Former soldiers jailed
Two former Argentinean military officials have been jailed for 50 and 30 years respectively for stealing the babies of political prisoners. About 400 were taken between 1979-83.They are already serving life sentences for human right crimes.
New low
In a sign of the times the European Central Bank has dropped its interest rates to a record low 0.75 percent. The unanimous decision by the bank’s board was taken after results showed Europe’s economy – even in Germany – was flat-lining.
Mali intervention deferred
The United Nations has resisted sanctioning a West African intervention force to regain control of northern Mali. Islamist militia have taken over the region destroying historical artefacts. The UN wants more details about the regional force.
Terror suspects arrested
British police have arrested six people accused of plotting a terrorist attack. The five men and one woman were found by police during an investigation into Islamic extremists. Police deny an attack was planned on this month’s Olympic Games.
Arafat poisoned?
The remains of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat may be exhumed after tests indicated there was a high level of radioactive polonium among his belongings. He died in 2004 after illness. His widow has agreed to further tests on his body.
Castro mission
Cuba’s communist president Raul Castro has visited two of the world’s most successful socialist states for the first time. He met with Chinese officials in Beijing and signed finance and technology deals before flying to nearby Vietnam for talks.
Election setback
Fire has destroyed elections materials in Libya in ahead of the first poll since the revolution which deposed former dictator Moamar Gaddhafi. Coming after electoral offices were ransacked in Benghazi, officials suspect the fire may have been arson.
Whaling move
South Korea has announced it has plans to re-start hunting whales under the guise of ‘scientific’ research. Meat would then be sold. At an international conference, the country’s delegation said it would hunt Minke whales off its coast.
Deadly crash findings
A report has concluded a technical malfunction and pilot error contributed to the 2009 crash of an Air France jet flying from Rio de Janeiro to Paris. All 228 people on board the plane died. The black box recorder was only recovered last year.
Romney’s cash injection
Mitt Romney’s bid for the United States presidency got $100 million in campaign donations in June. It sets a record for the Republican party which is hopeful of unseating incumbent, Barack Obama, who this week began a campaign bus tour.
Shard lights up
London has celebrated the official opening of the Europe’s new tallest building with a laser show. Dubbed the Shard – because its shape is like a shard of glass – it cost $705 million but has drawn criticism for it 310 metre height and modern design.
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