>> announcer: this is al jazeera. ♪ welcome to the news hour, i'm darren jordan from al jazeera news centers in doha and london, these are the top stories. kiev say gunmen are holding a group of mediators. hello there, i'll phyllisty barr in london.

nokia was a company that once lead the world in mobile phones and now bows out after a sale to microsoft. and tino villanova died after a long bout with cancer. ukraine's interior ministry says armed are groups have seized a bus in the eastern city of slaviansk. a german defense ministry says eight members of the mission are missing. a spy was traveling with the convoy. this comes as the ukrainian army says it started a second phase of a push against separatists in the east hoda abdel hamid joining us now.

what more do we know hoda? >> reporter: actually the self proclaimed mayor of slaviansk has confirmed that his people were holding these -- this delegation of the usce, it was a team that was here to do military a very -- verification. there was a deal by which when the team arrived around the first check point, it should have called in and coordinated for the entrance into the town. the mayor said that that did not happen. he also said in the same bus where the eight members of this team was, there were five ukrainians and among them one who worked for the ukrainian chief of staff. the self proclaimed mayor describes him as a spy from what also we understand this military

verification team was under the commanding the german ministry of defense. it issued a statement confirming that among the team were three german nationals and the other six were from various nationalities. >> reporter: the skies above the town, the ukrainiian government says a helicopter exploded just as it was taking off, the pilot survived. >> reporter: a helicopter was taking off and then crashed. it crashed on top of a small plane and exploded. you can see smoke is probably still billowing. >> reporter: in the southern port of odessa, another explosion at a police check point. one report says a grenade was thrown from passing vehicle. over the boarder in southwestern

russia, military exercises continue the size and scope has alarmed the ukrainian government. russia says if the lives of ethnic russians in ukraine are threatened it will take action. >> reporter: there are some 100 ukrainian men here, most not prepared to show their faces, but they say they are preparing for a russian invasion. of course these men are no match for the russian army in terms of numbers, training, or equipment, but the existence of this camp was indicate one thing, if the russians were to invade, they

could receive resistance unlike crimea. >> translator: we want to save our families and our cities, and if not us, who will do this. >> reporter: they are also learning battlefield first aid, another skill they hope they won't have to use, but right now, in eastern ukraine, nobodying -- nobody is taking anything for granted. >> so hoda there has been a series of concerning incidents across the east. kiev says they have started the second phase of in anti-terrorist plan. tell us what is happening on the ground? >> reporter: we are now hearing reports from our sources inside slaviansk that actually ukrainian troops have moved around that town. they have taken at least one check point from the pro-russian

armed men who are there, but that doesn't mean that they will keep it. we have seen that over the past few days, there has been -- you know, check points have been exchanging hands on a daily bas bases -- basis. the mayor says the aim was to circle that town first, to sort of cut it off from the rest of the region, and after that, he says the ukrainian forces will try to go after them. that is something that also the interior minister hinted at earlier today. slaviansk and the nearby kramatorsk are the two volatile towns in this region, and when the interior ministry announced the relaunch of the anti-terrorism operation two days ago it hinted it would first going to concentrate on those two towns. it's not really clear what will be different from the first

phase, and it's not really clear when did the first phase actually end. this is something we'll have to wait and see. >> all right. hoda thank you. now at least 37 people have been killed in a series of baum attacks in a campaign rally in iraq's capitol. more than 80 others were injured as thousands gathered in support of a shiite party. imran khan joins us live from the iraqi capitol. there were a series of baum attacks. what more can you tell us? >> reporter: well, what i can tell you is there was a car bomb that went off just outside of the stadium. when two minutes of that the suicide bomber struck, and within five minutes another suicide bomber hit. so three attacks at this rally.

this was the first time they had mounted a rally since 2003. this was their big move into politics. this group is very much like the lebanese group hezbollah, and has very close ties to that group as well. they are announcing their candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections on april 30th when this attack hand. now like i said this is a very hard line shiite group. [ inaudible ] claimed responsibility on a jihadist forum. now whether this is the kind of attack that will increase the sectarian tensions is hard to say. but certainly that would have been the motivation to attack this campaign rally. >> imran how worried are the

officials there? >> the ministry of the interior sent out statements saying they had intelligence the isil were planning an attack. i have spent the last previous days with iraqi security forces, and they say they are prepared for this, but they say they are facing significant challenges. that was the word one of the senior commanders said to me. they are aware of what needs to be done. they are not releasing any kind of security plan, but they say they are prepared for the challenges that they face. however, when we see attacks like this. it tells you that bagdad is far from same. >> imran thank you. lots more still to come here on the news hour, including four high profile political prisoners walk free in south sudan.

plus -- >> i'm in the pakistani city home of the country's largest prison. we look at what is being done to present jailbreaks from happening here. and we'll have all of the sport bringing back the passion that's briggs message ahead of his first match in charge of manchester united. ♪ the finish company nokia once led the world in making mobile phones and now it has handed over his business to microsoft. >> nokia has completed the sale to the u.s. giant for $7.5 billion. initially a 19th century paper and rubber manufacturer, nokia was among the first companies to

make cell phones back in the 1980s. it was a world flared 1998 to 2012. but as the world moved on to smartphones, the manufacturer lost out to other companies. the purchase is a strategic move for microsoft. >> microsoft has been struggling to compete with apple and with google on the mobile space, they needed something to improve their odds in the space, and that's why they have bought nokia. they have been working closely together since 2011. this handset business is not in great shape, and our market position is pretty dismal. they have like 4 or 5% of the total phone market. so they have a lot to do if they

want this acquisition to mean something to them. new zealanders are paying tribute to their soldiers who died in the first world war. the an adverti advertise -- anticipation is building at the vatican. more than a million are pilgrims with expected at the cannonation. it is the first time they are can -- cannonation of two popes. a man died instantly when a 600 kilo statute collapsed. they were among a group attending a precanonization

ceremony. ireland is facing criticism over the way it deals with ally um seekers. the opponents say it is degrading and little different than living in a prison. >> reporter: ireland is own everywhere for the way it opens its arms to tourists and visitors. a00,000 welcomes goes the traditional talk. but this man fed death threats to travel across the seas to dublin. life here is even worse than home. >> if i knew that coming here i would be kept for so long, i will be forced to live in a system where my -- i loose my human sense or my dignity would be affected or i would feel less

human, i don't see that. i wouldn't have come. >> reporter: ire lanthd runs its asylum system different than other places. refugees are placed in buildings under a system called directed provision, which means meals and a bed but nothing else. another place gives you 19 euros a week spending money. so you are not allowed to work, but you have no money. time and again, refugees told us they were forced to do nothing. stephen who is genian does volunteer work to keep his mind busy. the government has been considering his asylum application for the last 8 years. >> we're still waiting. we want protection, we want our kids to enjoy a life like any other normal kid. and we don't want anything from

the system. >> reporter: so asylum may offer safety. this women had to flee with her children. they hate it here, and that feels her with guilt. >> the government make decision for me. they make decision for my children. i have no say. they have taken my dignity, my freedom away from me. >> how could it be that ireland with its famines and history of oppression by the british and with all of its experience of forced migration could get such a bad reputation. >> it's difficult to see why ireland is still signed up to the refugee convention. >> reporter: the government refused an interview, their

ministers are on the record saying direct provision is the cheapest way of looking after people who are in ireland illegally. european elections are coming, but the treatment of ireland's thousands of refugees is not on anyone's agenda. we'll have more from europe a little later in the news hour, including they come not to bury shakespeare but to praise him. ♪ now south sudan's government has released four politicians from prison. the freed men loyal to the former vice president were greeted by happy supporters. the former national security minister and three other figures were freed after treason charges against them were dropped. south sudan's president says

releasing the men was the right choice. annika joining us now from juba. so the four men were released today. what reasons did the president give for releasing them in the middle of their trial? >> reporter: well, this was actually the first press conference we have had with the president for a while, and it wusz attended by almost the entire cabinet. and the atmosphere was really pretty jovial. this is the first really strong indication that the international community has been putting pressure on him. the second reason he gave was he decided to choose peace over justice. >> these are the prices for peace. the four that were released

yesterday, and the seven that were released before, even if you were to hang them, that will not compensate the thousands of people that have been lost. this one is better. and ana away from the trial and politics, we understand the un has sent a monitoring team following that terrible massacre that we saw. what else has been happening there in relation to south sudan? >> there's a lot of movement on the human right's front certainly. there is a report being written by the um mission. we heard it will be coming out in a couple of weeks time in january, and now we are hearing it will be released in may. that report is going to be very, very closely watched.

a lot of the international community, the u.s. and un in particular are supposed to be looking at this report as a of to make a decision on how to go forward. we are also hearing that u.s. secretary of state john kerry will be coming here next week. it is not set in stone, but it is predicted. >> thank you. a north american tourist was detained in north korea. he is the second american to be held after kenny bay. u.s. president barack obama has warned north korea against care rig out another nuclear test. he made the comments while in south korea. he is hoping his visit will help

relations between south korea and japan. harry fawcett reports from seoul. >> reporter: it is just nine days since the ferry capsized, more than 300 people are dead or missing, most of them children. the u.s. president suggested a moment of violence -- silence. >> the united states and south korea standing shoulder to shoulder, both in the face of north korea's nuclear threats and in dealing with south korea. >> reporter: obama came from his meeting with japan's prime minister in a week that nearly 1500 mp's visited a shrine to honor the dead.

such behavior infuriated south korea, still calling on japan to acknowledge the comfort women of world war ii. >> this was a terrible egregious violation of human rights and certainly the japanese people recognize that the past is something that has to be recognized honestly. >> reporter: truthfully facing up to history is a form of words used repeatedly by president park. the fact that president obama chose to use a similar phrase will go down very well here in seoul. in return, president park held out the prospect at least of improved ties with japan. >> reporter: i think what is most important is we go back to the promises made by the prime minister. truthful actions need to be

implemented from japan's side. >> reporter: the obama administration has been billing this tour as demonstrating its commitment to rebalance to asia. after allies noted its preoccupation with the middle east and ukraine. ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in 1994 in return for a guarantee of its security. >> translator: the message that this can give to the north korean heard is giving up nuclear weapons in 1994 has lead to what is happening today. >> reporter: and with president obama in the region, new satellite images show increased activity at north korea's nuclear test site. at least four people have been killed in a suspected suicide back in pakistan's largest city. 30 others were injured. officialings say government vehicles in the area were the

apparent target. kamala harris sent us this update from the capitol of islamabad. >> reporter: a deadly attack outside of a mosque in a plush neighborhood costs at least four lives and wounded another 30. the powerful explosions were said to have been planted on a motorcycle. however, no one has yet taken responsibility for this attack. this happens less than 24 hours after a senior police officer was targeted by a suicide bomber just outside his home, and comes at a time when the taliban of pakistan has said it will no longer continue with the ceasefire. the government on the other hand insists that the talks will continue despite the ups and

downs. staying there, officials are becoming increasingly worried about the number of jailbreaks. fighters have freed hundreds of inmates in recent months. >> reporter: the new arrivals at the oldest and largest prison. anyone from petty criminals to corrupt politicians are held here. so too are taliban and al-qaeda-linkered fighters. this jail was established in 1989, but over the past year it has been on high alert, groups freeing hundreds of fighters and top commanders in other parts of the country, have threatened to attack the city. suicide and truck bombers blast through the main gates, follow

up fighters come through, and kill any remaining guards, and then using layout plans already in their possession, they free commanders. additional forces are now used to improve security. but the 115-year-old jail is still in need of major modernizati modernization. this is the inspector general of prisons. >> we are very much serious about the threats because we always take any threat very seriously. that's why we have geared up number of security measures which is -- deployment of different forces as women. >> reporter: the central jail is in the heart of the mega city which has a population of 20 million. recently taliban and al-qaeda

linked groups have expanded their influence over the capitol, which is why so many commanders are being held here. this man oversees the day-to-day security operations of the facility. >> translator: this prison is at double its capacity. security forces are arresting many people including the taliban. we are managing, but it is very difficult, especially when we are receiving daily threats. knots more to come still on the news hour including . . . >> i'm kat turner in new york. the national rifle association has managed to influence the public and politicians. but now a new group is taking on

the organization. in sport find out how the world's great eps olympian performed on his comeback to professional swimming. frequency trading >> there are no rules or regulations >> all this week on the new expanded real money with ali velshi helping you balance your finances and your life. now an hour, starting at 7 eastern / 4 pacifi

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♪ women call back a quick reminder of the top stories here on the news hour. an armed group says it has detained a military spy working for the kiev government. the self proclaimed mayor of slaviansk says the group was detained as they tried to pass a check point. a group has claimed responsible for a series of bomb attacks in the capitol of bagdad. and barack obama has warned north korea of severe consequences if its continues with his nuclear testing. ukraine is accusing russia

of starting a third world war. and washington has again accused russia of stoking instability and says moscow will end up paying for its action. in the last couple of hours, u.s. president barack obama spoke to world leaders telling them they are ready to impose further sanctions. thomas graham what is your assessment now of where we are in this crisis. ukraine is accusing russia of wanting to start a war. russia says kiev is waging war on its own people. how dangerous is all of this talk of war? >> actually it's quite dangerous at this point for at least two reasons. first beyond the rhetoric we have an unpredictable situation

on the ground at this point. military operations are underway, the russians are exercising their own-so-called exercises on the border. but as like as washington and kiev would like to believe that moscow is in full control, and as much as moscow would like to think that washington controls the other forces on the ground, the fact is that there are a lot of independent actors, so the risk of an incident that leads to wide-spread casualties forcing both sides to react in ways they would rather not is rather high. second there is a lot less trust between the various parties. so if an incident occurs it will be difficult to de-escalate because there won't be sufficient trust to take the steps at this point.

>> briefly talk us through the american position now. because ukraine isn't even in nato, so what is the thinking behind washington's involvement? is this a proxy between washington and moscow? >> i think very much. what is driving washington's thinking is -- is two matters. first, washington still believes that russia acted illegally in annexing crimea just a few weeks ago. a violation of the rules and norms that guided the european order for the past 20, 25 years. second washington believes that moscow is in a sense continuing to destabilize ukraine, seeking if not necessarily to annex further ukrainian territory,

certainly to create a situation in which it will gain tremendous leverage over the structure of the government that is ultimately formed in kiev over the longer term. >> let me get a final thought from you. the west is considering new sanctions against russia because of this failure to de-escalate the crisis. but do you think more sanctions will make any difference to a belligerent moscow? >> well, i think it depends on what type of sanctions are leveled. i think if it is on individuals, i think the impact will be quite minimal. if they decide to go after the financial sector, the energy sector, the defense sec for, that will have greater implications. but i don't see any evidence at

this point that there is sufficient unity in the west to make the more serious sanctions at that time. >> thank you for your time, sir. >> you are certainly welcome. events in ukraine are being closely watched by russian minorities. let's go back to felicity on that. >> transinistra has been trying to reunite with russia for years. many people there are armed and say they are ready to defending their land. >> reporter: the socialeds of transinistra proudly call themselves the socialeds of

christ. today they watch the developments in neighboring ukraine. prepared to defend a country that as of yet are not recognized by most of the world, including russia. the president of transinistra insisted his countries future lay in moscow's orbit, but was alarmed by the events unfolding. >> translator: it indicates what could possibly be the beginning of a civil war. this is the worst thing that could happen. here we are moving in completely the opposite direction. we respect their choice, but for stability sake, we must respect the opinion of the people who live here. >> reporter: outside the russian embassy, queues of people gather

every morning to get a passport. they feel it's the key that will unlock jobs and the future for them. what happens next is very much in moscow's hands. will they recognize it as an independent state, or will president putin issue a decree and make it part of the russian federation. work crews were out in force. they always have seen a threat from the west, and salvation from the east. david chater al jazeera, transtrans. portugal is celebrating the 40th anniversary of democracy. before that, though, the country's economy has been hit

hard. the leaders of the up rising with boycotting the commemoration in protest. [ inaudible ] begin searching a church in madrid next week for the remains of spain's foremost novelist. he was bury interested in the convent but his remains were lost during building work. scientists will start surveilling the area by radar. >> translator: he described himself as having a curbed nose and a hunchback. he suffered from arthritis. he had almost no teeth in his mouth, and his wounded one hand. he had an attributed hand

sustained in injury as the result of fire. >> reporter: he dies one day before william shakespeare. celebrations are take place in the uk to mark the 450th anniversary of shakespeares birth. >> reporter: shakespeare wrote himself that all the world is a stage. 450 years after his birth, this version of hamlet will tour every country in the world. a truly global icon. >> his plays are about everything. in this play alone, it's domestic, political, drama. >> reporter: his birthday is being celebrated in the town of

which he was born. this is where it all began. now tourists from around the world flock here to immerse themselves in all things shakespeare. and while his stories may have started here, his works have transsinneded cultures and borders. with shakespeares plays being performed around the world, and translated into scores of languages. >> he creates this sort of landscape that isn't connected to any one specific place, so i think anybody from around the world can find something of themselves incomes his writing. >> reporter: but nowhere do they feel that connection more than in stratford. >> all right. now back to doha and darren.

>> thank you. two female protesters have been killed during anti-coup demonstrations in egypt. demonstrators gathered outside a morgue where one woman's body was brought. the trial of three al jazeera journ aileses in egypt has been adjourned until may 3rdrd. they are falsely accused of providing a platform to the outlawed muslim brotherhood. the fourth al jazeera journalist in detention has been held without trial since last august. he has been on a hunger strike for the last 95 days. al jazeera continues to demand the immediate release of its staff. there have been more avalanches on mount everest. 13 sherpa guides were killed

when the avalanche came crashing down on them last week. three others are still missing presumed dead. and many colleagues are refusing to go back to work. >> reporter: managing to smile despite loosing his friends in an avalanche, speaking exclusively to al jazeera, this sherpa considers himself lucky to be alive. he was one of six who survived the avalanche. he has been a sherpa guide since 2008, and only started climbing a year ago. my family never wanted me to be a guide, he told me, but when you see the view from the top, it's magical. but i'm giving up, and when i'm better i'm returning to my village to be a farmer. this man represents

mountaineering tour operators who are worried about the situation. >> translator: mountaineering is the backbone of the rural economy. it can bring inasmuch as $26,000, as it did last year. >> reporter: it's the height of the tourist season in nepal. when it comes to the financial help the government can give to sherpa guides who will not climb this season, it's position is clear. >> they do not want to climb, there is -- there won't be season. so it will be very difficult for us to provide some assistance. >> reporter: but the government is taking care of the health care costs of those who were

injured. >> reporter: they said they would set up funds for the families and pay for their children's education. that after strong criticism that they generate millions of dollars in climbing revenues but do very little for sherpas. they said anyone can climb the mountain. when we come back we'll have all of the sport. the facerss and his controversial relationship with hugo chavez >> talk to al jazeera only on al jazeera america r

♪ r

welcome back. we have a former mayor of new york city michael bloomberg is using $50 million of his own m money to campaign for stricter gun rules. he has launched a campaign called every town. >> >> reporter: it's an all too familiar story. a gunman opens fire in a crowded place. there is shock then anger. there are calls for stricter gun laws. gun owners and lobbyists push back. now a new group is trying to break the cycle every town has been launched with a $50 million donate from michael bloomberg. >> reporter: the strategy is to bypass the politicians and focus

on voters and membership. the group hopes it will be win by going state to state. >> for a long time the gun lobby has done a good job of making a very vocal mie floerty of being afraid that their gins will be taken away. as mother's we we're afraid our children will be taken away. >> reporter: the furreder of 20 young school children in 2012 shocked the world. in all adam lanza shot dead 27 people, including his mother. several polls showed around 90% of americans supported expanded background checks on all gun buys. the national rifle association claims it has more than 5 million members. it definitely has money. in 2012 the nra spent almost

$3 billion on lobbying the federal government. richard feldman is a former political director of the nra and former gun lobbyist. >> the people in this country want to be in control of the country, and not let the government dictate what the people shall and shall not do. >> reporter: but the nra and every town are counting on their voters to turn out at future elections. kat turner, al jazeera, new york. all right. time for sport now. >> in the last hour it has been announced the former barcelona manager has passed away after a long battle with throat cancer. he was 45 years old. he was forced to step down from the job last year because of the illness. the ex-player replaced him in

the job. the club winning with the la liga record old of 100 points. in a statement the club said . . . well the chelsea manager has also been paying tribute. he has several run ins with villanova while in charge. infamously poking him in the eye. -- but described it as a sad day for football.

>> because every time i speak there is a consequence even if i say that the referee was amazing that gives a reason for me to be -- to be with -- with a charge, so i don't feel free at all. >> reporter: [ inaudible ]? >> look, if you want a press conference, speak with your [ inaudible ]. >> that game on sunday. on saturday ryan briggs said he hopes to bring passion and imagination back to manchester united football. he is to take charge for the final four games of the season including saturday's game. gigs has been at the club for the entirety of his playing career, and said his first call was from alex ferguson. >> it has just been a whirlwind

week for me, but let's say one i have enjoyed, and one that has -- has been different, has been chaotic. i'm just getting a little taste. it's the forth day on the job, and it's -- you can never imagine what you have to do and the things that entail becoming a manager. i want the players to play with passion, speed, tempo, be brave, imagination, all of the things i expect of a manchester united player. work hard but most of all enjoy it. if i am enjoying the game i can express myself more as a player. > domestic league games are still being played behind closed doors because of security

certains. >> translator: for sure the absence of supporters, uncertainty with the league, ta the country has had a big effect. we have started talking with the football association and the other clubs. we want our league to be run as they are in europe and most of the world. to tennis nidal's 41 winning streak has come to an end. the world number 20 kept his nerve and decided to seal his first victory over nidal. and then the fourth semifinal of the season for this man. next up [ inaudible ]. so [ inaudible ] now, maria

sharapova is still on course to defend her title there. he results also see her keep her place in the top ten after a series that threatened to see her drop out of the elite group for the first time since march 2011. she'll face the italian in the semifinals. michael phelps says he has yet to decide whether he will complete in a fifth olympics. he finished second in his comeback race. the 28-year-old was up against friend and rival locke. he will complete in the 50 meter free style on friday. >> i'm having fun, and

it -- i -- i really do mean that. there's nothing like being able to come here and in front of a pack stands, where they are cheering us on, and being back in the water with ryan it's always fun when we race. that's when makes it faster and faster. theby -- brumbyes have gone up against their rivals. they piled on more points in the same [ inaudible ] this one 41-22. [ inaudible ] soul lead at the china open. the frenchmen shot a suburb bow gee free second round as he looks for his maiden win on the

european tour. that put him 4 clear of the field heading into the final two rounds. now the atlanta hawks have taken a 2-1 series lead in their nba playoff series with the pacers. jeff teague lead with 22 points. 98-85 the final score, game 4 is on saturday in atlanta. >> it's a great position to be in. we would like to be up 3-0, but we'll take 2-1. and we have more home games coming, which is great. but every game in the playoffs it's all monster. >> the bruins have put the red wings on the brink of elimination. the overtime winner to give the bruins a 3-2 victory.

and the eastern conference champions can advance with a home win on saturday. that is all the sport for you. >> thank you very much. australia has some of the world's strictest laws on tobacco, but rules on plain packaging can angers import erters. here is andrew thomas. >> reporter: there are are cigarette factories in australia like this one. but since 2012 all cigarettes made here have to come from packages that are controlled by the government. but they also apply to imports too. what it means that s that cigarettes come in packages like this. messaging the australian government writes, the brand name really rel vated at the bottom. cuba says their cigars are disadvantaged and that's against

world trade organization rules. half of the appeal of a havana cigar is about its brand name and packages. this really doesn't cut it. indonesia, ukraine, and honduras all say their experts suffer by having to produce different packaging for australia. these cases with their appeals can drag on for years, and some in australia's government say that is really what this is all about. australia's tobacco market is pretty tiny. but if other countries follow australia's lead, that could have a huge impact on tobacco exporting countries, if there can be some uncertainty as to whether this falls in world trade organization laws, then other companies may be put off. stay with us another full

bulletin of news is straight ahead at the top of the hour. thanks for watching. bye for now. ♪ ♪

>> [gunshot].