A round-up of other world news in brief
New Latvian PM faces task of budget cuts
RIGA – Latvia’s new prime minister has won a parliamentary vote confirming him in office but immediately faces the task of more budget cuts and talks to win leeway with the International Monetary Fund and European Union.
Valdis Dombrovskis (37), a former finance minister and member of the main centre- right opposition party, New Era, has formed a six-party coalition, including the four parties in the government that collapsed last month due to the economic crisis.
“For the first time in independent Latvia, we are forced to decide on a pitiless regime of cuts in order to avoid the state going bankrupt,” Mr Dombrovskis told parliament before the vote. – (Reuters)
N Korea to launch April satellite
SEOUL – North Korea has given global agencies notice of its plans to launch a satellite on April 4th-8th, an official has said. Washington has called the move “provocative” and views it as a disguised long-range missile test.
The United States said on Wednesday it could pursue a range of options against the state if it launches the missile, including squeezing it harder with UN sanctions imposed after separate missile and nuclear tests in 2006. – (Reuters)
Freed MDC official calls for tolerance
MUTARE – Zimbabwean MDC official Roy Bennett has been freed from prison after the Supreme Court ordered his release on bail and he called for forgiveness and reconciliation in the country.
His release yesterday after almost a month in jail could ease tension in the power- sharing government of President Robert Mugabe and the prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, which faces the task of rebuilding the shattered economy.
Mr Bennett told reporters in Mutare, 300km east of the capital Harare, that he had forgiven those who had imprisoned him and he called for tolerance and reconciliation. – (Reuters)
7ft 2in woman can stay in UK for now
LONDON – A 7ft 2in asylum seeker can remain in the UK while her case is considered, the UK Border Agency said last night.
Zainab Bibi (48) from Pakistan sought asylum after coming to Britain more than two years ago. Ms Bibi, who was initially housed in Stockport, had her application rejected by the agency. She has submitted further representation, which means she will not be removed from the UK while the new evidence is considered.
Reports suggested that her asylum claim was based on the fact that people in Pakistan threw stones at her because of her height. – (PA)
Kirk gets senate committee support
WASHINGTON – The senate finance committee has voted to back the nomination of former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk to be US trade representative.
The panel’s voice vote sets the stage for full Senate consideration. Senate approval would fill one of the last empty slots in President Barack Obama’s cabinet. – (Reuters)