial, we expect Mr Weinstein to be acquitted."

Click Here: Atlanta United FC Jersey

1906

New Orleans, Louisiana:
– Fred Beel defeated Frank Gotch to win the American Heavyweight Title two falls to one (match was a work, not a shoot)

1938

Columbus, Ohio:
– Mildred Burke won the World Women’s Title by defeating Betty Nichols

1941

Hollywood, California:
– Billy Varga defeated Wild Red Berry to win the World Light Heavyweight Title

1949

Toledo, Ohio:
– Tom Marshall defeated Dave Levin to win the Jack Pfieffer-promoted World Heavyweight Title

Kansas City, Kansas:
– The Sharpe Brothers (Ben and Mike Sharpe) beat The Dusek Brothers (Ernie and Joe Dusek) 2 out of 3 falls
– Enrique Torres beat Roy Graham 2 out of 3 falls
– Ronnie Etchison defeated Danny Plechas

1952

Fort Worth, Texas:
– Gory Guerrero & Cyclone Ayala won a tournament for the NWA Texas Tag Team Title

1958

Fort Worth, Texas:
– Pepper Gomez & Rito Romero defeated The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan) for the Texas version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles

1961

Detroit, Michigan:
– Fritz Von Erich defeated Dick the Bruiser to win the Chicago/Detroit version of the NWA United States Heavyweight Title

– Billy White Wolf defeated Nikoli Volkoff for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title

Atlanta, Georgia:
– The Assassins defeated Don McIntyre & Ray Gunkel for the Georgia version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Titles

Columbus, Ohio:
– Magnificent Maurice defeated Leon Graham to win the Ohio Heavyweight Title

Houston, Texas:
– Jack Dalton (Donnie Fargo) defeated Pepe Gonzales for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title

1965
Mobile, Alabama:
– Ken Lucas won the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title from Danny McShain

1970

Tampa, Florida:
– Dusty Rhodes defeated Jose Lothario to win the NWA Florida Brass Knuckles Title

1971

Mobile, Alabama:
– Donnie Fargo defeated The Wrestling Pro to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title

1972

Los Angeles, California:
– Victor Rivera defeated Ernie Ladd to win the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title

Yokohama, Japan:
– Bobo Brazil defeated Kintaro Oki for the vacant NWA International Heavyweight Title

1973

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
– Stan Stasiak defeated Pedro Morales to win the WWWF World Heavyweight Title

1976

Davenport, Iowa:
– Saloon match: The Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon
– Billy Francis beat Baron Von Raschke
– Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Moose Morowski & Pierre Poisson
– Pedro Morales beat Roger Kirby dq

1977

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Mike George & Scott Casey defeated Crusher Blackwell & Buck Robley to win the Central States version of the NWA
World Tag Team Titles

1978

Huntsville, Alabama:
– George Gulas, Bobby Eaton & Arvil Hutto win a tournament for the vacant NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Titles

Knoxville, Tennessee:
– Ken Lucas & Kevin Sullivan defeated Dennis Condrey & Phil Hickerson to win the NWA Southeastern Tag Team Titles

Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
– Big Daddy Ritter (Junkyard Dog) defeated Alo Leilani to win the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title

1979

Knoxville, Tennessee:
– Sterling Golden (Hulk Hogan) defeated Dick Slater to win the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title

Chicago, Illinois:
– AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Bobo Brazil
– AWA Tag Team Champions Verne Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon beat Super Destroyer Mark II & Super Destroyer Mark III
– Dick the Bruiser beat King Kong Brody
– Ernie Ladd dcor Billy Robinson
– Ox Baker dcor Wilbur Snyder
– The Crusher beat Paul Christy dq
– Spike Huber drew Bobby Heenan
– Moose Cholak beat Tiny Hampton dq
– Jerry Graham Jr beat Ron Ritchie

1983

Lexington, Kentucky:
– Terry Taylor defeated Buddy Landel for the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title

Kansas City, Kansas:
– Bobby Fulton defeated Roger Kirby to win the NWA Central States Television Title

1984

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada:
– Sonny Myers defeated Al Tomko for the Vancouver version of the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Title

1985

Chicago, Illinois:
– Road Warriors beat AWA Tag Team Champions Jim Garvin & Steve Regal dq
– AWA Champion Rick Martel beat Terry Gordy
– Strap Match: Jerry Blackwell beat Michael Hayes
– Paul Ellering drew Buddy Roberts
– Handicap match: Sgt. Slaughter beat Boris Zhukov & Chris Markoff
– Larry Zbyszko beat Kevin Kelly
– Scott Hall beat Bill Irwin
– Leon White beat Scott Irwin dq

1986

Fort Worth, Texas:
– Al Madril & Brian Adidas defeated Lance Von Erich & The Dingo (Ultimate) Warrior for the World Class Championship
Wrestling World Tag Team Titles
– Tony Atlas defeated Crusher Yurkof (Bam Bam Bigelow) to win the World Class Television Title

Click Here: West Coast Eagles Guernsey

1989

Dallas, Texas:
– Robert Fuller & Brian Lee defeated Jeff Jarrett & Matt Borne in a tournament final to win the USWA World Tag Team Title

1992

Tokyo, Japan:
– Dynamite Kansai defeated Cutie Suzuki in a tournament final to become the first JWP Project Openweight Champion

1995

Nigata, Japan:
– El Samurai defeated Sabu to win the UWA World Junior Light-Heavyweight Title

Reading, Pennsylvania:
– Akita Kaos defeated Crash the Terminator to win the PCW Heavyweight Title
– Chris Candido defeated Ray Odyssey to win the PCW Americas Heavyweight Title
– Reckless Youth defeated Ubas for the PCW Commonwealth Title

Mexico City, Mexico:
– Negro Casas defeated El Hijo del Santo in a tournament final to win the vacant NWA World Welterweight Title

2000

Manila, Arkansas:
– The American Dragon (Bryan Danielson) and Spanky (Brian Kendrick) defeated The Triad (Seven (Kevin Fertig) and Thrash) to win the Memphis Championship Wrestling Southern Tag Team Titles

North Richland Hills, Texas:
– Hotstuff Hernandez defeated Al Jackson to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title

– The Masked Maniac defeated Chris Michaels to win the United States Extreme Wrestling United States Heavyweight Title

2001

Caguas, Puerto Rico:
– Carly Colon defeated Ray Gonzalez for the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title

2005

McDonough, Georgia:
– Mike Mizanin (The Miz) defeated Mike Knox in a tournament final to become the first Deep South Wrestling Heavyweight
Champion

North Korea has replaced its three most senior military officials with less hawkish appointees, with analysts suggesting Kim Jong-un is sidelining hardline factions who are opposed to his shift away from the longstanding “military first” policy.

There are even suggestions that the North Korean leader is acting out of concern that disgruntled military officers might attempt a coup when Mr Kim travels to Singapore for next week’s summit with US President Donald Trump.

No Kwang-chol, formerly the first vice minister of the North Korean People’s Armed forces, was promoted to minister during a meeting of the Central Military Commission on May 17 that was presided over by Mr Kim. South Korean intelligence has been unable to ascertain the fate of his predecessor, Pak Yong-sik, The Korea Herald reported.

Click Here: gold coast suns 2019 guernsey

There are also reports that Ri Myong-su, chief of the General Staff, has been replaced, although it is not clear who has taken over the role. Mr Ri was caught on television apparently falling asleep during a meeting of the Central Committee on May 20 and may well have been punished for the transgression. In 2015, Hyon Yong-chol, a former defence minister, was reportedly executed for nodding off during a meeting addressed by Mr Kim.

Rocket man: How Kim Jong-un emerged from his father's shadow to silence the doubters

The most significant change, however, is that of director of the military’s General Political Bureau. Kim Su-gil, the former chairman of the Pyongyang City Committee of the Workers’ Party, took over as director in May from Kim Jong-gak, who had only been in the post since January.

“A prudent dictator replaces people fairly regularly so they do not become too entrenched or powerful within their realms or build up sufficient influence to plot rebellion”, said Daniel Pinkston, a professor of international relations at the Seoul campus of Troy University.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects a construction site as Kim Su-gil (3rd L) looks onCredit:
Reuters

Replacing the three most senior members of his military in the space of a month is considered unusual even for North Korea, however, and may have been prompted by rumblings of discontent among senior officers who disagree with Mr Kim’s decision to focus on the economy at the expense of the military.

The Chosun Ilbo newspaper has quoted defectors in South Korea as suggesting that Mr Kim is “nervous” about leaving Pyongyang for his summit in Singapore with Mr Trump because he fears an uprising in his absence. Mr Kim’s schedule is usually a closely guarded secret, they added, and plotters will be aided by the fact that the schedule for the meeting – and his absence – is widely known.

“Replacing these officials is probably an attempt to coup-proof his regime because a dictator is at his most vulnerable when he is traveling abroad”, said Mr Pinkston.

A war of words between Israel and Iran escalated on Tuesday after Tehran informed the UN’s nuclear watchdog it was beginning the process of increasing its capacity to enrich uranium.

Yisrael Katz, Israel’s intelligence minister, called for a military coalition against Iran if the Islamic Republic was to defy the world powers who signed a nuclear deal with Iran.

"If the Iranians don’t surrender now, and try to return" to unsupervised uranium enrichment, "there should be a clear statement by the President of the United States and all of the Western coalition," he said.

The message should be that "if the Iranians return" to enriching uranium that could enable them to build a nuclear bomb, "a military coalition will be formed against them," Mr Katz told Israeli public radio.

Technicians of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation in a control room supervise resumption of activities at the Uranium Conversion Facility in Isfahan, IranCredit:
Reuters

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s ultimate authority, said on Monday he had ordered preparations to increase uranium enrichment capacity if a 2015 nuclear deal falls apart after the US withdrawal from it last month.

Click Here: essendon bombers guernsey 2019

Under the agreement with the US, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Iran strictly limited uranium enrichment capacity to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs.

In return the Islamic Republic saw a partial lifting of US and international sanctions.

Tehran is permitted to increase its enrichment efficiency by the end of the next decade just before the deal is set to expire. But speeding up preparations now could allow Iran to ramp up production more quickly after that date.

Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran’s atomic energy organisation, said work had begun on the infrastructure for building advanced centrifuges at Natanz facility.

Mr Salehi said they would remain within the framework of the 2015 accord but that it marked an increase in the pace of the nuclear programme.

Diplomats told the Telegraph they viewed it as a “warning shot” to Europe.

“Following a first assessment, the announced steps per se are not a violation of the JCPOA (the acronym for the accord),” said a spokesman for Federica Mogherini, European Union policy chief. “However, at this particularly critical juncture, they will not contribute to build confidence in the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joint press conference in BerlinCredit:
Getty

Iranian authorities have said that if the European countries failed to keep the pact alive, Tehran had several options, including resuming its 20 percent uranium enrichment.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, yesterday began a three-tour of Europe with the aim of convincing the signoratories to back out of the accord and support his push for tighter measures on Tehran.

During a meeting with Angela Merkel, Germany’s chancellor, in Berlin she said that while she had concerns about the 2015 deal it remained the best option available to prevent an arms race in the region.

Mr Netanyahu is to meet Emmanuel Macron, France’s president, in Paris, later today and Theresa May tomorrow.

Month: July 2020

Nine a day: The women who have to travel for abortions as Ireland prepares for referendum

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Daily pro wrestling history (11/15): The Rock wins vacant WWF Title

Harvey Weinstein ‘to be charged’ over sexual misconduct allegations

TNA Impact results: Bobby Roode vs. Abyss headlines week 7 of the World title tourney

Austria plans to cut benefits for non-German speaking immigrants

UFC Fight Night 79 Seoul live results: Benson Henderson vs. Jorge Masvidal

Harvey Weinstein indicted on rape charges by New York grand jury

Daily pro wrestling history (12/01): Sterling Golden (Hulk Hogan) wins NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title

Is Kim Jong-un replacing top military leaders to fend off coup ahead of Trump summit?

Iran tells UN of plan to enrich uranium in response to US withdrawal from nuclear deal