Economic crisis blessing for Cyprus peace deal: UN envoy

Economic crisis blessing for Cyprus peace deal: UN envoy

Nicosia, March 28 (IANS) An outgoing UN envoy in Cyprus said Thursday that the island’s economic crisis may be a blessing in disguise regarding a peace deal eluding Greek and Turkish Cypriots for many decades. Alexander Downer, a former foreign minister of Australia who served as UN secretary general’s personal advisor in Cyprus for seven years, […]

Colombia captures synthetic-drug distributing tsar

Colombia captures synthetic-drug distributing tsar

Bogota, March 27 (IANS) Colombian police authorities announced Wednesday they had captured Hector Alonso Castro, believed to be the country’s largest distributor of synthetic drugs, the media reported. There were no details as for when or where Castro, 38, was caught. Castro was also accused of charges including ordering several killings, Xinhua quoted RCN Radio network […]

South Africa extends peacekeeping mandate in Sudan

South Africa extends peacekeeping mandate in Sudan

Cape Town, March 26 (IANS) South African President Jacob Zuma has extended the employment of 850 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Darfur, Sudan, the presidency said Tuesday. Zuma has informed parliament of his decision, Xinhua quoted presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj as saying. The SANDF members, dispatched to Sudan April 1 last […]

Libya authorities amend law to try Gaddafi’s son

Libya authorities amend law to try Gaddafi’s son

Tripoli, March 26 (IANS) The Libyan General National Congress Tuesday made partial amendments to the country’s criminal law to allow the trial of Gaddafi’s son, a judicial spokesperson said. “The prosecution general, on the judge of security circumstances, required the votes of the General National Congress on amending Criminal Law 241 and 243, to allow the […]