Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

In the World

Russia, Ecuador strike accords

MOSCOW - President Dmitry A. Medvedev yesterday called new arms and energy deals between Russia and Ecuador just a beginning as Moscow strives to deepen ties in Latin America.

Medvedev and Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa announced a $22 million deal for Russia to provide Ecuador with two Mi-17 transport helicopters. "It's not much, but it's the beginning of cooperation," Medvedev said.

They also presided over of the signing of agreements on Russia's assistance in constructing two hydropower stations and developing Ecuador's oil and gas reserves.

The Kremlin has recently sought to renew Communist-era ties with Latin America in what is widely seen as a response to U.S. support for Georgia and Ukraine, which once were part of the Soviet Union. - AP

Hondurans ask U.N. court action

THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Honduras' interim government has filed a case at the United Nations' highest court accusing Brazil of meddling in Honduran affairs by allowing ousted President Manuel Zelaya to stay at its embassy in Tegucigalpa, the court announced yesterday.

The filing came even as both factions resumed talks and expressed hope a deal could be reached to end the power crisis that has paralyzed the country since a coup four months ago. The two sides returned to the negotiating table at the urging of visiting U.S. diplomats.

The administration of interim President Roberto Micheletti asked the International Court of Justice to order Brazil to stop granting Zelaya refuge in its diplomatic mission. Zelaya has been holed up at the Brazilian Embassy since sneaking back into Honduras on Sept. 21.

The army forced him out June 28 after he defied Supreme Court orders to cancel a referendum on rewriting the constitution. - AP

Israelis recall Rabin's legacy

JERUSALEM - Israel marked the 14th anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin yesterday with ceremonies at his graveside, in parliament, and at schools and community centers across the country.

Rabin was shot dead Nov. 4, 1995, by a Jewish extremist who opposed his peace policies. Israel officially marks the date according to the Hebrew calendar.

"The greatness of Yitzhak was in the sincerity of his leadership - in war as in peace," said President Shimon Peres, who served as Rabin's foreign minister and succeeded him as prime minister after the shooting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Rabin was "a symbol of the integrity of Israel's fighters."

Israeli media said President Obama was to deliver a recorded message calling on Israelis to remember Rabin's legacy of peace. - AP

Elsewhere:

The Supreme Court of Canada turned down fugitive Thai banker Rakesh Saxena's request to hear his case, ending one of the longest extradition fights in Canadian history. Saxena has been fighting for 13 years to avoid being returned to Thailand to face charges he embezzled $88 million from a Bangkok bank.