Robin Williams: Tributes For Actor Dead At 63

Relatives, showbiz personalities and politicians have expressed their sadness at the death of Robin Williams, who has died at the age of 63 in a suspected suicide.

The Oscar-winning actor was found dead at his home in northern California, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Williams' wife Susan Schneider said in a statement: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."

His daughter Zelda Williams posted an excerpt from the French poet and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery, which read: "You - you alone will have the stars as no one else has them ... In one of the stars I shall be living."

She added: "I love you. I miss you. I'll try to keep looking up."

Dawber and Williams together in 1995

The star of much-loved films including Mrs Doubtfire and Good Morning, Vietnam had been struggling with severe depression in recent weeks, according to Williams' press agent Mara Buxbaum.

A statement from President Barack Obama described the actor as "one of a kind".

"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind," he said.

"He arrived in our lives as an alien - but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry.

Matt Damon, Williams and Ben Affleck celebrate their Oscar wins in 1998

"He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets.

"The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin's family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams."

Many celebrity colleagues and admirers took to Twitter to express their shock at the actor's death, and to pay tribute to Williams' large and well-respected body of work.

Ellen DeGeneres expresses her sadness at the death of Robin Williams

Pam Dawber, his co-star in Mork and Mindy, said: "I am completely and totally devastated. What more can be said?"

Director Steven Spielberg, who worked with Williams on Hook, said: "Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him.  He was a pal and I can't believe he's gone."

Actor and comedian Steve Martin, his co-star in Waiting For Godot, said: "I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul."

Williams receives an award in New York in 2012

Williams' Mrs Doubtfire co-star Sally Field said: "He always lit up when he was able to make people laugh, and he made them laugh his whole life long - tirelessly. He was one of a kind. There will not be another."

The Birdcage co-star Nathan Lane said: "What I will always remember about Robin, perhaps even more than his comic genius, extraordinary talent and astounding intellect, was his huge heart - his tremendous kindness, generosity, and compassion as an acting partner, colleague and fellow traveler in a difficult world."

His Good Will Hunting co-star Minnie Driver said: "My heart's broken. Robin was a beautiful, kind soul. Can't bear that he's gone. So incredibly sorry for his family."

Ben Stiller, who starred in the Night At The Museum films with Williams, said: "A tweet cannot begin to describe the hugeness of Robin Williams heart and soul and talent. This is so sad."

The third installment of the franchise is due for release later in the year.

Johnny Depp said: "The world lost a legend of an actor and an extraordinary man today. Rest In Peace Robin Williams."

Comedian Eddie Izzard pays tribute to Williams on Twitter

The US actor and director Henry Winkler wrote on Twitter: "Robin Williams was like no other .. To watch him create on the spot was a privilege to behold.

"Robin you are an angel now!!! REST IN PEACE," he added.

Comedian Eddie Izzard said: "Robin Williams has died and I am very sad. From every comedian here at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we salute him & we say goodbye."

15.00 | 0 komentar | Read More

Robin Williams Dies In Suspected Suicide

Robin Williams: Tributes For Actor Dead At 63

Updated: 8:13am UK, Tuesday 12 August 2014

Relatives, showbiz personalities and politicians have expressed their sadness at the death of Robin Williams, who has died at the age of 63 in a suspected suicide.

The Oscar-winning actor was found dead at his home in northern California, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Williams' wife Susan Schneider said in a statement: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."

His daughter Zelda Williams posted an excerpt from the French poet and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery, which read: "You - you alone will have the stars as no one else has them ... In one of the stars I shall be living."

She added: "I love you. I miss you. I'll try to keep looking up."

The star of much-loved films including Mrs Doubtfire and Good Morning, Vietnam had been struggling with severe depression in recent weeks, according to Williams' press agent Mara Buxbaum.

A statement from President Barack Obama described the actor as "one of a kind".

"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind," he said.

"He arrived in our lives as an alien - but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry.

"He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets.

"The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin's family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams."

Many celebrity colleagues and admirers took to Twitter to express their shock at the actor's death, and to pay tribute to Williams' large and well-respected body of work.

Pam Dawber, his co-star in Mork and Mindy, said: "I am completely and totally devastated. What more can be said?"

Director Steven Spielberg, who worked with Williams on Hook, said: "Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him.  He was a pal and I can't believe he's gone."

Actor and comedian Steve Martin, his co-star in Waiting For Godot, said: "I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul."

Williams' Mrs Doubtfire co-star Sally Field said: "He always lit up when he was able to make people laugh, and he made them laugh his whole life long - tirelessly. He was one of a kind. There will not be another."

The Birdcage co-star Nathan Lane said: "What I will always remember about Robin, perhaps even more than his comic genius, extraordinary talent and astounding intellect, was his huge heart - his tremendous kindness, generosity, and compassion as an acting partner, colleague and fellow traveler in a difficult world."

His Good Will Hunting co-star Minnie Driver said: "My heart's broken. Robin was a beautiful, kind soul. Can't bear that he's gone. So incredibly sorry for his family."

Ben Stiller, who starred in the Night At The Museum films with Williams, said: "A tweet cannot begin to describe the hugeness of Robin Williams heart and soul and talent. This is so sad."

The third installment of the franchise is due for release later in the year.

Johnny Depp said: "The world lost a legend of an actor and an extraordinary man today. Rest In Peace Robin Williams."

The US actor and director Henry Winkler wrote on Twitter: "Robin Williams was like no other .. To watch him create on the spot was a privilege to behold.

"Robin you are an angel now!!! REST IN PEACE," he added.

Comedian Eddie Izzard said: "Robin Williams has died and I am very sad. From every comedian here at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we salute him & we say goodbye."

15.00 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gaza Truce Holds After Death Toll Tops 2,000

A 72-hour ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held overnight - paving the way for talks aimed at securing a lasting end to the month-long conflict.

The truce, which was agreed during negotiations between both sides in Cairo, began at midnight (10pm UK time).

Israel pledged to return to Cairo on Monday if the ceasefire was observed.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hopes the break will provide a "chance to agree on a durable ceasefire for the benefit of all civilian populations".

Israel and Hamas exhanged fire up to the deadline

Since the last truce broke on Friday, warplanes have reportedly hit more than 170 targets in Gaza, killing at least 19 Palestinians.

Meanwhile, militants fired at least 136 rockets at Israel. Some 93 hit, according to the army.

The death toll since Israel launched its military campaign on July 8 topped 2,000 on Sunday - 1,939 Palestinians and 67 on the Israeli side.

The break in fire will allow Gazans to stock up on supplies and recover the dead buried beneath rubble.

Gazans inspect the damage after Israel's weekend bombardment

Preliminary reports say rebuilding Gaza will cost up to £4.8bn, according to the UN.

More than 10,000 homes have been destroyed and the livelihoods of 300,000 people ruined.

Almost a third of the population - 500,000 people - are displaced within Gaza.

Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal said for the ceasefire to hold, Israel must end its blockade of the Gaza Strip and reopen the seaport.

10,000 homes have been destroyed since July 8

Israel's campaign has been aimed at destroying Hamas' infrastructure, including its network of tunnels.

Away from Gaza, an 11-year-old Palestinian boy was apparently shot dead by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank.

Mohammed Khalil al Anati was killed in Al Fawwar refugee camp, southwest of the city of Hebron, a medical official said.

14.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

Extremists Beaten Back After Iraq Airstrikes

Islamic extremists have been forced out of two towns in northern Iraq by Kurdish troops - amid a deepening political crisis in the country.

The militants were driven out of Makhmour and al Gweir, near Irbil, after fighters were aided by a series of US airstrikes targeting armed vehicles.

The recapturing of the towns came as embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki appeared on TV  to accuse the new President of violating the constitution.

US soldiers watch as halal meals are parachuted to the ground in Iraq

In a surprise speech, Mr al Maliki resisted calls to resign amid the jihadist insurgency and declared he will file a legal complaint against Fuad Masum.

He accuses him of failing to name a Prime Minister from the country's largest parliamentary faction by Sunday's deadline.

The US, which has urged Iraq to form an inclusive government, immediately issued a statement backing President Masum.

The political turmoil comes amid mounting evidence of the slaughter of minority Christians and Yazidis by Islamic extremists.

Photographs taken in the north of the country appear to show crucifixions and beheadings, as well as a series of executions by gunfire.

Iraq's human rights minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani said accounts from Yazidis fleeing Sinjar suggested hundreds had been slaughtered.

Yazidi refugees approach the food bundles on the ground

"Some of the victims, including women and children, were buried alive in scattered mass graves in and around Sinjar," he said.

The Australian newspaper also featured a photograph purporting to show the nine-year-old son of terrorist Khaled Sharrouf, carrying the head of a Syrian soldier.

The picture was apparently posted on Twitter by Sharrouf, a convicted terrorist, who was raised in Sydney.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that the photograph was further evidence of "just how barbaric" the militants were.

As the world watched the images from Iraq in horror, a Downing Street source told Sky News David Cameron would resist pressure to recall Parliament to discuss miltary action.

"Our focus is humanitarian support," the source said.

Refugees flee the extremists carving a bloody path through northern Iraq

"The key priority is getting support to people in desperate need."

Tory backbencher Conor Burns said the Government's response so far, of ruling out military intervention and air dropping supplies, was "not strong enough".

"These people are being beheaded by people from IS, and our only response is to drop some food or water on them," the Bournemouth West MP said.

"I think the US and UK should be involved in airstrikes. I am not by any means advocating a ground war but I think we should put our special forces in there.

David Cameron has been urged to recall Parliament

"I think we should be answering positively requests from the Kurds to arm them. I think we should be looking at asylum."

Mr Burns said he did not know whether the Commons would support military action, but it was "worth trying".

"If Parliament decides we do not want to have anything to do with that, then let them say so," he said.

The former head of the army, Lord Dannatt, also backed a parliamentary recall, insisting Britain was "watching in horror" as atrocities were committed.

"In the face of a crisis of this scale, with the potential for so much human misery, this is not the moment for decision-makers to be on holiday," he wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

Yesterday, Downing Street announced that more UK advisers were being sent to the under-threat city of Irbil to help deal with the developing crisis.

The US has been carrying out airstrikes to protect the area, which is a Kurdish stronghold and major centre for the country's oil trade.

Overnight, US military planes conducted a fourth air drop of food and water for civilians besieged by jihadists on Mount Sinjar.

A C-17 and three C-130 cargo aircraft dropped 88 bundles of supplies that will provide "food and water for thousands of Iraqi citizens".

The militants have driven as many as 150,000 Yazidis from their homes into the Sinjar mountains, where they are cut off from food and water.

The jihadists have also kidnapped 300 women as slaves.

14.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

Passenger Jet Crash In Tehran Kills 48 People

A passenger plane has crashed into a residential complex in Tehran killing all those on board, including seven children, according to state media in Iran.

The Sepahan Air flight, which had 40 passengers and eight crew members on board, went down near Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport after its engine went out shortly after take-off.

It was bound for the eastern city of Tabas when it crashed at around 9.18am local time (5.48am EST) in the capital on Sunday.

The aircraft went down near Mehrabad International Airport in the capital

The country's state-run news agency IRNA said: "Initial reports indicate that the 40 people aboard the plane have been killed, including seven children."

The Iran-140 aircraft is a 52-seat passenger plane usually used for domestic flights and is built in the country with Ukrainian technology.

There have been several plane crashes in Iran which have been blamed on its ageing aircraft and poor maintenance.

The last major disaster was in January 2011, when an Iran Boeing 727 crashed during an emergency landing in a snowstorm in the northwest of the country, killing around 77 people.

More follows...

14.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

UK Plane Makes First Aid Drop Over Iraq

American jet fighters and drones have conducted four more airstrikes on Islamic militants in Iraq - as a British plane made its first humanitarian aid drop.

The US military said the strikes took out armoured carriers and a truck that were firing on civilians and came after Barack Obama warned the air campaign to restore order to Iraq could last for weeks, or even months.

The third wave of attacks on Islamic State (IS) fighters, formerly known as ISIS, came as one of two British C130s made humanitarian airdrops in northern Iraq on Sunday morning.

Thousands of Yazidis have fled their homes

The planes were stocked with humanitarian aid, including reusable filtration containers, tents, and solar lights which can also recharge mobile phones.

They aim to ease the suffering refugees stranded on Mount Sinjar since fleeing IS attacks on their homes a week ago, said to number between 50,000 and 150,000.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond on Saturday announced "a continuing drumbeat of airdrop operations" around the Sinjar mountains. The Government has pledged an emergency £8m aid package to help refugees in Iraq.

The boundary shows the area IS wants to create as a caliphate

The jihadists have been sweeping through northern Iraq, beheading and crucifying captives who refuse to be converted to Islam.

They have driven thousands of Yazidi people from their homes, leaving them stranded in the mountains in northwest Iraq without food or water.

Reports suggested that thousands of refugees, including children, may have already lost their lives after being trapped in the mountains without food and water for days.

At a press conference on Saturday Mr Obama said he viewed the US offensive in Iraq as a "long-term project" to rout out militants and deliver aid to beleaguered civilians.

President Obama says the US offensive is a "long-term" project

The President, who has ruled out sending in ground troops, and David Cameron discussed the commitment to providing humanitarian relief during a telephone conversation on Saturday.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "Both leaders also agreed that aid drops are not a long term solution, and that a way must be found to get these people to safety and to avert a genocide."

It is the first American offensive in Iraq since Washington pulled out its forces in 2011 after nearly a decade of brutal war.

He has also said US airstrikes aim to prevent IS fighters from attacking Irbil, the capital of the Iraqi Kurdish region, where the US has a diplomatic mission.

British aid is loaded onto a plane destined for Iraq

"I'm not going to give a particular timetable, because as I've said from the start, wherever and whenever US personnel and facilities are threatened, it's my obligation, my responsibility as commander in chief, to make sure they are protected," Mr Obama told reporters.

14.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

US Planes Bomb Jihadists As Food Aid Dropped

US warplanes have bombed Islamist fighters in northern Iraq for a second time - as 30,000 meals were dropped for refugees.

Aircraft  launched a second round of strikes on Islamic State (IS) targets in northern Iraq after President Barack Obama said Washington must act to prevent "genocide".

Islamic State fighters, who have beheaded and crucified captives, have advanced to within a half an hour of Irbil, Iraq's Kurdish capital and a hub for US oil companies.

Water bundles loaded onto a plane for a humanitarian drop to refugees

They have also seized control of Iraq's biggest dam, which could allow them to flood cities and cut off vital water and electricity supplies.

Iraq's government says hundreds of women from the Yazidi religious minority have been taken captive by fighters for IS, formerly known as ISIS.

The Pentagon said two F/A-18 aircraft from an aircraft carrier in the Gulf had dropped laser-guided 500-pound bombs on the fighters' artillery.

The rough outline of the desired IS caliphate

Other airstrikes had targeted mortar positions and an Islamic State convoy.

For the second night, the US also dropped relief supplies to members of the ancient Yazidi sect.

Tens of thousands of them are massed on a desert mountaintop seeking shelter from fighters who have ordered them to convert or die.

Warplanes launched a second wave of airstrikes in northern Iraq overnight

Three cargo planes escorted by two F/A-18 combat jets dropped the supplies - including 72 bundles which contained 28,224 individually packaged meals.

Another 16 bundles contained 1,522 gallons of fresh drinking water.

Mr Obama has authorised the first US airstrikes on Iraq since he pulled all troops out in 2011.

Iraqi military personnel distribute water to Shiite Iraqi Kurds

The action is aimed at halting the Islamist advance, protecting hundreds of thousands of Christians and other religious minorities who have fled for their lives.

In Britain, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon expressed a willingness to help Americans in their efforts to provide humanitarian support.

Combat jets are trying to halt the march of jihadists towards Irbil

In the hours after the airstrikes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned all US civilian flights over Iraq.

British Airways also decided to stop flying over the war-torn region.

Other international airlines including Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines have halted their flights to Irbil until Monday.

14.59 | 0 komentar | Read More