at #ajamstream. >> hello, welcome to the al jazeeral jazeera news hour. the search of the missing malaysian passenger plane. >> reporter: we have all the latest from europe including on the crisis in crimea, board guards say one of their plane come under fire. >> on the run u.n. said almost there are no muslims left in

central african republic. we report on how some are starting a new life. striking a balance. two new york artists try to turn life's daily routine on its head. >> two people listed as being on board of the missing malaysian jet are alive and well. the italian and austrian nationals had their passports were stolen in china. 239 passengers and crew were on board. >> reporter: search efforts continue for the missing plane as vietnamese aircrafin the vie. families wait for news off the flight. it left kuala lumpur on its way

to beijing. in beijing, there are similar scenes. the fact that the crew did not send a distress signal means whatever happened happened quickly. >> our focus is on the first responders, emergency support. and our thoughts and prayer are with the crew and passengers and their family members. >> reporter: the last signal of the plane was detected 225 southwest of vietnam. international efforts are under way with the u.s. and singapore sending help. here's what we know about the flight path. the triple 7200 left kuala

lumpur. the 777-200 has been flying for 19 years and has a good safety history. >> it has been flying for almost 20 years and flying more flights than this particular one. if there was going to be a structurallal breakdown we would have seen it in the older fleets. >> reporter: they're monitoring the situation but with little information on what happened no one is willing to guess what went wrong. >> we go to london for news on the two passenger who is are thought to be on board. what have you been able to find out about them and what happened to their passport? >> reporter: well, as you rightly said two people thought to be passengers on board the missing malaysian airline flight turn out to be safe and sound elsewhere never actually been on the flight. turns out they had had their

passports and their identities stolen. the first of these two people is a 30-year-old austrian named christian cazole. he had his passport stolen in thailand while on holiday. the second person is 37-year-old luigi moradi. he also said that he had his passport stolen a year ago. he actually lives in thailand. his parents have been speaking to the italian media, they had received a phone call from will yowillluigluigi, and he is safe. what do we know about them? they both say the they're in thr 30s and both this had their passports stolen in thailand. it seems like a huge

coincidence. >> what a massive security breach. >> yes, serious questions are undoubtedly going to be asked how two passports could be stolen from e.u. citizens, how they could get past passport control, how they could board a plane, and the rest is history. that's exactly what the authorities are going to be paying close attention to in the coming hours as they try to piece together bit by bit exactly what happened to this missing malaysian aircraft. >> thank you. tensions remain high in crimea as european observers are in the region. we have more. >> reporter: shots were reported after ukraine's act it's foreign minister tried to urge russia to do more to try to let the observers in. observers say they will not give up crimea.

excuse me. earlier on ukrainian television broadcast these pictures which is said to show 70 unmarked vehicles on the road to crimea. in the past hour border guards said their observation plane came under fire while on patrol. elsewhere in crimea, a group of 30 men were presented as the first division of the armed forces of the new crimeaen state. each manmade a pledge of the state which is yet uninformed and unrecognized. they said they wanted a national contact group to lead negotiations with russia. >> we should discuss various forms of cooperation. however, it's a shaky proposal. many questions remain as to how it could work. but it's better than nothing and no dialogue at all. ukraine is ready to consider options and choices, how to

cooperate with the contact group and our main priority is a diplomatic solution. >> a rally took place earlier on. >> reporter: where i am in independent square is just part of the a huge floral tribute to protesters who died in february during the ousting of president viktor yanukovych. people here are in conflict with those deaths. they don't want to see another conflict over crimea, but they're worried about what russia is doing in that part of ukraine. especially the tatars. there has been a rally here with the muslim tatars saying that the interim government is not doing enough to assure their relatives' safety there. they're very worried there could be some kind of military confrontation. so far they've seen their military bases taken over and the pictures of the convoys but they are worried that it could get worse. >> the person who organized that rally is a crimeaen tatar living

in kiev. he described how supportive he felt by the rest of the country. >> only in words. only in words. only in some news, for example, it says that ukraine might stay united. and crimea is part of united ukraine. but i think every man and every woman in crimea really wants to stay in crimea. they need t more real support. >> meanwhile russia's foreign minister denies russia has any part in crimea and meanwhile say kiev is taking orders from extremists.

>> we're tryinthis conflict is n ukrainian nature despite from outside and not from our side. the temporary government is not independent. unfortunately, it depends on radical nationalist who is took power in an armed coup. >> we have the latest from moscow. >> well, sergei lavrov with the main talking points which are that the government in kiev is completely illegitimate, and they overthrew an elected government and now reflects only a minority view of the ukrainians. he said therefore this illegitimate government in kiev has no right to be preaching to the people in crimea what is legal and what is not. the russians are very, very clear that they will not

negotiate with that government or recognize it. on the other hand, and this seems somewhat contradictory lavrov said we are talking to the foreign minister of the interim ukrainian government, and, we're keeping all our lines open to the west. out of this if you're a pessimist you can assume that the narrative is hardening, and the paths between russia and the west is growing between russia and ukraine. on the other hand if you're an optimist you can see in his remarks a glimmer of hope that there might be some negotiated solution between moscow and ukraine and the west. >> well, earlier i spoke with lincoln mitchell, who is a professor for russian and european studies. he said the u.s. should find a way of ending the stand off without completely alienating russia. >> you want to prevent them from going further into western

ukraine. but you want to prevent a land grab to have them go in, secure it, and say we've got it. on the other hand, that may be what has happened, and the west needs to recognize that without recognizing the legitimacy of the action. but this is the new reality in which we live at least for now. every time that some future president aspirant gets up and compares putin to hitler. every time the secretary of state gets up and says that the united states has some moral high ground it jen rates reaction from the russian leadership that moves them away from the negotiating table. recognizing in thigh view russia is wrong, they do have interests. their view of the recent events in the ukraine, while i don't agree with it, while the united states government does not agree with it, there is legitimacy and something to be discussed there. the notion was that hey, it was a great democratic revolution

and the authoritarian was ousted. but the truth lies between russia and u.s. and until we get that far, i don't think it's even possible. >> we'll come back from europe a little later. including libya leaked recordings in election finance, why a former french president is in hot water. >> reporter: also ahead on the news hour, the libyan government threatens to bomb a north korea oil tanker said to be supplying oil by rebels. and we have la liga action coming up in sports. >> social media in pakistan reporting more than 100 people have died from a famine in the southern desert in the past three months. the government said it's investigating whether up to 41 children died from malnutrition.

the commissioner and deputy commissioner of the district have been sacked. the pakistan's largest desert and is in persistent drought. it has not rained for two years. the local government is investigating who is responsible for delays in sending food and medicine. libyan rebels have by pasted the government and trying to export oil to north korea. it's so angry that it's threatening to blow up the tanker unless it gives up it's cargo. there are reports. >> reporter: this is a day to remember, said the official of eastern libya. they're loading oil on this north korean tanker. if successful, this will be the first known shipment of oil. it's members demand greater autonomy for this oil-rich region. but the central government in

tripoli describes it as an act of piracy, and has threatened to bomb the ship. it's a threat of the prime minister of the self-declared government dismissed. >> we don't accept any tanker orship that we're dealing with. we're not making threats, and we don't want to use our force. whowever, if somebody attacks us libya will be able to defend itself. >> reporter: this is not the first time that they have had trouble with, ports. last year they shut down main termals. that caused exports to drop to a record low and cost the country billions of dollars in losses. struggling with lawlessness, libya's interim government is under grand pressure to restore order and rein in the armed mill

militias. >> the israeli army said cargo included advance weapons, including syrian-made surface-to-surface rockets and accuses iran of being behind the operations. hamas that governors the gaza strip and iran have both denied involvement. activists say syrian government forces have bombard a town outside of the capita cap f damascus. and in western homs the syrian army has recaptured the area after weeks of fighting. 23 rebels surrendered and handed over their weapons. it is located close to the lebanese border. government forces seem to be closing in on those close to the lebanese border. they carried out a series of airstrikes over a town which is

one of the last rebel strongholds in the mountainous region. the trial of three al jazeera journalists detained in egypt is scheduled to resume march 24th. they have now spent 70 days in prison. they are accused of having lengths with terrorist organizations and spreading false news. al jazeera rejects the charges. another journalist has been detained for more than six months now. united nations said most muslims have left the capitol of central african republic. the u.n. commission of refugee said muslims in central african republic are under permanent threat. the total of 1 million people are thought to have fled their home. some have crossed the border into democratic republic of congo.

we visit a refugee camp there. >> reporter: everyone in this refugee camp left their foam in central african republic because it has become too dangerous there. but every time a truck comes with new arrivals there is excitement. even here people can joke. [ cheering ] >> reporter: the locals saying you fled, you fled. it's their way of knocking each other through a bit of fun. but back at home things have got worse. thousands have been killed, and many more are missing. she managed to hold out until now. >> my mother and father left on the 5th of december. i don't know if they're still alive. >> she's one of 3,000 central africans who fled to neighboring countries. 60,000 are registered here in the neighboring democratic republic of congo. meanwhile people livering here wait for food to be distributed.

it's dependent on what they're given to supply. it gets heated. >> the amount of food we get is small. it's not enough. >> everyone gets given two small bars of soap and a bag of salt. and then over here they get some cooking oil tied up in a plastic bag. next everyone gets two kilos of beans. and over here people are given a suspect full of rice. the not very much food, but the u.n. said its enough for each pepper to survive for two weeks. the united nations also said it want to avoid mass dependency. foot aid. they've arranged lands so people can start farming. the camp is isolated. roads are being cut off by the conflict. >> reporter: now because it is a dry season the water is very low, and it's very difficult for

big boats to navigaten the river. so we're facing quite a number of logistic challenges to bring the foot here to the camp. >> over thousand people are valuable in this count. the shelter are becoming a town. if you're here don't expect to go awa away any time soon. >> the dwindling numbers of muslims in central african republic is a cause for concern and a large international peacekeeping presence is essential. >> the crisis in c.a.r. does not look like other crisis in africa because of the worrying development that muslims are chased away from their own country. it's unheard of.

it's been a couple of weeks. the population would dwindle, it would vanish from 100,000 to something like 900. it's been very worrying. even during peaceful times. in the war situation you need at least the same size say 10,000 to 12,000 people, peace keepers. the problem is that it's not going to take place until as opposed to. an considering that the africa forces are sometimes taking chad we're not at the end of the world crisis. >> kenya's president has announced that he and his entire cabinet will take a pay cut. two will reduce theiralries by

to percent. kenya has some of the highest paid politicians. courts in taiwan is stepsed 13 military officers to six to eight months in jail for the death of a young surge. demonstratsoldier. demonstrators outside. gatherin. japan's prime minister visiting fukushima nuclear power plant. >> reporter: the journey into the heart of japan's nuclear disaster has become almost a

daily routine. the once thriving town thatted a joins fukushima nuclear power plant. >> just because we're retired does not mean that it's not our business any more. we need to do all we can to keep this place alive 1234 so these men in their volunteer colleag colleagues monitor the radiation levels, maintain a stake in their town. the first radiation ex-mothe --there is a sense of realism as well and acceptance that bringing anybody to live here at a time when nuclear disaster continues to unfold is going to be very, very difficult.

reviving the city is a task they'll have to pass on to the next generation. a few kilometers out of town we come across a different group. no masks or hazard suits here. this is all about confidence. the center is japan's prime minister. here to assure local government of their efforts. earlier he visited nearby new housing for evacuees. fohere where they feed swans the are plans for storage of debris from around the region. >> think of what our ancestors did to build the paddy fields. now we have to do the same for our future generations. >> reporter: for now future is in the thein the aseason dent,e

number of people who say they will come back here get smaller every year. >> the campaign to unseat the government of shinawatra goes on, but one man says he will not give up. >> although the majority of protesters have retreated, a few dedicated groups still take to the streets of bangkok. one is headed by this man, a monk. >> 82 years of democracy in tie lapped has made it possible for politicians to be greedy and corruption and hurt the people because they don't have religion in their heart. >> a controversial figure buddha followers still block a street near a government complex north of the capitol.

they've. there for nearly two months. he said he speaks regularly. >> i do not take orders from them or anyone. we operate separately and work towards the same goal. >> there is a warrant out for his arrest. >> i am proud that the tyrants issued the arrest warrant on me. if the good people issued arrest warrants, i would be sorry. >> but he established the monetary here 25 years ago. he is still a prominent figure in this community two hours outside of bangkok. but there are some outside of the buddhist national hire am hy who want him disrobed and moved from the monkhood. >> i think he's guilty of

creating this harmony. for people to be able to live in harmony. >> reporter: there are some who have issues with the monk taking money for his movement. he has not been back to his monastery or his temple so it's been difficult for them to take action against the monk. >> every day we enjoy moving, nothing is too big. there are always challenges. >> as thailand works on its huge divide, they keep monks in a role. >> still to come venezuelaens remember those killed in recent clashes as the government comes under fire for its treatment of protesters. it is considered to be one of the most liberal countries in the middle east, but women in lebanon say they need greater

protection up the law. amid champions of asian cricket. we have more coming up on the news hour. lockerbie. only one man was convicted of the attack >> the major difficulty for the prosecution, that there was no evidence... >> now a three year al jazeera investigation, reveals a very different story about who was responsible >> they refuse to look into this... >> so many people at such a high level had a stake in al megrahi's guilt. lockerbie: what really happened?

>> these protestors have decided

that today they will be arrested >> these people have chased a president from power, they've torn down a state... >> what's clear is that people don't just need protection, they need assistance.

>> as the search for missing malaysian flight continue two people missing, reported to be on board turned up safe. their passports had been stolen in thailand. the plane has been missing since early saturday morning. a group of european observers try to enter crimea for a third time. 43 monitors were turned away by pro russian forces. the u.n. high commissioner said that the crisis in central

african republic amounts to ethnic cleansing only a thousand remain. we have. >> it comes at a difficult time for sarkozy who is believed to be planning a political come back. the investigation into his presidential campaign began last year. it's leamed he asked for inside information relating to another election financing case. sarkozy's lawyer said he has done nothing wrong calling the accusations politically motivated. but it's not his only drama. she's planning to sue a former adviser for releasing hours of

private regardings. i spoke to a journalist and political commentator in paris and asked if this could hurt sarkozy's chances of reclaiming the presidency. >> it's too early to say. if the judge has ordered the conversation, that means they suspect him of misconduct. that could lead to two years to jail receiving money from qaddafi for his political campaign in 2007. it could lead to jail. there is one thing to keep in mind. it's what the judge's d do and what ordinary citizens will think. because he could play the card

of victoryizatio victimization t conspiracy led to him being the target, and he is the only one who could challenge françois hollande in 2017. >> perhaps pointing out this isn't just something--these are all allegations around nicholas sarkozy specifically, but does it also say something about the french political system or institutions in france? >> yes, i think we can say using shakespeare word that there is something rotten in france. it would be a very difficult and tricky game to play. the strategy--some people say that françois hollande wants to be against mary lapel, the far

right leader. i think it's a very dangerous card to flay. >> now today is international women's day. 80% of the 1.8 million children trafficked into slavery are girls. girls are more likely to be denied an education. two-thirds of the adults that can't read or write will be women. and one in three women will be beaten or raped in their life. >> not many topics are off limits in denmark. in this women's event in copenhagen abortion is up for discussion. but what's really got people talking is a report about violence against women, and in

particular danish women. >> when you see a report like this, and you hear there are a lot of sexual violence against women, that's a huge sign we are not equal in denmark. >> i was flabbergasted. i didn't even imagine that. >> reporter: for a country that prides itself on being a fair, equal, and safe society, this survey on behalf of the european union has come as quite a shock. it shows that women in denmark reported the highest number of incidents of sexual, physical violence of any other e.u. nation. although starve that run this women's center admit the report is disappointing they believe there is a reason why denmark tops the list. >> there is a big problem about balance against women in denmark. i think one of the reason why is that we can speak more openly about violence against women

now, and that has not become tabooed in talking about it and seeking help. >> reporter: when it comes to equality many believe denmark has the answers. shorter working weeks and subsidized child care brings moms back into employment. but even government ministers, many of whom are women, admit lots more must be done. >> we've come a long way. we've pushed through the last 30 years, but we still have a way to go. we have a gender pay cut, and some that cannot be explained, and we lack women in higher positions. that's not good enough. denmark would like to take gender equality seriously. >> there is more on how the women'international women's days

being observed. >> one of the major themes is getting more men involved in the movement. we have more on that. >> going for a record in the philippines more than 10,000 people turned up to support equality for women. they're hoping to make it into the guinness world record book. the u.n. said men's help is important in changing global attitudes. >> one of the things that we're doing which we long to say the campaign called "he for she." where we go out and recruit men in promoting the emancipation of women, women's rights, and women empowerment. >> afghanistan is one place where women's rights have

improve over the last ten years. >> after all that has happened to women, that they were desurprised of money, basic rights, and i think women's issues is an international. and we feed to give more to women' needs. >> reporter: studies show educating women lead to lower child mortality. and when educated women join the workforce, they help to reduce poverty. over in the gaza strip hundreds of women took part in the march to the u.n. office. people there know all too well how women suffer disproportionately in poor societies. >> when women and girls thrive entire societies thrive. just as women's rights are human rights, women's progress is

human progress. >> reporter: meanwhile in new york a group of high profile women walk down the city. many whether fathers, sons, husbands, friends of women can make a real impact. >> now lebanon is considered one of the most liberal countries in the middle east but it lags behind when it comes it women's rights. lebanon ranked 123 out of 136 countries in last year's gender gap survey. this is a case where the majority of countries in the acre world. lebanon's cabinet of 24 men includes one woman, the minister for displaced. women have no legal protection from domestic violence. a bill to change that has been

in the works for years. it's now stalled in parliament which is why these people held a protest in beirut just a few hours ago. a brigiada is an arab reporter and part of the think take institute. she giants me noshe helps take streets. we've lost our guest. we'll try to bring her back after the very short break. coming up still an american magazine said this is a real life man behind the currency bitcoin, but he denies the

claim. and this champion claims another coveted ski title. those details next.

on al jazeera america >> i'm glad you can hear us now. i was asking about the nai bills

out there to protect him from domestic abuse. what impact is it having on women. >> both of the legislators and clergymen would not have it passed. the problem with that is that the control of this country is along confessional lines and the clergymen and religion itself has been very unfair towards women. >> you're talking about the clergymen. is it the fact that these issues go to religious courts where it's seen as an embarrassment on the family if the woman complains? >> well, it's because religion is really controlling this country, unfortunately. officially we look like a country that is with a simple society, that is a civil society, civil institution cons.

and i think the courageous men to take this issue forward. our women, we pay tribute to lebanese women. they're great business women, but they're not allowed politically anywhere. they're better off in tunisea where they have a civil constitution now. i don't know if it's just the men or religion in this country, but i think women need to organize politically which is not what has happened so far. >> there has been an easing up on gay rights in lebanon, but the view of women is very different. i would like to talk more about the law that prevents women married to non-nationals transferring their citizenship. i should imagine that this leads to a lot of heartache. >> indeed. i think it's going to be changed. at least i'm told hopefully that

this is going to be changed. women are working very hard towards new law, and also i think there is a very serious push. it is unfortunate and unacceptable that a woman cannot give a child her own nationality, but i think this is one of many important issues for women in this country. i think women are a major change in lebanon have got to be recognized not only sort of like oh, this is a liberal society. women do wear what they want. they do what they want. we need intellectual capacity respected and taken seriously in the legislation of laws in this country. unless women are in the parliament. unless we have more women in the government. look, we only have one woman in the new government and the previous government there was not even one woman. how are we going to expect to

push for these laws, protect our girls and protect our rights and take us forward. it's a shame. i heard you say earlier according to the world economic forum,-- >> if it can't happen in a country that is considered progressive like lebanon, it makes you worry about the other arab nation where is women are treated even worse. >> reporter: indeed, it's two things. in afghanistan there is a quota, the constitution has it that the quota would have a third of the parliament third. we don't have any such thing in lebanon. let's skip over this sort of looking good and dressing well as traveling and appearing educated. we are not going to be effective as long as we are not--as long as there is no quota for us.

for some quota, some men say i respect you way too much to put you in a quota. let's start with that because we're so behind that we need this push. i would say som something controversial. i think women should organize in political parties that is mostly women, including men, they are welcome, but women's issues. there is a need for something sort of avant-garde as establishing a political party of women for the rights of women. >> thank you very much. >> thank you very much. >> the advocacy group human rights watches accuse the venezuelan government using excessive force against demonstrators. anti-government demonstrations have gone on for weeks. 17 people have died and hundreds have been arrested. we have reports from valencia. [ gunfire ]

>> reporter: events like this one is common as venezuela takes to the streets to protest against crime and government corruption. >> here we continue to follow our command center chief's orders, which are keep internal order, guard public order. give citizens necessary security and if it is necessary for us to lay down our lives we will. because our order must be restored. enough already with these fascist groups. enough of this violence that unjustly hurts the population. >> one man was arrested during a protest three weeks ago. while in custody he said he was raped with a rifle by a national

guard. he is angry and frustrated. his mother will speak on his behalf. >> there are no words of how to describe what we feel. we are all stuck in the apartment because we can't leave him alone. i don't believe in this joint's justice system. i do not believe. >> like others have been scold by stewart forces, they are martyrs to the opposition cause. with one of the highest crime rates in the world very few criminals are captured never mind being prosecuted in places like this. things are unlikely to be different. while the families mourn the fight is waged to ensure basic human rights are maintain. she is one who is putting pressure on the authorities. >> they have not been respecting

the minimum standards in the prevention of torture. that's evident in all the cases we've presented. those detained did not have immediate access to their lawyers or their families. they've taken way their phones and erated pictures that may hurt authorities. 7 as venezuelan society becomes increasingly pore largest >> reporter: barca could drop to third in the table. we have reports. >> reporter: the match during

argentina midweek mesi was eager to show he was showing no ill effects. a win would send them top to face on monday. this is not the seemingly invincible barcelona of recent years. rossi making the most of barca's uncertainty. eactheireach side 1-1 a1. a first win over barcelona sin since 2001, making life as

difficult as possible for the champions. nevertheless they did have a great chance to equalize. thethe home side holding on to a famous win and barcelona, a fifth title in six years could now effectively be decided in just over two weeks' time. al jazeera. >> third place madrid, and grenada face villarreal in the late game. the english fa cup with a 4-1 flashing. they're looking forward to their first piece of silver since 2005 with a better start.

equalizing 25 minutes later. but the penalty after the two goals in two minutes put the game beyond visitors. the final score 4-1 to arsenal. well, manchester united has returned to winning ways. you they have the 3-0 win at west brom. olympics slalom schfrin, the american who turns 19 in just two days takes part in sochi, and clenching a fourth slalom title of the season which is enough to give her a world up crown. continthe demolition of ita.

making him the most capped player in rugby history. ireland are in paris to fans france. it all but asure them the championship. and clinching asia's clicket cup. they had the final win over bangladesh. they chased down pakistan's score 265. the victory target of 22 balls to spare winning by five wickets. the indiana pacers losing to the houston rockets. the huge fourth quarter for the

rockets turning a close game to a blow out. now sharing the top suppose with western conference leaders with oklahoma city. a shot in the final, final minutes giving the win. that is your sport. back to you. >> thanks very much, robin. have you ever felt like you're living on a hamster wheel? two new york artists know exactly what you're going through. they'll spend ten days eating, sleeping on open ends of a giant wheel they call "in orbit." >> my name is alex and i'm an artist and architect from

new york city. >> mimi'm ward, also from brook. together with my partner we have this projects called "inorbit." >> we wanted to explore two people having to synchronize their entire day. we spin around and synchronize 180 degrees from me is ward's bed. >> i'm on top of the wheel, and the situation is different than the bottom. i have a small area that i can safely stand in. he's got to be thoughtful about me at every moment. he can't move suddenly. he's got to keep his mind on me. so the script for all of the performance buildings that we do, that we endeavor is just to live your life as normally as possible.

>> oh my gosh. thank you so much. that's great. that's great. hey, thank you. >> my pleasure. you have to chair mr. absolute mr. absolutely. >> one of the biggest difficulties is i have to be careful what i set down, if i forget to pick up the coffee cup it could end up on my head. >> we decided it would be smart to wear a harness and strap. the peace is about balance. over this ten days we've been able to maintain the balance. >> one of the first things i leave "in orbit" is to take a nice warm shower.

>> another bulletin of al jazeera is straight ahead.

. >> welcome to al jazeera america live from new york city. i'm morgan radford. here are the stories we're following for you right now. the search for a jetliner that has vanished in the middle of the night carrying 239 people. and warning shots in ukraine talk of diplomatic solutions and economic sanctions. plus live from national harbor maryland, a cast of conservative all-stars plan to speak on the