Europe
Suspected terror cell arrested in Spain
A suspected al-Qaeda trio has been arrested in southern Spain. One man, believed to be a Turkish national, was arrested near San Rogue where explosives were obtained. Two linked suspects were arrested near the town of Almuradiel. A Spanish Minister has said that it is believed they were planning a terror plot in Spain or Europe, most likely with the use of car bombs. The arrests are said to be part of one of the biggest international anti-terror operations in history.
Euro-zone markets fall
The Eurozone markets have fallen after the European Central Bank (ECB) President has said that the bank will come up with a strategic solution to the crisis “over the coming weeks.” He added that the Euro is now irreversible. Spanish and Italian markets both fell 5% with interest rates on borrowing rising sharply. The ECB aims to mitigate these interest rates and allow countries to borrow by buying their debts at lower than market rates.
Middle East and Africa
Kofi Annan steps down as UN-Arab League envoy
Annan has relinquished his role as the UN-Arab joint special envoy to Syria. The reason for stepping down, he says, is because his role has been compromised by “finger pointing” and disunity in the Security Council, something that is compounded by an increased urgency in the Syria conflict. Implicitly referring to stubborn members of the council, China and Russia, Annan added that such disunity fundamentally undermines the efforts for peace in the region. The UN secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the announcement comes “with deep regret”, on a day where fighting has heightened in Syria’s second city Aleppo. Mr. Annan’s resignation comes into affect at the end of this month.
Egyptian President swears in new cabinet
President Mursi has sworn in his new cabinet. The Prime Minister-designate, who along with the President has called for unity and support by Egyptian citizens, selected the members. Only four posts were given to the President’s party; the Muslim Brotherhood. Despite Mursi promising to have a fully representative government, only two posts have been given to women. One of who is a Christian.
Latin America
Honduran Congress moves for weapon amnesty
The Honduran Congress has passed a Bill, which makes it illegal to carry a weapon in the region of Colon. The area has been besieged by violence provoked by drug trafficking and land disputes. The law exempts military and police officials. The ruling comes at a time when the country has the highest murder rate per capita in the world. The Security Minister said “The bloodshed that continues taking place must stop and the disarmament of the local population is needed”.
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