Iran is on “the threshold” of making a nuclear warhead small enough to be used in a ballistic missile, a leaked International Atomic Energy Agency reports says. The R265 generator device is a small ball enriched with uranium or plutonium.
Murray jailed
Conrad Murray, the former doctor to Michael Jackson, will remain in prison until at least November 29, when he is sentenced after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter of the pop star. A jury this week found him guilty of criminal negligence.
President Molina
A retired army general, promising a crackdown on crime, has been elected Guatemala’s next president. Otto Perez Molina secured 53 percent of the vote, beating a businessman rival. Law and order dominated the election debate after the former first lady was deemed ineligible to run.
US-Cuba relations
Direct flights from New York to the Cuban capital of Havana will begin Sunday. For decades travel to the communist island was banned by US law – but softening in the political rhetoric has seen a growing number of “authorised” American tourists make the trip.
Berlusconi’s strife
The political career of controversial Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is in trouble with growing calls from protesters and the opposition for his resignation. A rally filled a central Rome square Monday. On Facebook he denied rumours he was set to quit his post.
Pakistan assassination
A suicide bomber killed a Pakistani politician and his bodyguard in an attack in a city west of Islamabad on Monday. Hanif Jadoon was leaving morning prayers related to the holiday of Eid al-Adha when the explosion took place. No group has taken responsibility.
Aid review
South Korea will review humanitarian funding to its arch adversary, North Korea. Unification minister Yu Woo-ik said he will look at the medical and food resources provided to the reclusive state. There have been growing concerns about widespread malnutrition in the country.
Travellers warned
Tourists have been warned to be vigilant in Nigeria as authorities brace for attacks on areas frequented by foreigners. The American mission told citizens to expect more security checks with popular hotels tipped as targets of Islamic hard-liners.
Journalists jailed
Two Swedish journalists face jail in Ethiopia after being captured in a war-torn part of the country, near the border with Somalia and charged with terrorism. The pair, captured in July, said they were doing a story on the region. Journalists and aid workers are banned from the area.
New Greek PM
The Greek Prime Minister who secured a billion-dollar bailout for the cash-strapped country has resigned. George Papendreou agreed to stand down in favour of a coalition government. His replacement was due to be announced Tuesday.
Terrorist jailed
The former head of Basque terrorist group ETA has been sentenced to 105 years’ jail by a Madrid court for ordering the assassination of a politician in 2000. Francisco Javier Garcia Gaztelu, 45, who has been in custody since 2001, will be eligible for release after serving 40 years.
Post published in: World News