otherwise it was fun. it really was fun. >> new fears over the stability of ukraine. the interior says that russian military forces entered two airports in crimea. >> hello, this is al jazeera live from doha. the other top stories. police fire tear gas on anti-government protesters in venezuela. dealing with the trauma of war. the project in turkey helping the youngest victims of syria's conflict. the world bank withholds a

$90 million loan to uganda over its latest laws against gays. >> ukraine's interior minister says that russian's military forces blocked the military forces in caimia. dozens of un -- crimea. >> dozens of soldiers wearing unmarked uniform are patrolling but letting the airport operate early. we'll be live to our correspondent there and in kiev. first to lawrence lee at the airport. he's on the line from there. now, lawrence, what is the situation there right now. do we have any idea who the men are, the interior minister says that they are russian force, but they are in unmarked uniform? >> yes, the interior ministry

has said that, and the ukrainian security services told us several hours ago that categorically they were sure that they were russian forces from the russian bases. if that's the case, given that the russian agency said the russian forces are surrounding the military airport an hour away from here, you'd have a situation where the returnan forces are outside the perimeter of the civilian and military airports in crimea. i've been here for five hours this morning. nothing has changed and nothing is changing either. there were a load of rumours swirling around, some of the pro-russian civilians claiming that a pro-russian politician from moscow is flying in, and they were here to protect him. others suggested the interior ministry from kiev were flying

in and they were here to keep him out. we haven't seen anyone flying in and out. there has been a couple of shift changes of the soldiers. they are just here. and i am starting to wonder whether they are here for a specific purpose, or whether this is the new normal now, and they are here for the same ostensible reason that they say they are outside the military region, which is to keep the out the fighters, protecting the pro-russian majority in crimea. what is striking is that there's no response at all on the ground, from the ukrainian side. it appears that the pro-russian block, both militarily and civilian form can act as they want to, and there's nothing that kiev can do about it. >> i wanted to clarify what you were saying there. we are talking about two airports, the civilian, the one

that is functioning normally, and there's a military base. >> yes, that's right. the port city in crimea. in fact, there are two naval fleets, the russian black sea fleet, which has been there, and in balaklava there's a ukrainian fleet. the russians historically had a presence here. they are going to the airport. we believe that inside the military airport that maybe ukrainian services, but russian services surrounded it. in the civilian airport, there's an ad hoc press conference going on by the director of security at the airport. in the last minute or two, there

are ukrainian appearance inside the airport even though there are these other soldiers outside the airport, and if they are russian, that they won't be allowed in. you have a bizarre situation going on at the moment, where it appears very much to us as if, on the ground, russian or pro russian forces are in control and there's no move made to shift them. >> thank you. as we mentioned earlier, gunmen have occupied government buildings in the center of the city. our correspondent is there. what is the latest where you are, robin. >> as we understand it, those armed men are in control of the government buildings here. in the parliament behind me, and in the regional government

building a short distance away. we are trying to understand how this comes together, and if you put the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together you see a picture. what happens is while the armed men were in control of the parliament, deputies, pro-russian in majority were able to function and go in and out of the building freely, feeling secure. the men inside are men they sympathise with. they were able to carry out a vote and that vote - two votes. one calling for a referendum to give crimia more autonomy, and two to dissolve the regional government. we had a regional government or a regional prime minister here in crimea, who is part of that pro russian block. he's from a party called russian yunity. he stated last night that everyone in crimea should submit

to this parliament authority. that includes the local security forces, and if not, that they should consider resigning from their positions. in other words it's crimea's government that controls crimea, and nothing to do with the new government that is forming in kiev. now, the interim interior minister in kiev stated that this take over of the airports in crimea, by what it accuses of being russian forces is an act of military occupation and invasion. if that's the case, what we effectively see is crimea in control of a pro-russian government, supporting it seemingly by russian military forces. or russia will provide financial and humanitarian assistance. that is what this new government

wants. >> the men that took over the parliament building, is it any clearer yet as to who they are. >> no, it isn't. we were trying to speculate. whatever - whoever they are, they are professionals. they are well armed, well equipped, and disciplined, and they are holding the building still now. some said they are the same guys who turned up in military unmarked vehicles in the airport today. i have seen pictures taken of soldiers outside the sevastapol airport. they don't appear to have markings, but are well equipped. >> at the same time the president who fled and is believed to be in russia, we understand he has flown in to rostov, where he's expected to give a statement.

interestingly enough accompanied by russian fighter jets. >> for the moment, thanks. ukraine's parliament due to reconvene around now in the capital. tim friend is there for us. what has been the reaction there to this news from crimea? >> they are typifying or at least the interior ministry here is typifying those people who are surrounding the airports down in crimea, 900km away from kiev, as russian ministry. the interior ministry is saying this is armed invasion, we have to take thinks carefully here, because it may well be that russian military are taking up positions, as my colleague lawrence lee found on the ground was saying. this may be the new normal in

crimea that is slowly emerging. whether or not it's an armed invasion obviously remains to be seen. but the interior minister clearly not holding back on the way he's describing the situation. and, of course, they are looking at it incredibly nervesly. the situation is still very volatile throughout ukraine as the new government feels its way. it's desperately trying to keep the country unified but sees events in crimea as a potential throat to that. >> for the moment, thanks. film friend live in kiev. we'll continue to monitor the situation in ukraine, and let you know of further developments. >> to venezuela, where anti-government protesters are calling for more demonstrations. on thursday security forces

fired tear gas at crowds of demonstrators in caracas. thousands rallied in cities across venezuela, against the crackdown on the opposition. al jazeera's adam raney has the latest from caracas. >> venezuela's president was hoping that thursday, which kicked off a week-long holiday around the carnival, showing an easing of tensions between protesters and government forces didn't happen. we have several protests in the surrounding area, and protests in the south-west of the country on the border of columbia which is the epicentre of tense protests between people unhappy with the government, unhappy with rising inflation and insecurity and having standoffs with security forces. people are barricading themselves in the neighbourhood, starting fires and getting into standoffs with forces. this happens on a day in which the government announced an

arrest warrant of the number two leader of the main opposition parties, headed by leopoldo lopez, and, himself, was taken into custody 10 days ago. this is showing that perhaps there's a stalemate between the president and the protesters, and leaders, because on wednesday, although the president hosted a peace conference, a day after that they announced an arrest warrant for a prominent member of the opposition. one of the main leaders skipped the press conference, henriques capriles did not want to be a prop used by the government to show an accord being made. he said venezuela was a divided country and people were not willing to give up their right to protest freely in the streets. >> france says it will help nigeria's fight against boko haram. the promise was made by francis

hollande as he visited the capital. >> president francis hollande is due to arrive in the central african republic. he's planning to meet the french soldiers. they are trying to end months of violence. thousands of people have died in the fighting. our correspondent reports from bangui, there's no sign of the violence ending soon. >> this is a city within a city. 70,000 have left their homes for a camp at the airport, and signs they are here to stay. they don't think it's safe to go home because the muslim seleka fighters are still here, accused of staging a coup. the seleka are guarded by peacekeepers who don't want us

to disclose their location. this man wants peace, but doesn't accept much responsibility. >> translation: we always speak about seleka. what about the anti-balaka, no one says anything wrong about them. the deposit and the french should take responsibility. >> the anti-balaka christian fighters should take revenge. some want reconciliation, but on their open terms. >> translation: we can't manage our country alone. we are ready on the condition that all muslims are disarmed, we hear gunfire. this is muslims who are shooting. >> french and au peacekeepers can't control the violence. >> it's hard to tell much control the leaders of anti-balaka and seleka have. while there's talk of peace and disarming, the reality is that

people, muslims and christians, are living in fear. no one knows where it's heading. >> another area empties after another shooting. anti-balaka christians killed a fighter who ventured from the garson. this man says they are fed up living lining this, like animals. >> but this man won't budge. his family stays despite half his neighbours moving to a camp. >> translation: we want to stop this. we should send away the anti-balaka and seleka. we have arms, knives. we live like this because of impunity. >> in a country where they lived peacefully until a few months ago, he can't understand how it came to this. until the people of the car find their way back. >> a weather update next on al jazeera, and more on the crisis

in ukraine. discover how many people in eastern ukraine are determined to defend the russian language and culture. >> a push to curb obesity in the u.s. all the details coming

>> hello again the top stories on al jazeera. ukraine's interior minister says that russian military forces have blocked the airport in caimia. there's a military presence at the passenger airport.

>> security forces fired tear gas on large crowds of protesters in caracas. protesters are angry about inflation, crime and the oppression of the opposition. >> fren president francis hollande is due to arrive in the central african republic to meet the french soldiers deployed there. >> the political crisis in ukraine - positions are likely to beinflamed by the parliament in kiev, repealing the law given to the russian language. >> we have a report from the former capital of soviet ukraine. >> a performance of "mid summer night's dream", in the middle of the mainly russian speaking theatre. this theatre uses the ukrainian language. it's named after a serb and poet

whose famous works speak to the spirit of rebellion. the theatre's first director died in ta soviet gulag as the nationalist culture was crushed. a professor from leviv was foching the exhibits in the museum when they -- photographing the exhibit in the museum when we arrived. this was part of the renaissance, all working in the same building, nearly all shot on the orders of stalin. >> if you take the statistics about the magazines, newspapers, and the percentage of ukrainian language in tv and on the radio, you'll see, like, two-thirds of russian language. you don't hear a word of ukrainian subpoena around the statue of lenin in freedom square. they are fighting to keep it standing, and all that it

represents. >> the new parliament's decision to repeal the laws giving protection to the russian language are likely to exacerbate the divisions in the south and east of the country, where the russian language has taken deepest route. >> in school 62 teenage students learning how to speak french. any problems with the grammar and the teachers use ukrainian to answer them. there are nearly 1,000 pupils at the school. when the country gained independence in all but one classroom the lessons were taught in russian. >> many chooses are taught in ukraine, many are taught in russians. everything is done according to the wishes of parents. >> the ukrainian flag is flown at half mast in memory of those that died in kiev. with the classrooms empty, sasha

and anya began their lessons. such charm and artistry translates into any lang wim, crossing all borders. >> the world bank is to withhold a $90 million loan to uganda. it's in response to a strict bill. the bank says it's discrimination, and that the new law could affect safe care for moemio sexuals. let's go to an economist and author of the book, joining us from sydney wha. do you make of the move by the world bank? >> it's a big move for the bank. it normally says it won't intervene in social divisions made inside different countries, because it deals with many. it couldn't, for example, support a law like the french have being against muslim women

wearing a veil. it has to accept social norms. this is a big move to say it's not a social norm, it's discrimination, and we will send a signal, $90 million, when normally it is up to the billion. it's an impressive move by the bamming to -- being the $90 million. >> it was meant to help in newborn health, family planning - is there a danger that the withholding of money could impact on people that need it. >> health area is one where homosexuality is important. if you discourage a homosexual from going to a clinic, you are likely to get aides traps mitted. it's a health issue to make is criminal, because you make it less likely that you'll control

endemics. this is something which passes through africa. it's a difficult call for the bank. it's - they say they are delaying, and if you are sending a signal - it happens to be the most immediate necessary loan to role over. there's nothing about the choice of that loan. the bank has so man. >> is it a sign that the bank could be changing its policies in future conditions for loans based on more moral criteria, not just economic ones. >> no, the bank has made a lot of bad decisions based on a very abstract and unrealistic theory of how economies operate and it alienated it badly. many countries started to refuse to take bank loans because the conditions were not appropriate. this is an appropriate continue,

but not one engaged in economics. i think it's a courageous decision by the bank, showing a shift in the bank, they are learning about the mistakes made in the past. this is more saying we have to look at the social impact of the policies, and that's a positive development by the bank, showing intellectual and emotional maturity. >> steve keen in sydney. >> a day of global action highlighting press freedom helped to draw attention to the flight of al jazeera journalists. al jazeera is demanding the release of its staff. mohamed fadel fahmy, mohammed badr, and greste spent 62 days in prison, accused of having links with a terrorist organization and spreading false news. al jazeera rejects the charges. abdullah al-shami, from the arabic channel has been held since august. patty culhane reports. >> making a statement with their

silence. the solidarity burst on display in the al jazeera english news room in doha, swept across the globe to 40 locations. the message clear and consistent from the streets of australia, floating in indonesia, balloons released in england, and flying high in brazil, in every language. one message. >> journalism is not a cry. >> a poet joined the chorus in mexico. braving the rain in paris. [ chants ] >> and in toronto, all calling from freedom for al jazeera's imprisoned journalists. >> we want to call on the egyptian government to release them and the canadian government to call for their release publicly, strongly, unequivocally to get them free. >> none of the al jazeera

employees are american. that didn't stop the press secretary calling for their release. >> we are watching the trial of al jazeera staff and journalists in egypt. we understand that the defendants pleaded not guilty and the trial was adjourned until march the 5th. we strongly urge the government to allow these and all journalists to do their jobs, and it's impossible to see how they can do that, how any journalist can do their job if faced with questionable charges and detained and on trial. >> a call echoed on capitol hill. >> looking up reporters never stopped the world finding out what is going on in a country, particularly in this modern world. >> with petitions delivered to egyptian embassies, protests from turkey to gaza, washington to beirut and flashed across the scroons in new york's times squa square. this was a day to send a message - you can put the

journalists in a came, you can put them on trial, but they will not stand alone, the world is watching. >> finally - food labels and obesity are in the spotlight in the u.s. >> getting toddlers to eat can be a challenge. getting them to eat healthy... ..just ask kellie. >> i would say 70% of my day revolves around food for them. >> that's why she aplauds effort by first lady michelle obama and the foodand drug administration to change food labelling requirements. >> our guiding principle is simple - that you as a parent and consumer should be able to walk into a grocery store, pick an item on the shelf and tell whether it's good four your family. . >> a proposal requires food manufacturesers to display cally count more prominently.

currently fully quarters of a cup of serial is considered a portion. similarly the label ensuitened tea says it contins 2.5 serves. most drink the bottle. the labels will reflect the nutritional information for realistic serving sizes. >> it's likely to take years before the new labels arrive. the grocery manufacturers oposes a requirement to list sugars. obviously the f.d.a. disagrees also. >> maryan nestles says added sugar dilutes the value of a food product. >> food, as a habit is a concern

for my boys. i don't want them to develop a sugar habit. >> the new labels contain information consumers have a right to know. >> the latest of all the stories we covered and more at aljazeera.com. join the club! seriously, clubs for young job seekers. plus google glass, wearable art for tech, i'm david shuster in for ali velshi, this is "real money." this is "real money" and you are the most important part of show so join our live conversations for the next half our on twitter