South Africa Marks Mandela’s Release
Nelson Mandela, the icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, has made a rare public appearance marking the 20th anniversary of his release from prison. He arrived in parliament in Cape Town on Thursday to attend a commemorative speech by Jacob Zuma, the president. Those present in the chamber cheered and sang "Nelson Mandela, there is none like you" as the former president took his seat.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/02/2010211171521703967.html
EU Deplores Libya Visa Ban for Europeans
The European Commission has condemned Libya's decision to stop issuing visas to the many Europeans whose countries are in the Schengen border-free zone. The commission says it "deplores the unilateral and disproportionate" Libyan decision and the nations affected will consider an "appropriate reaction". Libya's move came after Switzerland allegedly blacklisted 188 high-ranking Libyans, denying them entry permits.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8517642.stm
Elections to be Held in November?
Abuja, Nigeria — The election to choose the nation's next President is to be held as early as November this year, under proposals separately articulated by the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the constitution.The proposals which were presented to the Constitution Review Committees of the two chambers by a joint technical committee also provide stringent criteria for the participation of independent candidates in all classes of elections.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201002160007.html
Annan Urged to Intervene in Kenyan Dispute
Nairobi, Kenya -- Kenya's prime minister on Monday urged former U.N. chief Kofi Annan to intervene in a dispute with the nation's president over the suspension of two Cabinet members. Raila Odinga and his party called on Annan's "immediate intervention" after a conflict with President Mwai Kibaki. The standoff started when the president revoked the prime minister's suspension of the agriculture and education ministers to allow them to be investigated for corruption.http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/02/16/kenya.politics/index.html
