Other world news in brief
Farc frees politician held for seven years
VILLAVICENCIO– Colombia's Farc rebels have freed a politician held hostage for more than seven years in the second release this week by Latin America's longest-running insurgency.
A Brazilian army helicopter ferried an International Committee of the Red Cross team into Colombia’s jungle earlier yesterday to bring back Alan Jara, a former provincial governor kidnapped by Farc guerrillas in 2001.
Farc freed three captive police officers and a soldier on Sunday and another handover is planned for later this week, fuelling speculation that the leftist rebels are trying to regain political capital after a year of military setback. – (Reuters)
Deal reached on Scottish budget
EDINBURGH– The Scottish government yesterday struck a deal with the Liberal Democrats which should ensure its £33 billion budget is passed tomorrow.
Finance secretary John Swinney said the government had reached an agreement which will see all 16 Lib Dem MSPs back the budget.
At the same time Scottish Parliament business managers announced they have agreed to fast-track the budget.
The move, which still has to be approved by MSPs, means that the government’s spending plan should be passed tomorrow. – (PA)
Zuma tries to get charges dropped
JOHANNESBURG– South Africa's ruling ANC leader Jacob Zuma has approached the country's highest court
to try to have corruption charges against him dropped.
Political tension has increased before an election due in April, when the ANC faces its most serious contest since apartheid ended in 1994.
Mr Zuma’s party is expected to win despite the revived corruption case, opening the way for him to become state president in succession to Thabo Mbeki.
An Appeals Court ruling, which overturned an earlier court ruling, has opened the way for prosecutors to pursue the corruption case against Mr Zuma.
A South African high court is expected today to set a date for Mr Zuma’s trial. – (Reuters)
Playmobil toys inventor dies
BERLIN– The German inventor of Playmobil toys, which became an instant success when they hit the market 35 years ago, has died at the age of 79.
Hans Beck, a furniture maker and model enthusiast, came up with the toy in 1974 after being asked to create a new and collectible play concept. – (Guardian service)
Union Jack flown upside down
LONDON– Embarrassed Downing Street officials are checking their supply of Union Jacks after displaying one upside down at a high-profile event at Number 10.
Eagle-eyed vexillophiles spotted the wrongly hung miniature version in photographs of a trade deal signing involving prime minister Gordon Brown, trade secretary Peter Mandelson and Chinese premier Wen Jiabao on Monday. – (PA)
LONDON– Carol Thatcher will no longer be working on The One Show, the BBC said last night. She was removed after she referred to a tennis player as a "golliwog". The daughter of Margaret Thatcher made the remark after filming the show last Thursday during a conversation with presenter Adrian Chiles and several guests. – (Reuters)