North America
US begins Agent Orange clean up
The United States (US) has begun the cleaning up of Agent Orange contamination in one of Vietnam’s region. It is the first time the US has made such a move since the end of the war. Agent Orange is the name given to one of the herbicides and defoliants used by the U.S. military as part of their herbicidal warfare program. It was sprayed over vast areas of jungle to destroy communist guerrillas’ cover. Vietnam estimates that the 400,000 people were killed with a subsequent 150,000 to 500,000 birth defects. The clean up operation is to be directed by two American companies in compliance with Vietnam’s ministry of defence. The operation is due to be finished in 2016.
Africa and the Middle East
Power given to elected assembly in Libya
The National Transitional Council (NTC) has handed power to the newly elected council of Libya. The move comes nearly a year after former dictator Muammar Gaddafi was removed from power. The council has 200 now-democratically elected members and they are due to appoint a government who will rule until the next elections are determined by a new constitution. The NTC was officially dissolved as crowds gathered in Tripoli to celebrate the historical transition, adding candles and fireworks to celebrations. The now elected assembly will be meeting later to choose a speaker. The move by the NTC appears to be a progressive step towards stability in a county where militia groups still hold a lot of power. The election was the first free and fair polls for decades.
Asia
Bo Xilai scandal: Trial of British businessman ends in China
The murder trial of Gu Kailai, wife of the disgraced politician Bo Xilai, has ended after one day. Ms Gu was reported to not contest the charges read before her despite the real possibility of the death penalty if found guilty. Two members of the British Counsel were present at the trail, whose date of verdict is still pending. The trial was seen as a key to resolving a power struggle within the Communist Party. It is suspected now that Mr Bo will not be implicated in the case.
Europe
Swedish teddy bears cause Belarus row
The EU has arranged urgent talks to diffuse the row taking place between Belarus and Sweden. The row started when a Swedish public relations firm decided to parachute toy bears holding pro-democracy messages over Belarus. Sweden has reportedly closed down its embassy in Belarus as well as taking action against diplomats from Belarus; a country that is widely regarded as Europe’s last dictatorship. The Belarus administration is believed to have sacked its air defence minister, with reports that new holders of the post are told to shoot down any aircraft that is seen to perform any further stunts. Two Belarusians have been arrested with links to the case. It is believed that EU sanctions may be discussed tomorrow.
Latin America
Colombian drug lord in momentous arrest
Colombian officials are claimed that police have arrested one of the country’s pivotal drug lords, ‘Sebastian’. He was the director of one of the most powerful drug organisations called the “Office of Envigado”, based in the north-western region of Colombia. It is believed that the organisation killed more people than any other criminal network in Colombia in the last decade. President Juan Manuel Santos tweeted that the arrest was “A triple jump against that criminal network and a gold medal for the police”. ‘Sebastian’ faces an extradition order to the United States, where it is believed he will face his trial.
About the Author
