Mali’s parliament speaker, Diocounda Traore, is the country’s new interim president after taking the oath of office Thursday. Mr. Traore will have up to 40 days to organize a new election. He is coming into power as part of a transition agreement between the Economic Community of West African States and renegade Malian soldiers who […]
Mali’s Interim President Sworn Into Office
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 6:30 am (UTC-5)
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Sudan Warplanes Bomb South Sudan Thursday
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 6:20 am (UTC-5)
South Sudan says Sudanese warplanes dropped several bombs early Thursday in their first attack on a major southern town. There has been no immediate confirmation of casualties. South Sudan’s Deputy Information Minister said five bombs dropped in the town of Bentiu were apparently aimed at a bridge. Wednesday, Sudan announced it was pulling out of […]
Uneasy Quiet Descends on Syria; New Calls for Protests
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 6:10 am (UTC-5)
Some Syrian opposition leaders are calling for demonstrations to test the resolve of the government to abide by a United Nations-brokered cease-fire. The challenge issued by the opposition Syrian National Council Thursday came just hours after an uneasy calm appeared to take hold across the country. Council spokesman Fawaz Zakri was hopeful months of violence […]
Britain’s Burma-Bound PM Hints at Sanction Relief
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 5:40 am (UTC-5)
British Prime Minister David Cameron says his country could soon ease sanctions on Burma, as he prepares to make an historic visit to the once-isolated country. Mr. Cameron told the BBC on Thursday that Britain will be quick to “respond in kind” if Burma continues making democratic progress. But he said he wants to witness […]
China Arrests Over 1,000 Accused of Spreading ‘Dangerous’ Rumors
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 4:40 am (UTC-5)
China’s state media say more than 1,000 people have been arrested since mid-February in an intense, nation-wide crackdown on what have been called “Internet-related crimes.” The official Xinhua news agency had reported in late March that six people had been arrested in a campaign against the spreading of supposedly “harmful” online rumors, which was linked […]
Connecticut Becomes 17th US State to Repeal Death Penalty
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 3:55 am (UTC-5)
The northeastern U.S. state of Connecticut has become the latest in the nation to abolish the death penalty. The Democratic-majority state House of Representatives voted to repeal the law Wednesday by a vote of 88-62, a week after it was approved by the state Senate. It replaces the death penalty with a sentence of life […]
Zimbabwe’s Mugabe Arrives Home From Singapore
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 3:50 am (UTC-5)
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe arrived home from Asia on Thursday morning, apparently dispelling rumors he is seriously ill. The 88-year-old leader was met at Harare’s airport by cabinet officials, but he did not speak to a throng of reporters gathered there. He was expected back two days ago from his trip to Singapore, fueling speculation […]
Uneasy Quiet Descends on Syria
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 3:45 am (UTC-5)
An uneasy calm is taking hold in Syria, hours after a United Nations-brokered cease-fire went into effect. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights tells VOA there have no reports of violence since the 6 a.m. local time deadline. The deal set out by U.N.-Arab League peace envoy Kofi Annan aims to end 13 months […]
Mass Murderer Charles Manson Again Denied Parole
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 3:30 am (UTC-5)
California prison officials have again denied parole for notorious mass murderer Charles Manson, possibly for the last time. The 77-year-old Manson again did not attend his parole hearing Wednesday at Corcoran State Prison north of Los Angeles. The parole board ruled that Manson is still a danger to society. Manson will not be eligible for […]
Philippines Sends Second Boat to Naval Standoff with China
Posted April 12th, 2012 at 3:25 am (UTC-5)
The Philippines and China continued looking for a diplomatic solution to a naval standoff on Thursday, even as Manila sent a second vessel to disputed islands in the South China Sea. Philippines foreign ministry spokesperson Raul Hernandez said a coast guard boat has been sent to the Scarborough Shoal, located about 230 kilometers off the […]
