residents in the self declared people's republic of donetsk and luhansk have been urged to vote. russia says it will recognise the vote. the election is designed to bring some legitimacy to the makeshift military rage seem controlling the republicing in donetsk and luhansk. people are voting for two new parliament and presidents, to confirm the unelected chiefs in their coasts. 3 million ballots have been printed, coming a week after the parliamentary election, which millions of pro-russian separatists refuse to take part in. hoda ab dell hamid has the latest. >> over 400 polling stations in don everybody and luhansk regions are open. and the electoral commission says that three million ballots were printed. they'll be able to vote online, and there'll be polling stations opened in russia. what is at stake is legitimacy. we have heard that over and over again. we heard that throughout the week. they've been trying to impose themselves as religious leaders. the counter prime minister of the donetsk people's republic was the first person to vote in the polling station, and he was d

in cities like luhansk where half the population has fled there has been no electricity, running water and very little gas. my colleague has visited villages outside of donetsket, and they told of stories of no heating and they have problems of seniors accessing their pensions because those aren't being paid any more. finally outside of the conflict zone we have over a thousand registered, people have fled the area and who are living in facilities that have not been winterized and they are running low on resources. take that picture together in a very possibility of humanitarian catastrophe coming up in weeks to come . >> as we're hearing people in the east are not doing well. there is a continuing reluctan reluctance to amp up the sanctions. what does putin do next? >> he's trying to use military force to settle the question of his control over eastern ukraine. he's going to try to deepen his connection between the territory he has in luhansk and donetsk and the land bridge to crimea. >> you think his intent is to make that permanent. >> yes, a tremendous number of equipment and troop

separatists are holding an election in defiance of kiev and voters casting ballots in donetsk and luhansk. western leaders say they will not recognize the election results. >>> senior international correspondent matthew chance is closely following the election in eastern ukraine and joins us now live from moscow. matthew, what's russia's response to this vote that's going on? >> reporter: well, it's interesting because russia is essentially the only country that says it supports and it will recognize the outcome of this vote. all the other nations that are interested in the situation in eastern ukraine, ukraine itself, of course, as the united states and european nations have said that they don't recognize these elections and see them as illegitimate and in contravention of the peace deal in minsk. the ukrainian rebels rejecting that as well saying this will legitimize them and the russians saying it would mean that the authorities would have somebody elected with whom to negotiate in the future. the big controversy surrounding these elections is this, that these rebel groups in luhansk a

but it is not donetsk and luhansk bombarding other territories of the ukraine. -- >> being on, what aboutething like mh17, though, that was brought up by tony abbott as with el and other leaders saying this should have been resolved now or the people should have been allowed in and russia should be cooperating more on that front. >> well, russia is very cooperative. and i think that putin him sevef opened the dialogue between donetsk and luhansk and the central ukrainian government. he suggested some months ago of the program of 12 points to solve this issue with starting military actions with stopping killing, but as it occurred that under pressure of the united states, because it wasn't participated in minsk, it was only europe, russia, ukraine government and the regions -- >> president obama -- forgive me to interrupting. when personal says that russia or vladimir putin is not stick to go his commitments, i mean, those are the ones that you are talking about just then that you are saying he is and that he's laid out? is it just a complete breakdown in communication here? >> well, i don

when the russian terrorists get out of don everything and luhansk regions and we'll take control of theritories we'll make the payment to every person who is entitled to receive it. >>> and battles between those separatists and ukrainian troops in the don everything region have left two people dead. several others were injured after an artillery shell hit a school field as pupils played football on wednesday. the fighting is centered around the airport. both sides of the conflict accuse each other of vi violatia peace deal. >>> to the u.s. now. the republicans made historic gaingains and they now control h legislative chambers, our white house correspondent patty culhane reports. the republican celebrations just kept coming. seen by immediate of a repudiation of president obama. most, but not by the president himself who was repeatedly asked about that in a white house news conference. >> all of us, in both parties, have a responsibility to address that sentiment. still, as president, i have a unique responsibility to try and make this town work. >> reporter: the man who will lead the r

but the elections in war-torn luhansk and donetsk are deeply controversial.al next step, say rebel supporters, toward full independence. "we won't be recognized internationally unless we have our own leadership," says this donetsk resident. "now the people are voting for that, we hope the war can end soon." this is the violent backdrop to the vote. more than 4,000 dead in a conflict that's ravaged eastern ukraine for months. despite the truce with government forces on paper, on the ground sporadic fighting has continued. organizing elections amid such precarious security was risky. despite the dangers, though, rebel election officials say turnout was high. critics have suggested voters were intimidated by rebel gunmen or perhaps encouraged by an old soviet trick. cut-price vegetables at the polling stations. "we hope ukraine can restore relations with donetsk, especially the economic ones," says this voter. they're in dire need of reconstruction. but in fact this vote may have deepened divisions. ukraine's pro-western government along with the u.s. and the eu

. >> residents in the west declared people's republics of donetsk and luhansk. the election is designed to bring some legitimacy to the makeshift military regime controlling the self-declared republics. in donetsk. people are voting for two parliament and presidents, and is almost certain to select the chiefs in their toast. three million ballots have been printed. it will not be internationally recognised. no internationally recognised independence have been invited. millions of pro-russian separatists refused to take part. hoda has the latest from the u.s. >> translation: these numbers like like an election. polling stations and don esque and luhansk are ape. 3 million ballots were printed. half the populations are gone. they'll be able to vote online, and there'll be polling stations opened in russia for the refugees. what it states is legitimacy. we heard that over and over by the separatist leadership throughout the week. they've been trying to impose themselves as civilian leaders, and the front runner, the current prime minister of the donetsk people's re

there has not been any mechanism to provide these sorts of services since luhansk and donetsk set up these self-declared republics. it does not change the situation per se but it is a high profile way of making a point that these republics are on their own and they can't expect any assistance from the ukrainian government in kiev. it's not to say that it won't have any effects as well. there is some pressure obviously trying to be exerted on this region. it will have the impact, for example, on state sector employees. president poroshenko is saying that they'll be relocated in western regions of ukraine. where they will go, what jobs they will do, and how they will be paid in an economy tradition is struggling has yet to be answered. in banking and finance, they've saying they want to end services provided to institutions and companies in these regions. we've seen credit cards systems not working because banks in kiev aren't accepting those transactions. and as well as our team has seen mobile phone pre-payment terminals being taken away. it will have an affect on daily life here. bu

polls opened a few hours ago and the rebel strongholds of donetsk and luhansk. separatists are trying to legitimatize their control. they took over after victor yanokovich was removed from power. why is this controversial? >> it's controversial because arguably it contravenes the terms of the cease-fire and the truce that was aagreed in september of this year to prevent the warring parties from continuing to battle each other in these very volatile areas in the east and parts of the south of ukraine as well. the voting in these ukrainian regions controlled by pro russian separatists, those you mentioned has been under way now for at least just over four hours. in fact, people are going to polling stations there. there have been pictures showing that taking place. these elections are the next logical step following a referendum in may which gave overwhelming support to the idea of these regions becoming independent from ukraine. ukraine itself along with the united states and the europe poen union have said they would not recognize the vote which is taking place

voting took place in the luhansk and donest being regions. the separatists rejected the ukrainian government's proposal to hold local elections on december 7th based on a recent cease-fire agreement. the russian media reports that separatist leaders are certain to win. even before the elections, igor plotnitsky of luhansk had declared himself the region's leader. and alexander zakharchenko claims to be the prime minister of the self-proclaimed government of donetsk. ukrainian president petro poroshenko has expressed his disapproval, calling the polls a farce carried out by terrorists. he said the polls do not reflect the will of the people. the russian foreign ministry said after the elections that moscow respects the will of the people of southeast ukraine. the pro-russian separatists claim to have received a public mandate. they appear to be set to press their case for independence from the central government. >>> romanians voted on sunday to elect their next president. exit polls indicate that the incumbent prime minister's leading the fie

in the luhansk, the rebel leader was said to have cruised to victory. the electoral division chairman had a defiant message. >> kiev needs to accept the idea that we are no longer part of ukraine. it is self evident. >> the chancellor rejected it aside some -- criticism. ukrainian president petro poroshenko called the election illegal. so did germany's foreign minister, traveling in asia. he criticized russia's decision to give its backing to the elections. >> we will hold russia to its statements. vladimir putin recently reiterated that he is for ukrainian impunity -- unity and russia will not question that unity. >> many here in donetsk are weary of war. they just want peace. >> of course both sides should hold talks. there is no other way. nothing can be achieved through war. >> however, the russian military continues to be a common sight at the ukrainian border, along with long convoys that are said to contain supplies for rebel held regions. suppose so, what is happening in donetsk a day after that contentious pro russia vote? our correspondent is

the leaders in these self-declared luhansk and donetsk republic say this will lend them legitimacy, but the fear here in kiev where i am is that it will either lead to a frozen conflict, as we've seen in georgia and other parts of the former soviet union, or perhaps to an escalation in the fighting, because there has been fighting ongoing ever since a truce was announced the beginning of september. 300 people in the last ten days. more than 4,000 since it started. so there's a great fear that this could lead, in fact, to even more or heavier combat operations than what we're seeing now. >> david stern there. >>> now, at least 24 migrants have died after their boat sank in the black sea off the turkish city of istanbul. seven of the people have been rescued. the vessel was believed to be carrying about 40 people, including many children. let's get the latest now. our correspondent mark lowen is in istanbul. this is terrible news, mark. what's happened? >> reporter: a migrant disaster on the shores of europe. this morning, early on in the morning, a vessel capsized about five kilometers n

flash points like donetsk and luhansk have set off a new cold war global tensions from nato to moscow. president obama and british prime minister david cameron have warned about a frozen conflict. steven harper has been even more blunt telling putin, quote, you need to get out of ukraine. but the message has been clear. nato has been taking advantage by butting in on its new sphere of influence and russia will no longer take it. putin has vowed to protect russian people and their interests abroad.but the west's situation with russia, has much to do with energy. as far north as the arctic circle, competing for precious natural resources and polar shipping lanes with new urgency. and yet what's happened in eastern ukraine may have fundamentally changed the game. today a new cold war is brewing. it's 10:00 a.m. an atom morningn morning in tran si transylvania. demonstrations of force like this have taken on a new urgency for the west. here, beside the car carpathian mountains in romania, just a seven hour drive from moscow. romanians and other eastern europeans who remember russia aggres

and allies denounced the voting in donetsk and luhansk. we go to eastern ukraine for the latest. >> reporter: we have seen the turn out we have visited throughout the day. they don't really reflect or difficult to gauge the reality on the ground really. for the separatist leaders, this is an important vote, saying it will turn them from activist to legitimate leaders of the two new republics. they are trying to carve out here in eastern ukraine. >> the day has come for nataliya and her friends to vote. for months they have been watching event unfold in donetsk. for her, the ballot is about ending the conflict in ukraine. >> translation: it's important to vote and stand up for the city otherwise all of this would have been insane. >> reporter: nataliya will not tell us who she voted for. there are three candidates. it's alexander zakharchenko who is expected. the first to cast his ballot station. it was his first public appearance. >> i did not go out to war. this is an historical day, a day of elections, a peaceful affair. i wore suits, i

after months of fighting, residents in the people's rugg licks of donetsk and luhansk are asked to vote for their home state. the ukranian government, european union and united states says the elections are not legitimate. we two to donetsk. polls are open behind you, what are the people voting for? well, voting opened about five minutes ago. the people you see behind me at the moment are members of the press core. we are expecting the front runner, alexander, to cast his vote. it is similar to the ones held by the ukranian government. in the sense there there's 400 bolling stations. 50 million ballots were printed. it's a number of voters in the region. it does not create how many will vote in half of the population, and half left the area. some would not be able to cast their ballots, and those that went to russia will be able to cast ballots in two or three locations there. throughout the day we'll have to check the turn out. >> the regions are hoping to regain legitimacy. will they get them? >> well, that is something absolutely every separatist leader has been talking about over th

the election is designed to bring some legitimacy to the self declared and luhansk.ire has been reported at the state's television headquarters in the capitol. >> a court in bahrain has released the founder of the bahrain center for human rights. he was on trial for remarks critical of the state. his trial has been adjourned until january. >> kifbld many times. i have been attacked physically many times. this is part of a series due to my human rights. peaceful protest and peaceful struggle for democracy and justice and human rights in this part of the world. it has been one month. you don't put people in jail because of things they have said or written. just because of my tweet, because of my statement i made or my things i write on a twitter. government attacking people, targeting people for expression, this government not concerned with res if we can't for human rights. >> let's go to beirut and talk to a columnist. what's your view on this when a man of his profile as far as human rights activists in the middle east goes is given this sort of reprieve for a littl

pro russian separatists sunday held elections in parts of donetsk and luhansk regions. in response, the ukrainian president poroshenko decided to deploy more troops to the east. he has decided to corrupt the law that expand add self-government in rebel controlled areas. in a joint statement on wednesday, separatist leaders said this seriously damages the peace deal and hinted they might resume full military action. sporadic fighting continues between government troops and separatists at airport in donetsk and suburbs in the hub of mariupol. on wednesday, two teens were killed when a shell hit the school playground near the donetsk airport. >>> a tropical storm is affecting the southern islands of japan. our meteorologist joins us for the details. >> we have been watching a severe tropical a storm named nuri. this is starting to move away from the southern islands so conditions are slightly improving. we're seeing rough sea conditions along with gusty conditions the next couple of hours. this is the forecast track. it is expected to move toward the northeast moving away

. >> ukraine is accusing russia of sending soldiers and weapons into eastern donetsk and luhansk regions that's raising concerns whether the russian separatists are planning to launch new offensive. russia denies any involvement, but the deployment is threatening a fragile truce that was struck in september. >> president poroshenko issued a decry by which state institutions should be moved out of the conflict zone in east ukraine, but it leaves a lot of questions. how is that going to be implemented? not only will it take a lot of money to move these places geographically, what will also happen to the staff? it's a time when ukraine is going through a very difficult economic time. it has one of the worst-performing currencies at the moment. this conflict is taking a lot of money out of ukraine, and ukraine is still planning to put a lot of money in to the military to protect itself from further advancements by the pro russian rebels. so we'll have to wait and see. now in terms of what is happening here in the east, there has been violence continuing throughout the last week intensifying

it is designed to bring legitimacy declaring the republics of donetsk and luhansk. >> reporter: there's a large turn out for the elections, and we have seen more people on the streets today than over the past week while travelling around the region, there's a large queue inside this polling station. we have seen similar scenes in the regional capital, where the people told us they have been waiting two hours to cast the ballot. this is the image separatist leaders hope for. they said it's an image to show the world that has popular support. a lot people in this region left since the shelling started a few honths ago, while the -- months ago, white the separatists and the commugs said they'll be able to cast their ballot online or there's polling stations across the border in russia. there's an issue of international observers. the o.s.c.e. is not on the ground. however, there is people to form an agency for security and cooperation in europe. they come from different european countries, and they have been touring around the polling stations. they say they have seen no indication of vote

alexander zakhar- chenko will head the donetsk people's republic, while igor plot-nisky will lead luhanskspite no formal recognition by russia's president vladimir putin, russian officials said the new leaders have a mandate to negotiate with the ukrainian government. but officials in kiev denounced the vote, saying it was in direct violation of a september 5 agreement that the russians signed. the u.s. agreed-- state department spokeswoman, jen psaki: >> the united states deplores and does not recognize yesterday's so-called separatist elections in eastern ukraine, nor do we recognize any of the leaders chosen in this illegal vote. >> woodruff: still, the turn of events echoes an earlier territorial loss when russia annexed the crimean peninsula through a referendum in march. and all the while, fighting in the area has raged on, despite the september 5th cease-fire agreement. on saturday, a large convoy of military vehicles was sighted near donetsk. kiev said they came from russia. in addition, russian fighter jets and larger aircraft have lately been crossing into european air space wit

. >> comments made by the deputy foreign minister here, he says that the leaders of luhansk and donetsk now have a mandate with which they can negotiate with the authorities in kiev. so russia really sees the these elections as an act of legitimatization. but it's quite a narrow one because it's only really moscow and these two break-away regions themselves that recognize these elections. the eu doesn't, the u.s. doesn't. and certainly the government in kiev doesn't. so really, they raise more questions than they answer. because what happens next? does this turn into a frozen conflict, the like of which we can see in transnnistria, increased military activity there and what happens to the minsk protocols? the eu says that these elections are a violation of those protocols and there is a suspicion in moscow there may be more sanctions on the way. >> it is the final day of campaigning before tuesday's crucial mid term elections in the u.s. the outcome will shape american policy for the next two years. let's look at what's at stake in the vote. control of both branches of congress are up f

the election is aimed at bringing legitimacy to the self declared republic of don esque and luhansk >>> hamad almalic il-atametre has been shot dead. he was a negotiator. >> people are worried after this assassination, it could lead to further destabilizing of the country in yemen, and could start an era of political assassination. he was considered to be a figure in his 70s. he shifted sides and was accused of backing the houthis from behind the scenes, trying to promote their cause, if you will. on some points he was the leader of the joint leading party. a group of parties that reported, and then he was, after the revolution, he was in support of the revolution. it was a virtual figure, a fear that this will deeply increase tension in the country, mainly in the capital, and could start the wave of political assassinations. we'll have to wait and see the blame game starting soon, and there'll be precaution, i suggest. >> a bahrain court released the founder of the bahrain center for human rights. he was on rights for remarks critical to the state. his remarks have been adjourned unt

he says that the leaders of luhansk now have a mandate with which they can negotiate with the authorities in kiev. russia really sees these actions as legitimatization. they recognize these elections. the e.u. does not. the u.s. does not, and the government in kiev doesn't. really they raise more questions than they answer because what happens next? does this turn in to a frozen conflict, the like of which we can see in other areas, or just a fighting start again because many people in the southeast of ukraine are seeing increased military activity there. and what happens to the protocols. the e. usaid that these elections are a violation of those proper protocols, and there is thought there are sanctions along the way. >> there are elections in the u.s. let's look at what is at stake a with this vote. all house o seats in the house will be contested and in the senate. the democrats have a ten-seat majority now. they got there through 53 seats of their own plus two independents who have joined them. the republicans have 45. that mean the republican party needs to win six more seats than i

he said that the leaders of luhansk and donetsk now have a mandate with which to negotiate with the authoritiesn kiev. so russia really sees these elections as an act of legitimatization. but it's quite a narrow one because it's really only moscow and these two breakaway regions themselves who recognize these elections, the e.u. doesn't. the u.s. doesn't. and certainly the governments in kiev doesn't. so really they raise more questions than they answer because what happens next. does this turn in to a frozen conflict, the like of which we can see in different areas, or just a fighting start again because many people in the southeast of ukraine are seeing increased military activity there. and what happens to the minsk protocols, the e. usaid this is a violation of these protocols, and some say there are more sanctions on the way. >> the death sentence has been given to an islam party leader convicted of war crimes dating back to the country's war for indians in 1971. two other senior members have been sentenced to death for similar crimes. >> visiting the memorial for victims of war crimes dur

the president threatening to end the special status to donetsk and luhansk. >> translator: we demonstratedole world that we are sincere in our desire for political settlement. the militant refused this opportunity, holding fake elections that have undermined the law. we are ready to provide brood powers to any legally elected government not to the ban be it who crowned himself. >> reporter: the results said the russian president should be respected, but stopped short of recognizing the breakaway regions. 4,000 people have already died in the war, which created the biggest diplomatic crisis since the end of the cold war 23 years ago. and hours after the poles closed, the fighting started again, with heavy bombardments reported outside of donetsk. the security chiefs are now meeting in kiev to plan their response to the core nation in the east. events that the tottering minsk peace accord may not survive. >>> business leaders and politicians are meeting this new delhi for the world economic forum. the indian government is using the summit to promote a new scheme that it hoping will revive th

voting is taking place in the self-declared republics in donetsk and luhansk.ple voting for two new parliaments and two new presidents, almost certain to confirm the unelected rebel chiefs in their posts. three million ballots only being recognized by russia. russia has said it will recognize this result we spoke to the professor of comparative politics at the university. he says few will follow monko's leave and acknowledge the outcome. >> no civilized country or international organization will recognize legitimacy of these elections. moreover, there were some sources in the eu saying that if russia would recognize this electionses there would be additional sanctions against russia. why? because there are russian regular troops on the soil. so the territory actually is occupied by russia troops and show russian forces so there is no question about recognition of legitimacy of these elections in contrast to that, elections that were held in ukraine on october 26th were recognized as free and competitive. the skaild so-called elections contradicts the minsk agre

that were signed by president poroshenko, without the agreement of the leaders of the donetsk and luhanskepublics -- if these agreements were implemented, it would lead to the shutting down of the mines and to the collapse of our entire industrial region. >> that's because the mines do not meet eu standards. they are left over from the days of the former soviet union. right now, the self-declared people's republic is largely dependent on russia. another convoy has just arrived from moscow bringing badly needed food supplies. after months of fighting, most people in the city of den yes card dependent on outside aid. most of the elderly have not received their pensions for months. outside the municipal offices, the subject of new russia is on everyone's lips. only a few dare to express a contrary opinion. >> ukraine -- i don't want to live in russia. russia should leave us alone. i don't need new russia. ukraine is my homeland. i'm russian by origin, but this is my homeland. i love ukraine, and i want to live in ukraine. >> others quickly shout out their disagreement. "my parents built on y

this shaded area is under control of the separatists and includes the cities of don everything and luhanskis is where rush an military units are being sent something moscow denies. fears that a ceasefire signed between the two sides in september is under theft. at least 4,000 people have been killed since the fighting began early this year. >>> dutch investigators have been back to the side where malaysia airways flight mh17 came down in eastern ukraine, fighting nearby had made it impossible for the team to recover the remains of more victims and have you they want been able to collect parts of the wreckage. separatist fighters have denied shooting down the flight killing all 290 a people aboard. let's get more now from there. you were at the crash site earlier. tell us what you saw there. >> reporter: we saw the investigators from the netherlands arrive they were there to collect wreck i believe from the site but we saw no evidence of any trucks or any other facilities in order to lift the wreckage and take it back to the netherlands as expected. so we still don't know when they are goin

. >> reporter: last month in territory controlled by the self-declared luhansk people's republic an allegeday death. not by a judge or jury but by a mass show of hands them weekend images merged of public flogging. although al jazerra couldn't independently confirm exactly where and when this took place. >> i want to use the word things happen, okay? that's why we are here. we get special, dedicated people who are definitely looking and checking everything what's going on. >> reporter: rubin commands 120 men. in a unit that bears his name. they have sworn allegiance to their new republic, they have been trained, he says, by unspecified friends, to bring a sense of structure and discipline. across eastern ukraine, justice like satisfy oat is meated out at the discretion of the newly powerful. harry fawcett al jazerra, donetsk. >>> press putin says mesh tours isolate russia will hurt other countries too. he says we understand the fay tal at this of an iron curtain to us, we will not go counsel this path and no one will build a wall around us. it's far from certain sanctions and the depreciati

the people's republics of donetsk and luhansk have separatist leaders that have done well. ukraine and europe have refused to recognize the elections. approached u.k. airspace. being show one soviet escorted by typhoons. nato reported a spike in russian flights over the baltics, the black sea and the atlantic regions. there have been three times more interceptions than the whole of 2013. looking forward to a meeting tomorrow. shares 0.3% lower. a three-day loss, the worst performance since 2011. all that to look forward to and of course, japan today is closed. hong kong, the markets opening on a slight the klein. -- slight decline. ♪ >> coming down to earth, shares of bangkok airways are falling on their thailand debut. gold tumbles along with the yen after stimulus from japan. and, not the goodyear blimp, the eye in the sky watching over singapore. let's get the latest from the markets now. what do you have your eyes on? >> i'm watching aussie minors. that is dragging down the overall session in australia. we are down about 0.4%. one of the markets that is bucking the tren

the competition included athletes from two breakaway regions of luhansk. less than a year ago, they were united. >> times are hard right now. there were a lot of changes. i dream of the olympics. we hope it will become a recognised republic, and it will be possible. >> elections will be shown live on local television. now to the pressing reality to deal with, near the front line, where people have nothing left but fear and misery. they live hidden away - it is dark, damp, and in the underground bunkers. shelter was built during the second world war, it's cold and there's no sanitation. >> translation: this is where we sleep. here there is a sick man. go in, don't be scared. he hasn't come out for three months. >> this man spoke to us recently. he says that all is going to the fighters. 22 people have lived here for months, they have not received pensions. others come and two depending on the fighting. the sound of war is present. hopes of a lasting ceasefire with bullets and shells fired. >> maybe after the elections there'll be intelligence to end the fig

the humanitarian convoy arrived in luhansk. they contained supplies to repair the electrical grid. video of the aftermath of the crash of mh17 has emerged. it appears to be cell phone video and shows local residents leaving their cars, moving closer to vet the burning debris. it was uploaded to youtube by a russian news organization. it looks like 20 years of negotiation has gone to waste. victory was declared in an election for the governor of the japanese island. he vows to deny construction permits. an agreement was reached last year in the u.s.-japanese talks in 1996. dozens of protesters blocked the streets, demanding justice for michael brown. coming as a grand jury will indict darren wilson. activists have been in the area mapping out plans for protest. al jazeera asked the mayor what he hopes the grand jury will do. >> i don't care one way or the other what the outcome is, as long as it's the legal and fair outcome under the law. no matter what happens, the city will work to move forward. >> what's been the hardest part of it for you. >> the hardest part is seeing the commu

. >> the russia respects the election results of those in eastern ukraine, the leaders of luhansk and donetsk now have a mandate with which they can negotiate with the authorities in kiev. so russia really sees these elections as an act of legitimatization. but it's quite a narrow one because it's only moscow and these two break-away regions that recognize these. the eu doesn't, the u.s. doesn't and certainly the government in kiev doesn't. so really they raise more questions than they answer because what happens next? does this turn into a frozen conflict the like of which we can see in trans mis transmystrt happens to the mingt minsk prot? maybe more sanctions are on the way. >> the historic iron gate from the first nazi concentration camp in germany has been stolen. prisoners had to pass the gate on a daily basis. 41,000 were killed then. guards were on patrol when the gate was stolen but said it was impossible to secure such a large site. >>> france says it's baffled by mysterious drone flights over its nuclear power plants. doesn't know where the drones are coming from or who's c

about 20 trucks arrived in luhansk today, containing equipment to repair the damaged electrical grid. ukrainian government has cut off funding to the areas that pro-russian fighters control. >> reliable in recent days. but a day after the ukrainian president's decree that among other things promised an end to banking services in the break away east there's no money to be had. >> translator: the banks are empty on a sunday. it doesn't give out money so there is none. >> reporter: elena works for the state run water company, she hasn't been paid in months. the self-declared government of donetsk. >> i hope they would help, i expect them to, i think so, i promised, but really i don't know. >> reporter: at a suburban supermarket bank officials took away the credit card terminals on thursday. but life goes on and people don't know what to expect over the coming days. the management have two key concerns. whether they're going to continue to have access to the goods to the west of the country and whether their customers will find it ever more difficult to get assess to cash to pay for them.

separatist leaders say wednesday's vote in donetsk and luhansk is an important vote, and many are worried that the election will not bring about much change. >> reporter: the first wrestling gold medalist of the donetsk's people republic. less than a year ago they were regional teams of a united ukraine. >> times are hard right now. there were a lot of changes. we hope that we'll become a recognized republic and it be possible. >> being shown live on local television signals that dontesk is on its way to statehood. it is here at the front line that people have nothing left but fear and misery. they live hidden away in dark, damp, underground bunkers. this shelter was built during the second world war. it's cold, and there is no sanitation. >> this is where we sleep, and here there is a sick man. he has not come out in three months. >> this man had a stroke recently. he asked for medicine and says that all the aid is going to the fighters. >> 22 people have lived here for months. they have not received pensions. others come and go, depending on the fighting. the sound of war is ever presen

would recognise the vote, even though he stopped short of saying whether they'd recognise donetsk and luhansk independent states once the vote is over. >> hurricane odile -- hoda, thank you for that update from makiivka a city another donetsk >>> there has been conclusive evidence that humans have altered earth's climate. the new report is touted as a comprehensive assessment of climate change undertaken. these are live pictures coming out of a meeting taking place in copenhagen. let's look at what the report says. in it scientists say they are more certain than ever that greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants are the dominant cause of global warning. the intergovernmental panel on climate change says reducing the greenhouse gas emissions is the key to limiting risks of climate change. although the impact has been felt on all continents, the least-developed countries are especially affected. >> for more, we joined by steiner who is the executive director of the programme. he joins us via skype from nairobi. >> it shows conclusively, scientific evidence that human activities changes cli

. >> reporter: we heard from the electoral commission in the nearby luhansk region where they have extended the polls by two hours because of high turn outs. we have seen the high tonne out in several polling stations. we have visited throughout the day. we don't reflect or it's difficult to gauge the reality on the ground. for the separatist leaders, it is an important vote. it will turn them from activist revolutionaries to legitimate leaders to this new republic or two new republics. they are trying to carve out here in eastern ukraine. the day has come for nataliya and her friends to vote. for months they have been watching events unfold in their neighbourhood. for her the ballot is about ending the conflict in ukraine. it's important to vote and stand up for our city, otherwise all of this will have been in vain. the main thing is stability for the people and faith in the future. >> reporter: nataliya will not tell us who she voted for. there's three candidates, but it's alex ander zakharchenko the acting prime minister who is expected to win. he cast his vote first. >> i did not go ou

that it was time for russia to stop the director indirect involvement in the fighting in donetsk and luhansk, because russia denies troops in eastern ukraine. n.a.t.o., and the united states and european countries think that that is the case. over the past few weeks, it's safe to say they have run out of patience, going by comments published in the german press. she confronted others, notably australia and italy, running into denials of the reality on the ground as germany sees it and dodges. germany has been critical. pushing for sanctions and dialogue with russia, looking for an off ramp. angela merkel fighting with vladimir putin three dozen times. nick spicer reporting live from berlin. now a picture making the rounds on social media. a plane processed to the runway, frozen to the runway. minus 22 celsius, minus 52. those are passengers asked to give it a push. the u.k.'s government is facing an unprecedented number of terrorists. threats preventing 40 major parts since 2005. we have more from london. >> reporter: here it seems is one of the new front lines in the british government's ca

and its allies have denounced the voting in donetsk and luhansk. we go to eastern ukraine for the latest. >> reporter: we have seen the turn out in several polling stations we have visited throughout the day. they don't reflect or it's difficult to gauge the reality on the ground. for the separatist leaders, it's an important vote. it will turn to them legitimate leaders of the new republic, two new republics. they are trying to carve out here in eastern ukraine. >> the day has come for nataliya to vote. for months they have been watching event unfold in donetsk. the balanlot for her is ending e fighting in ukraine. >> translation: it's important to vote and end the violence in the city. all of this would have been invain the the main thing is safety for the future >>> there are three candidates for the presidency in donetsk. it's alexander zacharenko who is expected to win. it was his first public opinion and he was the first to cast a ballot. >> translation: i did not go out to war. this is an historical day, a day of elections, a day, a peaceful

. >>> now, ukraine is accusing russia of sending soldiers and weapons into eastern donetsk and luhansk. raising concern over whether the p pro-russian separatists are planning to deploy. let's get the latest from donetsk in the eastern ukraine. let's bring us up to date with the situation on the ground. the situation on the ground is relatively calm for the moment. we have not heard intense fighting. it has been intensifying in the last week. mostly in the region of the airports to the north of the city. where there has been an intense stand off between the pro-russian separatists and ukranian military. we have seen a lot of unmarked military convoys moving in the area. n.a.t.o. said that they have seen movement from russia across the border into ukraine of the military from russia. >> how has the ukranian government responded to reports of military vehicles crossing the border? >> well, the ukranian government seems to be worried. the defence ministry announced they would send more troops to the region of eastern ukraine to repel attacks by the pro-russian rebels. the prime minister y

voters make their decision in the breakaway region of donetsk and luhansk. >> saturday on tech know. a brutal killing. a thorough investigation. >> we're pushing the envelope. >> but this is no ordinary c.s.i. >> what went on right before that animal died? >> hunting the hunter. >> we're gonna take down the bad guys. >> solving the crime. >> we can save species. >> tech know's team of experts show you how the miracles of science. >> this is my selfie, what can you tell me about my future? >> can affect and surprise us. >> don't try this at home. >> tech know, where technology meets humanity. saturday at 7:30 eastern. only on al jazeera america. >>> welcome back to "al jazeera america". here is a look at the top stories. fierce fighting in kobane. reinforced by the coalition air strikes. i.s.i.l. forces pushed backwards. a suicide attack killing 55 people, the blasts happening on the pakistani side of the crossing. a group linked to the taliban is claiming responsibility for the attack. the number of ebola cases in sierra leone rising. the a g.i. says the virus is spreading in rural p

up to 2.6 billion will be withheld from the donetsk and luhansk regions, where pro-russian separatists declared the public. pension payments and government benefits will only resume after separatist forces surrender. >> translation: our citizens are in the regions, and the government will not let them freeze. it will humanitarian disaster. our territories and people are there. we'll decide who are personality. all payments, loyalties, we are keeping track of them. >> when the russians get out of donetsk and we'll take control of the territories. we'll make the payment for every person entitled to receive it >>> battled in donetsk left two dead. others were injured after an artillery shell hit a school field. fighting in the city centered around the airport, remaining in the hands of government troops. the attack after both sides accused each other of violating >>> a sacked defence minister said his party is pulling out. he was fired after criticizing the arrests of officials as part of a corruption investigation. the foreign minister resigned over alasanya's departure >>> german's trai

he said that the leaders of luhansk and donetsk now have a mandate with which they can negotiate the authorities in kiev. russia sees these elections as an act of legitimatization. but russia is the only country who recognizing these elections. the e.u. does not. the u.s. does not. this race more questions than they answer. what happens next? does this turn into a frozen conflict, like we see in other areas, or just a fighting start again because many people in the southeast of ukraine are seeing increased military activity there. and what happens to the minsk protocols. the e. usaid that these elections are a violation of these protocols, and there is a suspension that more sanctions are on the way. >> there is the midterm elections in the u.s. let's look at what is at stake. both branches of congress are up for grabs. all 4 435 seats in the house will be contested as well as a third of the senate seats. the democrats have a ten-seat majority there right now. they've got that through 53 seats of their own plus two independents who have joined them. republicans have 45. now that mean