Chavez ‘cancer-free’
Venezuela’s 57-year-old president, Hugo Chavez, told reporters on Monday that he was “totally” cancer-free. The announcement comes at a crucial time – ahead of the October 7 presidential election, where he is expected to run for a third six-year term. Chavez was first diagnosed with cancer in his pelvic area one year ago, and underwent a series of treatment cycles in Cuba and at home. He declared himself cancer-free at the end of 2011, but the disease returned in February 2012.
Romanian Constitutional Court puts president's impeachment to voters
Romania's Constitutional Court ruled on Monday night that the impeachment of increasingly unpopular President Traian Basescu is legal, AP reports. Members of the Romanian parliament accuse him of overstepping his authority by meddling in government business and the country's judicial system, and voted last week to impeach. The ruling allows for a referendum to go ahead on July 29. In order for Basescu to be ousted from office, more than half of voters need to vote in favor of impeachment.
Three UK men to face terror charges
Three men from Birmingham, England, have been charged by the UK police with terror offenses. No further details are available at this point, but the three are set to appear in court in London on Tuesday.
South Sudan marks first birthday amid tensions with Sudan
South Sudan has been marking its first anniversary of independence from Sudan. Tens of thousands gathered on Monday in the capital, Juba, to celebrate the first birthday of the world's youngest nation. But the celebrations come as the neighbors are teetering on the brink of a full-scale war. Disputes over the unsettled issues of oil deposits and their border have tensions at a boiling point. The oil-rich South is dependent on Sudan's infrastructure to export its resources, but production has ground to a halt as neither have been able to agree on transit fees. The problems only add to the South's current dire economic situation.
UN to help Libyan courts – without interfering in trials
The United Nations has offered to help Libya improve its court system, but will not interfere in the trial of Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam, a UN spokesperson announced on Monday. Saif al-Islam was arrested last November as he tried to flee to Niger. He is accused of crimes against the Libyan people, and is currently detained by rebels in the city of Zintan who refuse to transfer him to the capital, Tripoli.
Afghan Taliban claim blast that killed 6 US troops
The Taliban took responsibility on Monday for a bomb blast in Afghanistan that killed six American troops. They were killed on Sunday when their armored vehicle struck a bomb planted in eastern Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in Wardak province, just south of Kabul, AP reports. After the explosion in Jalrez district, a coalition air strike killed a local Taliban commander and wounded three insurgents, Wardak provincial police chief Gen. Abdul Qayum Baqizoi said.
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