
In a surprise move Cuban radio and television announced Monday a cabinet restructuring which included the removal of some of its most visible and political top officials, including Vice President Carlos Lage and Foreign Minister Felipe P?rez Roque.

Sir Fred Goodwin will not get his £650,000-plus pension even if he is legally entitled to it, Commons Leader Harriet Harman vowed in the strongest Government attack yet on the former banking chief.
United States Republicans have broadly welcomed President Barack Obama's plan to withdraw most troops from Iraq by 2010. However, they suggested he should give credit to his predecessor for stability brought by the surge strategy of pouring extra troops into Iraq.
The British Government reaffirmed Friday its sovereignty over Gibraltar waters and said it would urgently investigate how they came to be designated as a European protected site under Spanish responsibility, reports the Gibraltar Chronicle.

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher returned to 10 Downing Street earlier this week. A portrait of Thatcher, painted by British artist Richard Stone, was unveiled on Wednesday. The artist said he had chosen as a historic portrait that of Mrs. Thatcher after the Falklands war.
The biggest challenge facing China is not slowing growth but unemployment, which could trigger social unrest, a Chinese government minister has said. Commerce Minister Chen Deming told the BBC that when economic growth slowed the chances of possible social unrest increase as well.
Ten years after the historic treaty banning antipersonnel mines became binding international law campaigners in some 60 countries around the globe are taking action this week to once again draw the world's attention to the horrific consequences of landmines and to call for renewed efforts toward a mine-free world.

Headlines: Neighbours from hell' - Visiting MPs speak out about Argentina; Flying visit for Princess Royal; As Endurance prepares for a piggy-back home.

Barack Obama, the US president, has announced that US combat forces will leave Iraq by August 2010.

The US House of Representatives passed on Wednesday a bill that should lead to the easing of restrictions on Cuban-Americans wanting to travel to Cuba. The provisions are part of a spending bill and must pass in the Senate - where it faces some opposition - before it becomes law.