Morning Mail: Bali Nine negotiations, Edward Snowden, LNP women, feral cat army

Guardian Australia's Morning Mail Thursday 5 March 2015 g
Bali Nine
Amid Australian pleas for mercy, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan arrived yesterday on the island where they will be executed, even as Indonesia says the executions are likely to strain diplomatic relations with Australia. As the Bali Nine pair await execution, Indonesia outlines how they carry out the death penalty – the rules of execution.Julie Bishop has floated a prisoner swap idea to secure Chan and Sukumaran's freedom, as Tony Abbott requests a call with Indonesian president Joko Widodo. Follow all of our Bali Nine coverage here.
Australian news and politics
More than two dozen Australian science research facilities are preparing for shutdown as the government refuses to secure $150m in vital funding, with up to 1,700 jobs at risk.  "How can we celebrate international women's day knowing that there's not an international men's day?" One of the statements from the Queensland LNP women's group after it was revealed they will be holding their International Women's Day event at a 'men only’ members club.  The Queensland police commissioner will receive “independent advice” on whether to lay criminal charges against the state's crime and corruption commission chairman, who has been under investigation about his dealings with the former Newman government.
Around the world
Edward Snowden "wants to return back home" to the US, says a lawyer for the NSA whistleblower, and legal teams in Germany, US and Russia "are doing everything possible" to make it happen. But what would actually happen if he went home - pardon or prison? More than 100 refugees, including children, have been arrested on Nauru as police cracked down on peaceful protests on the island. Footage shows arefugee being punched by a man in civilian clothingduring the protest. Italy has rescued more than 10,000 refugees in the Mediterranean north of Libya in the past two days, officials have said. Argentina’s government has taken out full-page advertisements in national newspapers accusing dead prosecutor Alberto Nisman of attempting to "destabilise" the country.
One last thing
Would you visit an island overrun by cats? Tourists are flocking to this island in Japan where an army of feral cats outnumbers humans six to one. With pictures. Have an excellent day – and if you spot something I've missed, let me know on Twitter @earleyedition.