dominick kane, bbc news. >> this is bbc news. still to come, the final moments in discovery's remarkable career. the oldest of mesh's space shuttles has retired and is preparing for life as a museum piece. no longer on display from april next year in supermarkets, the effort to reduce the number of smokers. >> blackpool out of season. the sea. the amusement arcades. and the cigarettes. 35% of adults here smoke. and one in three pregnant women. twice the national rate. >> as an average baby about seven to eight pounds. >> when i was pregnant, i smoked. so not a lot of what i did. >> and people start young here. >> when did you have your first cigarette? >> about 10. >> why are smoking rates so high here? look around. it's a deprived area. unemployment is high and poor communities smoke more. on average blackpool residents not only die younger than those in more affluent communities, they also have many more years of ill health. and it's smoking, not poverty, which is the number one factor. one in two lifelong smokers will die from

bbc news, westminster. >> this is bbc news. the headlines, there are fresh reports of explosions in tripoli, as air strikes by international forces continue for a fifth night. at least 10 people were killed in syria as security forces clashed with anti-government protesters. portugal is facing political and economic uncertainty. the prime minister resigned after failing to convince parliament to approve his plan for dealing with a crushing level of debt. this is likely to spark another round of market speculation about whether a default on that debt could be next. our bbc reporter is in lisbon. >> it was a step too far from portugals minority government. sweeping austerity measures, designed to reduce the public debt as a drastically and a final appeal from the finance minister. >> [speaking foreign language] . >> they cannot be just any measures to overcome of problems. it demands clear and ambitious objectives. we need measures that create methods and reduce expenditure, that reduce deficits and public debt. we need reform wh

lee carter, bbc news, toronto. >> this is bbc news. still ahead, there's fears grow in japan about raised levels of radiation, anti-nuclear campaigners are making their voices heard. after a quarter of a million people are expected to be on the streets of central london on saturday. all is part of a national march against government cuts. some of the demonstrators are taking part in a political march for the very first time. spurred into action by what's happening to local services on their own doorstep. our home editor mark easton has met some very unlikely activists. >> it is tori heartland. a red squirrel as a red rosette. the county council has announced cuts of 140 million pounds with youth clubs, libraries and daycare centers, familiar public services may disappear. one of the key questions for the coalition is whether serious opposition to the cuts will extend beyond their familiar political opponents to become a wide-ranging broad movement involving their own traditional supporters. in this village necessary willing in the worl

john simpson, bbc news. >> the bbc is in the capital. a little while aago jeremy spoke to my colleague. >> is it fair to say brute force and gadhafi are prevailing now. >> brute force and clever political calculations and technical considerations on the ground as well. i think colnel gadhafi's people are getting the upper hand here about 30 miles from where i am. i can't go there freely because we are not allowed to. but we are hearing the resistance of the rebels appears to be failing in an attack by gadhafi's people. 50 tanks, children among the dead. one man saying it has been reduced to ashes. >> any way the rebels survive without significant outside help? >> i think the further away they are from the gadhafi stronghold the better chance they have. but they are not organized, don't have much in the way of weapons, don't have an air force and the heavy weapons the gadhafi people do. even though gadhafi's forces are not that strong compared to some countries, the fact is that they are stronger. you have seen these pictures of guys tryi

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its global expertise to work for a wide range of companies. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> hello, and welcome to "bbc world news." tripoli is one city, two tails. colonel gaddafi as it is peaceful, but our correspondent finds that the unrest has also reached there. and people are fleeing to the tunisian border. the united nations warns of a humanitarian crisis. united states is beefing up its military presence in the region, and in other news, the united nations suspends libya from the human rights council. >> below, i might emily. welcome to the program, broadcast to our viewers on pbs in america and elsewhere around the globe -- i am mike embley. drought in china as the country's economy steams ahead. can the water supply keep pace

jonathan joseph, bbc news. >> if you need to see more visit the bbc news website. you are watching bbc news, the headlines. libya's foreign minister flees to britain amid speculation that he is severing his links. we will stay with the situation in libya and now live to washington. judith, welcome to bbc news. i just want to touch upon the number of significant developments in the last few hours or so. given the fact we heard reports that president obama authorized covert operations in libya, are you surprised by that news? >> no. i am not surprised by it. i am sure that the intelligence agencies of the u.s., britain, france, perhaps egypt have been active in libya from the very beginning of this conflict. it is the natural next step. >> the very close aid to colnel gadhafi has defected to the u.k.? >> i think that could be very significant. he is representing his interest when he travels to the world and meets with others in others countries. once the british foreign office has a chance to debrief him to see what he knows and what his ideas are about how this conf

bbc news, berlin. >> the latest headlines for you this hour on "bbc world news." the united nations is calling the situation on the tunisian- libyan border a full-blown humanitarian crisis. the u.n. general assembly has voted to suspend libya from the human rights council, accusing them of gross and systematic human rights violations. and under arrest is flaring across the middle east. the gulf state of oman has seen anti-government protests for a fourth day in a row, and troops have been deployed to try to quell the demonstration. and next war in yemen, another day of rage. tens of thousands of protesters are demanding an end of the three-decade rule of the leader. we have this report. >> the opposition said this was the biggest protest in yemen so far. thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of the capital, calling for the president to step down. he has been facing daily protests since the call for reform in tunisia and egypt. and this was a clear rejection of his offer to for not -- to found a new unity government. "we refused to take part in the dialogue

bbc news, damascus. >> the presidential adviser you just saw spoke to "bbc world news earlier and told my colleague how the syrian leader sees the protests. >> the decision that we make today was discussed. at the conference in 2005, there were people and did not carry out things as well as they should have done. there are two fronts. first, syria is targeted by a group that is being armed and financed by al-qaeda up forces. >> can i ask you -- which outside forces are you referring to? >> i can tell you, we have people who have been arrested, who had been acting as snipers, killing young men and women, and investigations are being carried out. >> this is a big statement you make, "outside forces." we hear this all the time. gaddafi, mr. mubarak blaming outside forces. does the syrian government accept the will have to make substantial concessions if they talk about lifting the emergency law that has been in place for five decades? are you going to be taken -- taking those steps? >> you know what? the western governments are dictating and they are the using incitement against our peopl

the bbc -- >> the latest pictures from syria. the bbc cannot independently verify them. residents say the police fired live rounds and caused another death, bringing the total to five. the funerals for those killed by security forces have only served to escalate the tension in the town. and demands of the protesters appeared to be pardoning. -- hardening. some protestors have been openly calling for revolution. any -- and the angry reaction has resulted in a building is being set on fire. the government has sent condolences to the families of the victims, and they had even suggested that police and army opened fire because people were in the skies. the demand for change started in tunisia and is now and syria. but protesters near the syrian government is unused to the finest in has been moving with emergency laws for nearly 50 years. bbc news, barry. >> just briefly, president obama has called for a new relationship with latin america based on equal partnership and shared responsibility. he described what america as fundamental to the security of the u.s., and he said he

bbc news. >> you are watching bbc news. libyan leader has told the bbc the people of libya love him and outside forces from al qaeda were inciting protests. desperate to get out of the country, tens of thousands sleep on the streets of the border with to asia. ---- tunisia. it is clearly the debt is still in a state of violent unrest. colonel gaddafi destroyed an arms unit in the rebel- controlled area. john simpson is there, from where he sent this report. >> some of these men are volunteers. some are regular soldiers who have abandoned colonel gaddafi for the resolution. all of them are in a high state of excitement. a short time before, and airforce plane came over and dropped bombs on the northern and southern outskirts of the town. the explosions seemed suspiciously far away from any major target, but people immediately started theorizing that the pilot has deliberately avoided casualties and is planning to defect. last week, another pilot ejected and let his plane crash rather than bomb the area. but the town's defend

bbc news, islamabad. >> stay with us if you can on "bbc world news." still to come -- new york's experimental art scene from the 1970's is being revived in london. first, two american servicemen have been shot dead, two others wounded on a bus at frankfurt airport in germany. german authorities say it is not clear whether the attack had a terrorist motives. the gunman's parents moved from coast to vote for years ago. but the attack happened in the middle of the afternoon -- >> the attack happened in the middle of the afternoon. the attack opened fire on the bus before fleeing. german chancellor angela merkel said that two men were killed. >> i would like to say how upset i am. i would like to stress the german government will do everything to find out what happened there. i would like to express my condolences to the american soldiers, their families. it is a terrible tragedy. what's the 21-year-old gunman was -- >> the 21-year-old gunman was of kosovan background. in washington, president obama condemned the shootings. >> this is a reminder of the ext

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> you are watching bbc news, live from tokyo. i am matt frei. they are working from the air to prevent a meltdown. getting out. the death toll from the cinema continues to climb. and growing concern -- the death toll from the tsunami continues to climb. >> i am in london. the other headlines. advancing on benghazi. they say they are closing in on the biggest stronghold. and the police and army move on the capital. >> welcome to tokyo, where it is now midday on thursday. the unfolding crisis at the fukushima plant continues, with more efforts to cool down the reactors. what they are doing is using chi

stay with us on "bbc world news.' a car in -- cartoon strips criticism in china has caused problems. chinese authorities are not amused. a new government is taking power in ireland today. the opposition leader is the new prime minister. the coalition is a product of a wave of public anger against the natural party of power. they had to negotiate a eu bailout. >> ireland's new political era began with a church service and prayers for politicians. the country's next prime minister will need all the help he can get as he tries to fix ireland's broken economy. after church it was on to the irish parliament. to confirm his position as head of ireland's new government. some people think you are about to get a worse job in europe. >> on the other hand it can be the most exciting and challenging job. this is a challenge for our country. people voted for a stable government. we will give them that. >> there are 76 new faces in the irish parliament. that is almost half of the total. among the newcomers is the leader jerry adams

bbc news, japan. >> stay with this -- with us if you can on "bbc world news." much more from japan, of course. plus, gatherings in benghazi calling for an end to infighting and political unity. first though, the government in egypt has dissolved its secret police who were blamed for decades of human rights abuses. abolishing the force known as the state security investigation service was one of the major demands of the protest movement that forced president hosni mubarak to give up power last month, along with most of his key advisers. our correspondent is in cairo. what they work attack 10 days ago by protesters -- >> they were attacked 10 days ago by protesters about where they were destroying documents. people manage to get inside and retrieved thousands of documents that are being put up on websites and social network sites. people have discovered how intensely they were surveyed. there are documents referring to torture and methods of concealing it as well. getting rid of that state security intelligence service was seen as a vital step forward. it has not

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by: freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundationaledation, and the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation and union bank. >> union bank has put its global expertise to work for a wide range of companies, what can we do for you. >> now "bbc world news." coming up fighting and colonel gadda gaddafi, says that all libyans love him and won't step down. >> they love me all. >> rebels protect their territory. desperate to get out of libya kn, migrants sleep where they can. welcome to "bbc world news," within week paying tributes to the victims of the christchurch earthqua earthquake. jane russell a screen actor of the 1950's has died. >> welcome, he may be under intense international pressure to step down. but in an exclusive interview, libyan's colonel gaddafi came out fighting. the u.s. ambassador to the u.n. said that he was delusional. >> it was colonel gaddafi's first interview since this cri

duncan kennedy, bbc news, in rome. >> this is bbc news. the headlines, colonel gaddafi's forces have been making further advances as they attempt to crush the rebel uprising in libya. his son threatens a new bigger military onslaught. internationally, there is much diplomatic talk but no agreement on what to do next. france has officially recognized libya's rebels. in the eastern city of ben gazi, civilians are getting used to life no longer under colonel gaddafi's control. it was one of the first cities to fall. it has become effectively the headquarters of anti-gaddafi forces. our correspondent is there and has visited one wealthy family who is supporting the rebels. >> the schools are closed here and families are keeping their children at home. it's one of the ways in which people have been affected by the battle for libya. as it goes on, i have come to find out how one family is keeping this very nice neighborhood in the downtown area. you have already told me that you're not wanting for food or for water, that you can cope at the mome

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> a decision at last. nato agrees to take control of enforcing the no-fly zone over libya. >> the allies are committed to fulfill their obligations on the u.n. security council resolution. that is why we have decided to assume responsibility for the no-fly zone. >> the united nations says that the libyan government must declare a cease-fire or face further security council action. fighting on the ground continues for -- as the libyan leader bombarding rebel positions. welcome to bbc news, broadcasting to our viewers in the u.k. and around the world. syria's government offers reform after recent prote

duncan kennedy, bbc news. >> stay with us, if you can, on "bbc world news." the trial of the billionaire head fund manager could shake up the way business is done on wall street. first though, and in bangladesh, the high court has upheld the sacking of a nobel laureate as the head of our micro finance bank. he is also an outspoken critic of the government. we have this report. >> it was a high-profile case, the public from inside and outside bangladesh, known as the banker of the board, and he was present for much of the court proceedings. and union, the high court ruled that the government was rights in sacking him from his position at a bank he founded more than three decades ago. it is seen as a setback for a man who won the nobel peace prize in 2006 for pioneering micro banking in bangladesh, which has since been copied in many parts of the world to help lift people out of poverty. and bangladesh today, this bank has more than 8000 borrowers. the majority of our workers are women. but authorities say three years ago, and he fell out with the prime ministe

bbc news, westminster. >> the latest headlines this hour on "bbc world news." obama has exploded at a bus stop in jerusalem -- a bomb had exploded at a bus stop in jerusalem. the no-fly zone has allowed near impunity. authorities in tokyo say that water is unfit for babies to drink. it is contaminated with radioactivity. and in some areas, it is twice the recommended safety levels. there are 11 vegetables that people must not eat a manthey fukushima daiichi nuclear plant. >> water and in this tokyo treatment plant has been found to contain radioactive iodine at twice the safe limit. immediately the news broke and bottled water started disappearing from shelves and in the capitol. we found misako and tomoko funding for supplies for their babies. >> i was really scared. we cannot see radiation. we will not know the effects on our children and some many years from now. >> infants are particularly vulnerable. it concentrates in their thyroid gland and can cause cancer later in life. adults are much less vulnerable. on the outskirts of tokyo, satoshi feeds his cows

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of vermont, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. the john t. and katherine t. mcarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its global expertise to work for a wide range of companies. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> colonel gaddafi's troops force rebels from strong holesd, while his son threatens a new, bigger military onslaught. >> it's time for action. we are moving now. everybody is going to be so excited. >> in brussels, the talk continues as the international community tries to decide what action to take. >> nato is united. nato is vigilant. nato is ready to act. >> saudi arabia protestors call for a day of range. the government promises tough ability to promote stability. welcome to "bbc news." coming up a little later for you, while the muslim community in the united states has been angered by a congressional committee. why the most expensive musical in broadway history has h

bbc news, frankfurt. >> this is bbc news. there have been jubilant scenes in the libyan port of brega, which anti-government forces retook after fighting troops loyal to gaddafi. khaddafi again blamed al qaeda and a foreign conspiracy for the unrest. he says the plot to control the -- he says it is a plot to control the country and its oil resources. let us stay with libya. earlier, i spoke to a journalist in a town near the tunisian border, zawiyah. >> hundreds of people are coming through every day. they are trying to get to the tunisian border. >> are they foreigners, or libyans? >> mostly, they are foreigners. it is indians, egyptians, bangladeshis. >> tell me about -- is the government in control in your town? >> that are not in control of the city. it is with the people. there is no organization, nothing. just the people. i revolted against the gaddafi regime because everybody was tired from the injustice and his ways. they have been killing people, committing crimes. these people do everything they want, like it is the

but the main headlines this hour on "bbc world news." japan is appealing for international help as technicians struggled to cool -- to " overheating in the fukushima daiichi nuclear plant. they warned a meltdown as possible. work is being hampered by aftershocks and fears of a second tsunami. the desperate efforts to control the situation of the fukushima daiichi nuclear plant have raised a serious question about a major radiation leak and the risks to anyone nearby. we have david shukman on the dangers. >> and near the nuclear power station today, as seen most people would dread. a test for radioactive contamination. the key question is whether the risks are escalating the power station took a real pounding. this picture was taken before the disaster. here is just after. the dark stains of mud and debris from the tsunami, which also knocked out the back of power. questions have been raised about several nuclear power stations, but especially fukushima daiichi and because. what is meant to happen inside a nuclear power station is this. i

welcome to bbc news. coming up later for you, seven years in jail, the former israeli president is imprisoned for rape. as britain readies for a royal wedding, we take a look at the dutch way of doing things. hello. despite the international air, a operations group loyal to gaddafi are still on the ground. tripoli has been under sustained attack. an american fighter jet crashed with a mechanical fault in eastern libya. both pilots escaped but libyan officials insist the air strikes have killed dozens of civilians, something that it has been impossible for the bbc to verify. a report now from tripoli. >> last night, we heard the explosion that did this, the sudden metallic thud of the impact and the thunderous rumble of the blast. it is a repair workshop at a naval base on the tripoli shore. 19 hours after the blast, it was still smoking, the acrid stench of it catching in your throat. >> you can see from the signs of this crater how powerful it was. the explosion took out the whole of this very large mari

>> "bbc world news" was presented by kcet los angeles.

>> this is bbc world news. funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vt., and honolulu. newman's own foundation, the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation, and union bank. ♪ >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now bbc world news. >> welcome to bbc world news. the headlines -- the u.s. to carry council? action against colonel gaddafi with a resolution to -- the un council backs action against colonel gaddafi with a resolution. celebrations in been gaungazi ae news of the resolution reaches the rebels. desperate for aid, more than 300,000 people are still homeless and food is in short supply. >> the united nations security council has approved a resolution for the creation of a no-fly zone to protect the people of libya. the resolution calls for all necessary measures, but rules out the use of foreign ground troops. 10 countries vote

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu, newman's own foundation, the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation, union bank. ♪ >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> tripoli, a third night of bombing by coalition forces. president obama says the coalition forces are weakening. >> the truth is that colonel gaddafi's forces have not gone away, and the cease-fire declared appears meaningless. >> as the debates over the aims of the operation intensify, president obama says the libyan leader has to go. >> welcome to "bbc news," broadcasting to our viewers in the u.k. and around the world. coming up, protests in yemen gather pace, but the president refuses to step down despite a number of high profile defections. >> as they work to restore power to japan's stricken nuc

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its global expertise to work for a wide range of companies. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> clashes in cities across libya between anti-government protesters and forces loyal to auto gaddafi. dozens of people to have believed to have been killed. in the capital tripoli, security forces fired tear gas on hundreds of demonstrators. welcome to bbc news. coming up, chinese premier wen jiabao vows to tackle inflation. the show must go on great days after the sacking of its chief designer, christian dior reveals his final collection. forces loyal to colonel gaddafi and anti-government protestors have been involved in fierce clashes. the sound of multiple explosions and heavy artillery have been coming from the coastal city, east of gaddafi'

this is bbc news. bbc team working in libya were suggested to mock executions after being -- were subjected to mock executions and after being detained. the international community ponders how to respond to the violence. the nato member countries expect to meet on thursday to discuss a no-fly zone over libya. paul volcker told me that the options they may consider. >> i think there are several issues that make it very complicated for nato. first of all, the discussion should not be about intervention. intervention sound like the west is trying to move into an arab country and trying to impose its will. this is not it at all. this is about rebels were trying to throw off a dictator and who are seeking international help. the question is whether or not we can help them and how could a lot of new countries are not willing to take any step on their own. they're looking for some form of authorization. they are looking for a u.s. security council resolution. given the nature -- given the makeup of the u.s. s

chris morris, bbc news. >> the u.n.security council says it fears a new outbreak of civil war and in ivory coast. it has so peacekeepers to use all necessary means to protect civilians. six women were shot dead as part of a protest, demanding laurent dad of handover of the presidency. -- laurent gbagbo hand over the presidency. >> now, they are paying the price for voting for the opposition candidate. it was broken up when the police fired live rounds into the crowd, killing several women. of the past few days, there is been increasingly heavy gunfire as the president's forces failed to regain the area from armed men loyal to the opposition candidate. >> i could see the rockets passing over me. i decided to move my children and high in the house. i did not let anything bad happening to them. >> that has prompted thousands to flee, and many taking what few possessions they can carry. >> it has been terrible. it has affected a lot of families. some move back to villages very early in the morning. >> u.n. peacekeepers are

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its global expertise to work for a wide range of companies. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> gadaffi's people show support and libya might collapse into a protracted civil war. >> [shouting] >> as the unrest to build, such as the exodus. thousands continue to flee libya. he faces more international condemnation, the un suspending libya from the human rights council. welcome to bbc world news. coming up, taking to the streets in the armenian capital and the call for the president there to step down. in a plagiarism scandal. -- and a plagiarism scandal. libya is now in danger of collapsing into a protracted civil war according to hillary clinton. it has been suspended from the u.n. human rights council. there is a show of support in area

>> and now, "bbc world news." >> had is bbc world news live from tokyo. within the last four hours a third explosion occurred. this time it is reactor two which has exploded. cities and towns reduced to rubble, the overall death toll is staggering, perhaps as many as 10,000 and the country is coming to grips with a recovery that will take years. >> nobody expected what happened here shortly after the earthquake, a massive wall of water swept everything down this valley for as far as the eye could see. >> other headlines around the world, protesters set up roadblocks as thousands of saudi troops entered the country. a no fly zone is discussed over libya. nothing is agreed. member states are too divided. welcome to tokyo. let's bring you up to speed with the nuclear aspect. a third explosion was heard in the power plant, this time in reactor two. there was also an sploggedse yesterday and on saturday. this is a pretty alarming picture. we can confirm that officials said the radiation levels around the reactor are increasing and reached their legally high li

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." the >> defiance in libya, but president obama warns colonel gaddafi to pull back or face air strikes. final preparations for british jets waiting for orders to head to the mediterranean. welcome the bbc news broadcasting to our viewers in the u.k. and around the world. also on this program, japan's government admits failings and handling the nuclear crisis. we returned to the port where the force of the tsunami was caught on camera. welcome once again. libya has defended the presence of the torch is near the rebel stronghold saying that the troops will not enter or attack the city. rebels have come un

bbc news. >> surely not. the erratic late the world should be divided into 24 -- the world should be divided into 24 main * tons. at some countries go their own way all the time without reason. we have examined the history of time. >> this is where the world's time starts. the greenwich prime meridian. it is just east of london. the day starts here at midnight, greenwich mean time. at the international conference in '84, it was established. most of the world's unable charts used granite as the baseline for calculating time. charts usedd's naval greenwich as the baseline for calculating time. it was here that the crop the problem, developing timepieces of unprecedented precision. >> you are talking about a time limit. and you know the earth rotates 15 degrees. that equates to one hour of time. so, if you are wanting to navigate and you know you're longitude, the obvious solution is to carry out what keeping home time. >> and then called john harris in used a series of chronometers that reliably kept greenwich

welcome to "bbc world news." coming up later, japan's nuclear safety agency raises the accident alert levels at the fukushima nuclear plant saying the situation is serious. a nation remembers. japan holds a minute of silence for those who died in the earthquake and tsunami a week ago. ♪ the u.s. president barack obama has said the libyan leader colonel gaddafi must obey the u.n. demands or face military action. earlier, the libyan government announced an immediate ceasefire and promised to follow the u.n. resolution passed on thursday. he said colonel gaddafi had to stop all attacks on civilians, pull back his troops, and allow in humanitarian aid. >> now once more, muammar gaddafi has a choice. the resolution that passed lays out very clear conditions that must be met. the united states, the united kingdom, france, and arab states agree that a cease-fire must be implemented immediately. that means all attacks against civilians must stop. gaddafi must stop his troops from advancing on benghazi. he must pull them

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu, newman's own foundation, the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation, and union bank. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses, to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> japan's prime minister appeals for calm after a third explosion at the fukushima daichi. naoto kan said everyone within 20 kilometers should leave immediately. >> we need now for everybody to move out of the 20 kilometer radius from the number one plant. >> in cities and towns reduced to rubble by the tsunami which followed the earthquake, the death toll could be as many as 10,000. a country still literally shaken by the aftershocks is coming to grips with the recovery effort. it will take years and an immeasurable income impact. become to "bbc world news." broadcasting in the u.k. and around the

>> and now, "bbc world news." clerics as colonel gaddafi's troops force rebels from strongholds, as they prepare for a bigger government onslaught. >> america, and nato, france, this is our country. >> there is much diplomatic talk, but no agreement on what to do next. the arab uprising reached the saudi kingdom. we have a special report. welcome to bbc world news. the pope has been a new book about jesus christ and there are surprising revelations. and we journey to australia to find out why the kangaroo has such a balance in its step. -- such a bounce in its step. in libya, colonel gaddafi's troops are still bombarding rebel-held areas from the air and the ground. one of his sons has said that government forces will unleash a full-scale assault. any international integration -- any international intervention will not be a piece of cake, and will fail. the rebels and those following them are easy targets on an open road in in the desert. this was near the oil camp. and they weren' forced back. the rebels have gon

>> and now, "bbc world news." >> this is "bbc world news."ive in tokyo -- trying to avert a nuclear catastrophe, a team of japanese workers battles to contain damage at a troubled plant which the u.n. watchdog labeled very serious. meanwhile, the human toll of this tragedy continues to climb as relatives continue to search for thousands, including one mother amidst the rubble. she handed them off to relatives, they were safe, but she was carried away by pi water. >> and in london, the other headlines. advancing on benghazi, forces loyal to muammar gaddafi say they're closing in on the biggest rebel stronghold. and in a crackdown in bahrain, dozens of protesters are injured as the army move in on their base in the capital. >> it's a chilly thursday morning here in tokyo where the crisis triggered by last week's earthquake and tsunami unfolds on so many levels. the official death toll now tands at 4 are, 500. -- 4,500. half a million are homeless. two million or more have lost power. then of course there is the unfolding nuclear drama, the fuku

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> airstrikes continue in libya. allied commanders said western forces now control the sky. colonel gaddafi's troops are on the offensive, shelling a rebel- held town. a bomb in jerusalem kills one and injures 30. palestinian militants are being blamed. portugal's prime minister resigns after his parliament rejects his austerity proposal. welcome to "bbc news". also -- >> you make me sound awful. >> farewell to one of the last icons of hollywood's golden era. elizabeth taylor has died at the age of 79. welcome once again. we have had reports of fresh explosions in tripoli. airstrikes by international

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> colnel gadhafi appears in public for the first time since the start of international air strikes and told supporters that they will be victorious. hillary clinton says some of gadhafi's aiders may be looking for a way out of the crisis. >> we would encourage that. >> president obama says he is confident since handing over control of the military operation to an international coalition. these are the latest pictures of anti-aircraft fire over the libyan capital during a fourth night. welcome to bbc news broadcast to our viewers around the u.k. and around the world. yemen's president warns any attemp

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its global expertise to work for a wide range of companies. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> as the international criminal court investigates events in libya, president obama tells muammar gaddafi to go. >> he needs to step down from power and leave. >> opposition fighters and rebels hold their ground. 200,000 migrant workers have now fled libya. an international operation is under way to get them home. welcome to bbc news. coming up, britain's governing coalition partners have come in sixth place in a parliamentary election. the turmoil in libya has continued with libya at launching fresh attacks spirits the prosecutor of the criminal court has confirmed that he will investigate colonel khadafy and his inner circle for crimes against

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its global expertise to work for a wide range of companies. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> libya and anti-government forces in defeating units loyal to colonel gaddafi. the u.n. declares the situation on the border a humanitarian emergency. welcome to bbc news. coming up later for you, questions why the minorities minister had no police protection despite threats made against him. anti-government rebels and libya have been celebrating after forces loyal were forced to retreat following the battle in the eastern border. the army with a vastly superior weaponry have the upper hand. for the first time since the region fell the protesters a couple weeks ago. report.pson's has this >> it was an extraordinary day when defeat became an extr

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its global expertise to work for a wide range of companies. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> japan issues a state of emergency following safety failures at two nuclear power plants. tens of thousands are urged to evacuate. the japanese government believes that more than 1000 people have lost their lives after the earthquake and a tsunami. >> we were under the table holding hands. i was really not thinking about anything other than surviving because there was a very real sense of panic. >> a wall of water demolishes towns and cities on the northeastern coast taking away boats, homes, vehicles. hundreds and planes -- hundreds of planes and ships are involved in a relief effort. more than 50 aftershocks have hit the country but tsunami al

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. mcarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now "bbc world news." >> president obama says supplying weapons to opposition fighters is on the agenda, and calls on gaddafi to give up power. >> it's fair to say that if we wanted to get weapons into libya, we probably could. we're looking at all our options at this point. >> london appoints a new group to help decide libya's political future as fierce fighting continues across the country. gaddafi's force has launched a ferocious counterattack on the rebels. we report at the center of intense fighting. >> we've been hearing sustained artillery fire and the rebels themselves are firing rockets just up ahead. >> welcome to

>> this is "bbc world news." funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. macarthur foundation. and union bank. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> the fire at the japanese nuclear plant has said to be under control. fears of further radiation leaks continue. with more than half a million people still living in shelters our correspondents report on the humanitarian aftermath. >> it may be something new to fear. radiation. you cannot see it or hear it coming. >> the exodus from the earthquake zone. many facing an uncertain future. welcome to "bbc world news," broadcast in the u.k. and around the globe. as libyan rebels struggled to hold their ground against government troops, britain and france called for a no-fly zone. tensions running high and two protest -- teo proteste

>> this is bbc world news america reporting from washington. gaddafi must go, that is the unanimous conclusion of leaders gathered in london even as fierce fighting continues in the viet itself. >> -- in this libya itself. >> there is sustained artillery fire and the rebels are sustaining a position just ahead. >> he fired his entire cabinet and prepares to address his citizens. >and have you heard that there s a world wedding in the works -- royal wedding in the works? just a month ago until the big day. -- a month to go until the big day. welcome to our viewers on pbs in america and around the globe. we are here to help the libyan people in their hour of need, that is help british prime minister david cameron describe the mission against gaddafi's forces today in london. and while the wheel of diplomacy continues to spin, on the ground where it counts, rebel forces are still facing stiff resistance from the libyan leader. tonight, coverage on both fronts and it starts with the battle -- the bbc middle east. it starts with jeremy bowen in lond

>> this is "bbc world news." çfunding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank. ç >> union bank has put its global expertise to work for aç wide range of companies. what can we do for you? >> and now, "bbc world news." >> president obama says the u.s. and nato are still considering their options for lydia, including military intervention. >> i want to send a clear message to those around colonel gaddafi. it is their choice to make how they will be held accountable. >> gaddafi's troops to retake territory after a day of sustained attacks. >> [inaudible] çquite a success for colonel gaddafi's army. >> the un says 200,000 people have fled the violence in libya. welcome to "bbc world news," broadcast on pbs in america and around the globe. washington reintroduce this military trials at guantanamo bay despite anç earlier promise to close it down. the party i