Other world stories in brief
Australia to apologise to Aborigines
SYDNEY- Australia's newly elected Labor government is to apologise next month to the "stolen generation" of Aborigines forcibly removed from their families.
The formal apology, a measure that previous conservative administrations refused to countenance, will take place on February 13th when parliament resumes after a seasonal break.
Indigenous affairs minister Jenny Macklin called the apology "a bridge to the future" and confirmed yesterday that the wording of the statement would be made after widespread consultation with indigenous leaders. - (Guardian service)
Damages hope for abuse victims
LONDON- Thousands of sex abuse victims may be able to sue their attackers years after the offences following a Law Lords ruling involving Lotto rapist Iorworth Hoare. A woman who was sexually assaulted by Hoare who went on to win £7 million (€9.4 million) in Britain's national lottery is entitled to seek a share of his fortune, the UK's highest court ruled. The woman was attacked in a park in Leeds, northern England, in 1988. Hoare won the money while on a day release from prison in 2004. - (Bloomberg)
Zuma cancels event with Tyson
JOHANNESBURG- Jacob Zuma, leader of South Africa's ruling ANC party, has cancelled an appearance at a charity event attended by controversial former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
A South African women's rights group had protested about the American boxer's appearance at a gala banquet at Johannesburg's Emperor's Palace casino to raise funds for a charity.
Tyson served three years in an Indiana prison following a 1992 rape conviction. - (Reuters)
Ugandan peace talks resume
KHARTOUM- Peace talks between the Ugandan government and the rebel LRA resumed yesterday in southern Sudan with the two sides signing a one-month extension to a cessation of hostilities, south Sudan's presidency said. The talks have been hailed as a breakthrough after almost two decades of conflict and a largely forgotten humanitarian crisis. - (Reuters)
AG refuses to rule on waterboarding
WASHINGTON- US attorney general Michael Mukasey drew congressional fire yesterday for refusing to rule on the legality of waterboarding, and said the CIA may again seek to use the harsh interrogation method.
But he said before the CIA turns to the simulated drowning technique condemned by the world as torture, he or any of his successors would determine if it is lawful and it would go to the president.
"Those steps may never be taken, but if they are I commit to you today that this committee will be notified," he told the judiciary committee. - (Reuters)