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Chavez not in a coma but recovering well

Written By Unknown on Senin, 14 Januari 2013 | 23.45

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has not been seen in public for several months, this photo was taken back in October of last year. Picture: AFP/Luis Acosta Source: AFP

OFFICIALS sent mixed signals about the condition of cancer-stricken Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, fueling growing political uncertainty in the oil-rich country.

President Chavez's health has evolved in a "favorable" way in recent days, though he still requires treatment for respiratory failure, Communications Minister Ernesto Villegas said.

"Despite his delicate health state since his complex surgery on December 11, his general health has improved in recent days and the president is in strict compliance with his medical treatment," Villegas said in a statement broadcast on radio and television.

Yet former vice president Elias Jaua said President Chavez, who has not been seen in public for more than a month, was "fighting for his life".

But Jaua said the usually outspoken and ever-present leftist leader was "alive and fighting for a full recovery."

"The situation is complex and delicate, but it is true that Hugo Chavez has fought and is fighting for his life," said Jaua, who was vice-president from January 2010 until October.

He spoke during a meeting in Caracas of the ruling United Socialist Party in support of Chavez. Similar meetings were held simultaneously in the cities of Zulia (northwest), Trujillo (west) and Vargas (north), and were broadcast on government television.

Chavez, whose OPEC-member nation controls the world's largest proven oil reserves, has been out of the public eye since undergoing surgery in Havana on December 11. It is the fourth such operation in the 18 months since his condition was made public.

Previously, officials said the fiery leftist leader was suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that resulted in a "respiratory insufficiency." That fuelled speculation about his prospects for a full recovery - and his political future.

On Saturday, his brother Adan denied rumours that Chavez was in a coma, saying the Venezuelan leader was responding "well" to cancer treatment and was making progress on a daily basis.

Chavez's anointed heir, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro, met with his ailing boss late on Saturday.

During his trip, Maduro also met with Cuban President Raul Castro along with Venezuelan Parliament President Diosdado Cabello, Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez and Attorney General Cilia Flores.

Venezuelan authorities have said Chavez continues to fight a severe respiratory infection after undergoing a fourth round of surgery on Dec. 11 for a cancer in the pelvic area first diagnosed on June 8, 2011.

Thousands of pro-Chavez supporters held rallies across the nation yesterday to defend hiss populist "revolution,'' with a top ally alleging that far-right factions were seeking violent instability.

The opposition says the government's indefinite postponement of Chavez's inauguration, which was to have occurred on Thursday, is unconstitutional and is demanding it lift the veil of secrecy about his medical condition.

Chavez was re-elected on October 7.  If he is unable to take office, Venezuela's constitution says new elections must be called within 30 days.


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Berlusconi sex trial to go ahead

Model and nightclub dancer Karima El Mahroug, previously identified by her stage name Ruby the Heart Stealer, speaking during her appearance as a guest on the Italian TV show "Kalispera" in Milan. Source: AFP

A MILAN court on Monday rejected a bid by former Premier Silvio Berlusconi to halt his sex-for-hire trial because of Italy's general election campaign, a ruling that means a verdict could come before the February vote.

The judges deliberated for four hours before deciding that the trial would go ahead. The defence also decided they didn't need to hear testimony from the Moroccan woman at the center of the case, Karima el-Mahroug, the last witness.

Ms El-Mahroug had appeared in court on Monday ready to testify after having failed to show on two previous dates, purportedly because she was in Mexico on vacation.

Mr Berlusconi is accused of paying for sex with Ms el-Mahroug, better known as Ruby, when she was 17 and during his notorious "bunga bunga" parties, and then using his office to cover it up. Both deny sexual contact.

Ms El-Mahroug had been the last witness due to testify, meaning a verdict could come before the February 24-25 elections in which Berlusconi is heading a centre-right coalition.

Silvio Berlusconi is accused of paying for sex with Karima el-Mahroug, better known as Ruby, when she was 17 and during his notorious "bunga bunga" parties, and then using his office to cover it up.he age of consent.

Mr Berlusconi's defense lawyer, Niccolo Ghedini, had filed a motion to suspend the proceeding, citing the demands of the election campaign. The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that Mr Berlusconi is not the formal head of his party nor its official candidate for premier, and that he has infrequently shown up for trail anyway, as is his right.

In their ruling, the judges said Berlusconi's absences for a political campaign were a personal choice and couldn't be compared with having a parliamentary obligation - which has been accepted as a legitimate impediment that can allow a trial to be delayed.

Prosecutors had said they didn't need Ms el-Mahroug's court testimony, explaining they had what they needed from other evidence already submitted. Mr Berlusconi's defense, which had originally called her as a witness, said Monday they didn't need to hear her testify. They offered no explanation for the change in strategy.

Ms El-Mahroug's lawyer, Paola Boccardi, said her client wasn't angry that she didn't have to testify, just "surprised that she wasn't heard."

Ms El-Mahroug looked relaxed, chatting with her lawyer. She wore a dark parka with fur trim, Ugg boots and carried a fashionable Louis Vuitton handbag.

In saying that she needn't testify, the judges thanked Ms el-Mahroug for coming.


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Palace announces royal birth date

Prince William and wife Kate as she left hospital last month. It is believed today's announcement means she has had her 12-week scan. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Source: AP

THE former Kate Middleton is due to give birth to her first baby in July, and her health is improving after a bout of severe morning sickness, palace officials have said.

The child of Kate and Prince William will be third in line to the British throne.

The 31-year-old Duchess of Cambridge, as she is formally known, spent several days in hospital last month being treated for acute morning sickness.

She has since resumed public appearances, and looked healthy at the unveiling of an official portrait last week.

The palace said in a statement that "the duchess's condition continues to improve".

It said the two "are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in July".

The announcement by the couple's St James's Palace office lays to rest speculation that the duchess could be having twins.

The palace would not comment on whether the baby is a boy or a girl. The British Government is changing centuries-old succession laws to ensure that a royal daughter will have the same claim to the throne as a son.

Bookmaker William Hill released odds on the name of the royal baby, with favourites including George, Victoria and Diana, all at 10-1.


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Bank's 'sexist' promo sparks outrage

Traditionally women have taken charge of household finances in China, but as the country modernises, attitudes have changed. Source: AFP

A CHINESE bank's offer to automatically transfer most of a husband's income to his wife's account has provoked fury, with some calling it "the most atrocious banking service against men in history".

On its website China Merchants Bank (CMB), a major financial institution, describes its "capital accumulation" service as a "time- and energy-efficient" way for a couple to save money.

Using fictional newly-weds Xinyan and Wenhao as an example of a couple struggling to save for a home, an advertisement for the service reads: "CMB will check Wenhao's account balance on a daily basis.

"Once it goes over 1,000 yuan ($152), the bank will automatically transfer the excess into Xinyan's account.

"Ever since they started using CMB's capital accumulation service, Xinyan and Wenhao have got on with each other even better and lived in happiness," it added.


Traditionally women have taken charge of household finances in China, but as the country modernises, attitudes have changed, especially among the young, and the advertisement set off a firestorm of controversy.

One mobile phone news service described it in a headline as "the most atrocious banking service against men in history".

The CMB service enables instant transfers between accounts and is not limited to family finance management, the official Beijing Daily reported Monday, when there were more than 170,000 posts on the subject on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo.

"The CMB service is far too atrocious - it is a boon for the ladies and a deadly blow for men. I remind you gentlemen that you should never let your better half go to CMB," said a user with the handle "gossip girl in finance".

Another wrote: "I can't understand the bank - does it intend to disable all men in China or dismantle all Chinese families?"


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Twins choose euthanasia over blindness

The Verbessem twins were euthanised by lethal injection, similar to that pictured, by doctors at Brussels University Hospital on December 14. Picture: Stuart Clarke

IDENTICAL twins were killed by Belgian doctors last month in an unusual mercy killing that put a spotlight on the nation's euthanasia laws.

Marc and Eddy Verbessem, 45, were both born deaf and sought to end their lives after learning they would also imminently go blind.

Having spent their entire lives together, sharing an apartment and working as cobblers, the brothers told doctors they could not bear the thought of not being able to see each other, according to London's Daily Telegraph.

Euthanasia is legal in Belgium, requiring those who seek it to convince a doctor and judges that they are suffering unbearable pain. The twins' case was unusual because they were not in physical pain or terminally ill.

The pair were euthanised by lethal injection by doctors at Brussels University Hospital on December 14. "They were very happy. It was a relief to see the end of their suffering," supervising doctor David Dufour told RTL television news.

"They had a cup of coffee in the hall, it went well and a rich conversation. The separation from their parents and brother was very serene and beautiful. At the last there was a little wave of their hands and then they were gone."

The men, from the village of Putte outside Brussels, had first sought help from - and been refused by - their local hospital.

"There is a law but that is clearly open to various interpretations. If any blind or deaf are allowed to euthanise, we are far from home. I do not think this was what the legislation meant by 'unbearable suffering'," the Telegraph reports doctors at the first hospital saying.

The twins also had to overcome resistance from their ageing parents, who did not initially support their desire to be euthanised, according to neighbours in Putte, but were defended by older brother Dirk Verbessem.

"Many will wonder why my brothers have opted for euthanasia because there are plenty of deaf and blind that have a 'normal' life," he said. "But my brothers trudged from one disease to another. They were really worn out."

Mr Verbessem explained his brothers had suffered spinal and heart disease, as well as losing their vision due to glaucoma.

"The great fear that they would no longer be able to see, or hear, each other and the family was for my brothers unbearable," he said.

Belgium's ruling Socialists have since tabled a new amendment to the laws that would allow euthanasia of children and Alzheimer's sufferers.

"The idea is to update the law to take better account of dramatic situations and extremely harrowing cases we must find a response to," said Thierry Giet, the Socialist leader.

Euthanasia has been legal in Belgium since 2002 but only people over the age of 18.

Some 1133 cases of euthanasia - mostly for terminal cancer - were recorded there in 2011, according to the last official figures.
 

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide contact Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 22 46 36, or Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22.


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Alleged gang-rapists 'should be cuffed'

A police officer stands guard next to a police van believed to be carrying the five men accused in a gang rape as they leave the district court in New Delhi. Picture: Tsering Topgyal Source: AP

INDIAN prosecutors have said the five adults charged with the murder and gang-rape of a student in New Delhi are "dangerous men" and should be handcuffed while in custody.

The five accused, who have so far not been handcuffed when brought to court, were produced before a magistrate for the third time yesterday.

The proceedings, which are being held behind closed doors, were adjourned until Thursday following legal arguments, lawyers said outside the courtroom.

"These five men have committed a heinous crime, they gang-raped and murdered a woman. They must be handcuffed by the police to prevent them from attacking anyone in the jail or in the court," public prosecutor Rajesh Mohan said.

Mr Mohan said the prosecution had officially requested the five be handcuffed and the court would give its ruling on Thursday.

Indians participate in a candle light vigil for the young victim of the recent brutal gang-rape in a bus in New Delhi.

There are strict limits on handcuffing in India. It can be used only in exceptional circumstances, when the court deems that there is a real prospect that a suspect could escape or attack fellow inmates.

Defence lawyer A.P. Singh, who is representing two of the accused, said his clients are not "hardened criminals" and should not be handcuffed.

The five adults have been charged with murder, rape and robbery in connection with the December 16 attack on the 23-year-old student, who died 13 days later in a Singapore hospital from horrific injuries.

A sixth suspect, who says he is 17 years old, is likely to be tried in a juvenile court if medical tests confirm he is a minor. He will be presented before the court on Tuesday.

Indian bystanders write on a banner featuring a call for harsh punishment for the alleged rapists. Picture: AFP

The attack on the student outraged Indians, leading to massive protests and calls for tougher laws to punish rapes.

In her first published comments, the mother of the student said on Sunday that all her daughter's attackers deserve to die, regardless of age.

A wide-ranging gagging order has been imposed on media coverage of the proceedings.
 

Indian men and women lie down on the ground mimicking dead bodies as they mourn the death of a gang-rape victim. Picture: Saurabh Das

Indian protestors hold placards as they shout slogans during a protest demanding better security for women in New Delhi. Picture: AFP


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GPS sends woman on 1450km detour

A 67-year-old Belgium woman says her GPS sent her on a detour across Europe to Zagreb, Croatia, seen here covered in snow yesterday. Source: AP

A BELGIUM woman says her GPS sent her on a 1450km detour across Europe.

Sabine Moreau, 67, says she wanted to drive from her home in Brussels to pick up her friend at the local train station on Saturday.

The 61km drive should have taken about an hour.

Ms Moreau arrived in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, two days and 1450km later, according to news site Nieuwsblad.we.

It is believed she drove through several countries including Germany.

''I was just distracted, so I kept the throttle,'' she said.

''My GPS …gave several detours that I had to follow. And then it went wrong.''

''I saw all kinds of traffic pass. First in French, then in German. Cologne, Aachen, Frankfurt ... But I imagined no questions. I just kept the throttle.''

Ms Moreau refuelled twice, caused a minor accident and slept a few hours behind the wheel on the side of the road.

She says she never realised she went the wrong way.

''Whether I do not think a little weird? Maybe, but I was just distracted and preoccupied,'' she said.
 


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Insurgents close on Mali's capital

Soldiers man a checkpoint on the road to Diabaly, in central Mali. Despite intensive aerial bombardments by French warplanes, al-Qaida-linked extremists overran the garrison village of Diabaly on Monday. Picture: Harouna Traore Source: AP

DESPITE intensive aerial bombardments by French warplanes, Islamist insurgents grabbed more territory in Mali on Monday and got much closer to the capital, French and Malian authorities said.

In the latest setback, the al-Qaida-linked extremists overran the garrison village of Diabaly in central Mali, France's defence minister said in Paris. Jean-Yves Le Drian said Monday the rebels "took Diabaly after fierce fighting and resistance from the Malian army that couldn't hold them back."

The Malian military is in disarray and has let many towns fall with barely a shot fired since the insurgency began almost a year ago in the northwest African nation. The Islamist fighters control the north and had been blocked in Mali's narrow waist in the central part of the country. But they appeared to have now done a flanking move in the 300-kilometre long belt, opening a second front in the broad southern section of the country, knifing in from the west on government forces.


Mauritania lies to the west of Mali and its armed forces have been put on high alert, said a military official there who insisted on anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to reporters. To the south, the nation of Burkina Faso has sent military reinforcements to its border and set up roadblocks.

The French military, which began battling in Mali on Friday, expanded its aerial bombing campaign of northern Mali, launching airstrikes for the first time in central Mali to combat the new threat. But it failed to halt the advance of the rebels, who now are only 400 kilometres from the capital Bamako, in the far south. Before France sent its forces in on Friday, the closest known spot the Islamists were to the capital was 680 kilometres away near the central belt, though they might have infiltrated closer than that.

France is urging the "Africanisation" of the conflict, encouraging African nations to send troops to fight the Islamic extremists. There have been promises, but no troop movements have yet been publicly announced.

Early Monday, an intelligence agent confirmed that shots rang out near the Diabaly military camp in what was still nominally government-held territory and that soon after, jets were heard overhead, followed by explosions. The agent insisted on anonymity because he is not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.

A Malian commander in the nearby town of Niono said the bombardments did not stop the Islamist fighters and that they occupied Alatona, and on Monday, they succeeded in reaching the north-south road which connects Diabaly to Segou, the administrative capital of central Mali.

In another setback, Mr Le Drian said a second French commando who went missing during a bungled attempt to rescue a hostage in Somalia, on the other side of Africa, was most likely killed during the operation. The Somali insurgent group al-Shabab, which like the Islamists in Mali are linked to al-Qaida, later posted on Twitter two photos of a man wearing military pants and a blood-soaked shirt surrounded by two guns, ammunition clips and protective gear.

In a possible reference to the photo, Mr Le Drian said France believed that al-Shabab group was preparing a "macabre and disgraceful" display of the dead soldiers' bodies.

The Islamist advance in central Mali came even after fighter jets late Sunday began dropping bombs in the rice-growing region of Alatona. At that point, a rebel convoy had been spotted 40 kilometres southeast of Diabaly, until recently the site of a major, US-funded Millenium Challenger Corporation project.

French radio Europe 1 broadcast a telephone interview with Omar Ould Hamaha, a leader of the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa, which controls part of northern Mali. In it he dared the French to "come down on the ground if they're real men. We'll welcome them with open arms," he said. "France has opened the gates of hell ... it has fallen into a trap much more dangerous than Iraq, Afghanistan or Somalia."

The international medical humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders, known by its initials in French as MSF, said Monday that 12 people wounded in the conflict were being treated by an MSF team at a regional hospital in Timbuktu, a roughly seven-hour journey from the conflict zone.

"We are worried about the people living close to the combat zones, and we call on all the parties to the conflict to respect the safety of civilians and to leave medical facilities untouched," said Rosa Crestani, MSF emergency response coordinator.

Mali's north, an area the size of France itself, was occupied by al-Qaida-linked rebels nine months ago, following a coup in the capital. For nearly as long, the international community has debated what to do. In December, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution calling for a military intervention, but only after an exhaustive list of pre-emptive measures were fulfilled, starting with training the Malian military, which was supposed to take the lead in the offensive.

All of that changed in a matter of hours last week, when French intelligence services spotted two rebel convoys heading south, one on the mostly east-west axis of Douentza to the garrison towns of Mopti and Sevare, and a second heading from a locality north of Diabaly toward Segou, the administrative capital of Central Mali.

Had either Segou or Mopti fallen, many feared that the Islamists could advance toward the capital.

French President Francois Hollande deployed 550 French troops to Mali and authorised the airstrikes which began Friday, initially concentrated in the north. The French are using Mirage jets stationed in Chad, which are able to carry 250-kilogram bombs. They are also using Gazelle helicopter gunships and the Rafale jet, based in France.

Britain over the weekend authorised sending several C-17 transport planes to help France bring more troops. The United States is sending drones, as well as communications and logistical support.

Since seizing control of Mali's upper half, the Islamists have imposed an austere form of Islam, foreign to the people of Mali, who have long practiced a moderate religion. They have cut off the hands and feet of thieves, in public spectacles that have left outdoor squares awash in blood. Women live with increasingly less freedom, and are required to fully cover themselves. They have been flogged and whipped for offenses ranging from wearing eyeshadow or perfume, to not covering their hands.

A public bus is stopped by Malian soldiers at a checkpoint on the road to Diabaly.  The Malian military is in disarray and has let many towns fall with barely a shot fired since the insurgency began almost a year ago in the northwest African nation. Picture: Harouna Traore


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