Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has declared he has beaten cancer, telling reporters “there are no malignant cells in this body”. He went on to announce he would run for president at next year’s election.
Buried in secret
The bodies of ex-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, his son Muatassim and a top aide have been buried in secret in the desert, Libyan officials say. A National Transitional Council official said the bodies were buried at dawn in an unknown location. This followed days of uncertainty among the new leadership about what to do with them.
North Koreans talk
After a three-moth hiatus, talks between American officials and a North Korean delegation have resumed. The discussions, aimed at ending the reclusive nation’s nuclear program, were described as “positive” by US officials.
Italy pressured
Germany and France have demanded Italy do more to boost economic growth and reduce its debts as European leaders try to stop the spread of the sovereign debt crisis. The debate came as a deadline to find $108bn loomed.
Simoncelli shock
Sunday’s Malaysian MotoGP was suspended following the death of 24-year-old Italian star Marco Simoncelli. The Honda rider came off his bike in the second lap and was hit by two competitors. Attempts to revive him at a nearby hospital were unsuccessful.
Tunisians vote
The so-called “Arab Spring” revolutions in northern Africa and the Middle East have started to bear fruit with Tunisians going to the polls. International observers reported a turnout of 80 percent at the “remarkably free and fair” elections which saw the moderate Islamist party claim victory.
Airport floods
Floodwaters have reached one of Thailand’s main airports and the home of one the flood relief operation command centres. After weeks of flooding in the country, residents in five new areas have been told to evacuate.
Wikileaks runs dry
Controversial whistle-blowing website Wikileaks has halted its publications to raise more money. Organisation founder Julian Assange said a blockade by American credit providers had slashed revenue by 95 percent.
Turkey crumbles
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake in eastern Turkey has killed at least 280 and injured 1300 more. Buildings were levelled during the Sunday quake trapping people in buildings. The death toll is expected to rise.
India halts polio
India is closer than ever to eradicating the deadly polio. The country’s health minister said there have been no new cases of the disease reported to authorities in nine months and only one reported all year. There were 39 cases reported in India in 2010.
Europe enters space
Europe’s first satellite-navigated spacecrafts have been sent into orbit. Two Galileo satellites were launched by Russian Soyuz rockets in French Guiana. The technology should provide European businesses with precise timing and location data.
Third shark death
A 32-year-old American tourist is dead after being mauled by a shark off the Western Australian coastline. Texan George Thomas Wainwright is the third to be killed in the area this year. Police were unable to find the animal responsible.
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