Lease Of Two Military Bases To Russia Denied By Cyprus

February 9, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Cyprus has denied Russian media reports that it is ready to lease two military bases to Russia.

"There is no question of Russian air or naval military bases on the soil of Cyprus," said Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

Earlier, Russian government newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta said Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades would make the offer on an official visit to Moscow on 25 February.

Cyprus is in the EU but not in Nato.

The leasing deal would concern an air base near Paphos and a naval base at Limassol, according to Rossiiskaya Gazeta. Russia can already use the bases temporarily.

Impact On UK Of Possible Greek Exit From Eurozone

February 9, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The prime minister this morning chaired a meeting of senior officials to discuss the impact on the UK of possible Greek exit from the eurozone - and to take steps to ensure British banks and companies would not be excessively damaged.

Attended by the head of the Treasury, Nick Macpherson, the Treasury's director of financial stability, Lowrie Kahn, and the Bank of England's international director Phil Evans, David Cameron asked for information on the impact on Greece and the rest of the eurozone of Greece leaving the eurozone.

15 Dead In Baghdad Suicide Bomb Attack

February 9, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

At least 15 people have been killed and many others wounded in a suicide bomb attack in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, officials say.

The explosion happened in Kadhamiyah, a mainly Shia Muslim district in the north of the city, they added.

The attack happened at rush hour, and was the latest in a spate of explosions in the capital over the past two weeks.

On Sunday the government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ended a 12-year-old night-time curfew in the city.

That came despite at least 32 people being killed on Saturday in a string of attacks across the city.

Leaders Of Russia, France And Germany In Ukraine Talks

February 7, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The leaders of Russia, France and Germany have held "constructive and substantive" talks on ending the conflict in Ukraine, diplomats say.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, France's Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met for more than four hours in Moscow.

Mr Hollande and Mrs Merkel had brought with them a peace proposal details on which have not been released.

Russia is accused of arming pro-Russian separatists - a claim it denies.

Nato's Spearhead Force Formed To Help Ukraine Crisis

February 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Nato is forming a new 'spearhead' force aimed at reassuring member countries in Eastern Europe and deterring what is perceived as a potential Russian threat to the Baltic Republics or other Nato members.

Diplomatic Push For Peace Of Ukraine Crisis

February 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Diplomatic efforts are under way to end renewed fighting in eastern Ukraine.

French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held urgent talks in the capital Kiev, presenting a new peace initiative.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is also in Kiev, said the US wanted a diplomatic solution, but would not close its eyes to Russian aggression.

Fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels has killed nearly 5,400 people since April, the UN says.

US Company Hershey Issues Lawsuit Against British Made Chocolates

February 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Expat Brits in America face missing out on some of their favourite chocolates, after a ban on the import of some of Britain's best-loved treats.

It follows a lawsuit from American confectionery giant Hershey's, which claims the sale of British-made chocolates is damaging its business.

Discovery Of Vintage Cars At French Castle

February 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Around 60 vintage cars that were discovered at a remote French castle have gone on show in Paris, ahead of an auction on Friday.

Robert Mugabe's Tumble Caught On Film

February 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The 90-year-old President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, has been caught on film falling over in public.

He had been speaking to supporters from a podium in the capital Harare, and was walking to his car when he appeared to miss a step and toppled.

Car Giant, BMW Patch Security Flaw On 2.2 Million Vehicles

February 2, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

BMW has patched a security flaw that left 2.2 million cars, including Rolls Royce and Mini models, open to hackers.

The flaw affected models fitted with BMW's ConnectedDrive software, which uses an on-board Sim card.

The software operated door locks, air conditioning and traffic updates but no driving firmware such as brakes or steering, BMW said.

No cars have actually been hacked, but the flaw was identified by German motorist association ADAC.