The European Union has suspended most of the sanctions it imposed on dozens of people close to the Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe after the country approved a new constitution curbing the president’s powers. But Mr Mugabe himself remains on the sanctions list. Mike Wooldridge reports.
The new constitution expanding civil liberties was approved in what the EU praises as a “peaceful, successful and credible referendum”. The sanctions, travel bans and the asset freezes were imposed after the disputed presidential elections of 2002. Lifting them on all on the list with the exception of President Mugabe, nine other individuals and two companies is clearly intended as encouragement to further political progress and a demonstration of continuing concern.
The United Nations is moving about half of its international staff out of Syria because of concerns for their safety. The decision comes after mortar shells fell near a hotel used by UN staff in the capital Damascus. The building and UN vehicle were damaged. The organisation has 100 foreign staff in Syria.
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An aide to the prime minister of Haiti has been killed in a drive by shooting in the capital Port-au-Prince. Georges Henry Honorat was shot dead outside his home by two masked men on a motorcycle. Mr Honorat also worked as the editor-in-chief of a newspaper and as secretary general of the Popular National Party.
The internet company Yahoo has bought an application created by a British teenager in a deal reported to be worth tens of millions of dollars. Called Summly, the app summarises news stories from media companies. It was created two years ago by 17-year-old Nick D'Aloisio who lives in London. He told the BBC what the app can do.