A commission of enquiry will be established to investigate July’s riots in Malawi, according to president Bingu wa Mutharika. During the anti-government protests at least 19 people were killed.
Syrian protest
Russian president Dimtry Medvedev has called on his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad to step down if he will not introduce promised democratic reforms. World leaders criticised human rights in Syria after massive protests.
Press Freedom calls
Fresh calls for more press freedoms in Burma have come from an unlikely source – the head of the country’s powerful censorship department. Tint Swe said it was incompatible with democratic practices promised.
Big win
The purchase of one slip of paper has earned a British punter about $160 million in the Euromillions lottery. It is the third largest jackpot in UK history. It is unknown who won the booty.
Sarkozy slams Moscow
French President Nicholas Sarkozy has labelled Russian attempts to intimidate Georgia as “unacceptable”. Speaking in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, he said while Russia was a friend, Moscow should stop making threats.
‘Hero’ freed
A Cuban man convicted in the US for spying has been freed from jail after serving 13 of a 15-year jail term. He is one of the so-called “Cuban five” who are hailed as heroes in Cuba, deemed “political prisoners”.
Women of peace
Three women will share the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. Liberian president Ellen Johnson and Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee along with Yemeni human rights campaigner Tawakkul Karman will receive the award later this year.
Sudan talks
The leaders of Sudan and South Sudan have agreed to hold regular talks in a bid to put to rest long-held differences. Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir said he wanted “brotherly relations” with the new country which separated this year.
New Zealand slick
Poor conditions have hampered efforts to stop a ship carrying fuel from leaking into a reef off the coast of New Zealand. About 1700 cubic metres of fuel remained on the ship after containment efforts ceased.
Egypt riots
At least 17 civilians are dead after protests in the streets of Cairo following the destruction of a Christian Church in southern Egypt last week. Pro-Christian protestors and army forces clashed and the church was torched.
Boy jailed
An Australian boy, 14, has been arrested and held in custody on the Indonesian island of Bali for possession of a small quantity of cannabis. Australian diplomats registered concern because in Indonesia he will be tried as an adult.
Sailors slain
At least 12 Chinese sailors have been killed after their cargo ship was attacked on the Mekong River in northern Thailand. Authorities say investigations are continuing but have not ruled out the involvement of drug-related gangs.
Post published in: World News