From Washington,this is VOA news.
A nightclub fire in Brazil kills nearly 200,and in Egypt,the day of violence continues into today.I'm Marti Johnson reporting from Washington.
Brazilian officials say at least 180 people are dead and 200 more are injured after fires (swept) throughout a crowded nightclub in the southern city of Santa Maria.Authorities say the fire broke out early today at the Kiss Club while the cause of the blaze is not yet known.The band did use pyrotechnics in its show,many victims,they said,died of asphyxiation or being (trampled) as panicked revelers pushed and shoved to escape.The death toll could rise,the Brazilian president has cut short a trip abroad early to return home following the fire.
French and Malian forces are advancing against Islamist militants in northern Mali,heading toward Timbuktu after more than two weeks of fighting.Overnight,airstrikes by the French destroyed the home of an Al-Qeada-linked militant leader in the town of Kidal,some 1,500 kilometers from the capital of Bamako.The assault came a day after French and Malian forces recaptured the strategic city of Gao.The French Defense Ministry said Saturday that a contingent of troops from Chad and Nigeria were moving into the city to help maintain (stability).
Egyptian authorities appear caught between trying to contain escalating anti-government violence and (refraining) from the old heavy-handed tactics that led to the toppling of the past system.Authorities said today 31 people are dead in fighting in Port Said,after a court delivered death sentences in a football riot case.They are still struggling to contain the violence as VOA's Elizabeth Arrott reports from Cairo,the fighting maybe revealing a deeper discontent.
In Cairo,riot police and protesters continue to trade tear gas and fire bombs on the streets leading into Tahrir Square,two days after the nation marked the (anniversary) of the 2011 revolution.Anger has largely turned toward President Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood supporters,who protesters say,have failed to bring political,economic or social justice since coming to power last year.In formation Minister Salah Abdel Magsoud said the National Defense Council is calling for Dialogue.He said the move which include Mr Morsi wants independent,nationalistic personalities to lead the discussion.The Port Said violence erupted after a court handed death sentence to 21 people involved in a football (riot) that led 72 fans dead last year.Elizabeth Arrott,VOA news,Cairo.
Officials in Southern Afghanistan said roadside bombs blast has hit a police truck,killing eight police officers and two (detainees).Authorities say police have driven to a Kandahar neighborhood to inspect the bomb there.Officials say the police arrested three suspects and were leaving the area when their vehicle truck struck another explosive late Saturday.
International financial leaders have wrapped up the World Economic Forum in Switzerland with warning that much remains to be done to (stabilize) a global economy.International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde speaking in Davos warned about complacency among the 17 European nations using the Euro,noting that two major European economies,Italy and Spain,have survived the worst.
And clearly,two major players that have recovered significantly in terms of access to financial market and financing-Italy and Spain-one of which,the former,will be facing political election comes February.So it is not a stable (landscape) and walk in the park for the year 2013,but it's a lot better than they have had in 2012.
Lagarde also voiced interest in dramatic economic policies moves by Japan this week,doubling its inflation target to 2%.
Left-leaning former Czech Prime Minister Milos Zeman has won his country's first direct presidential elections with about 55% of the vote.Stefan Bos reports for VOA from Budapest.
Supporters celebrated as former Social Democratic Prime Minister Milos Zeman won the Czech Republic's first direct presidential poll since the (breakup) of Czechoslovakia in 1993.It came as a blow to his rival,Karel Schwrzenberg,the current Czech Foreign Minister,who at age 75,hope to become the first prince-turned-president of a European Union nation.Mr Zeman,who is 68,to replace president Vaclav Klaus,the last Czech Republic head of state elected by government.Stefan Bos,for VOA news,Budapest.
And I'm Marty Johnson,VOA news in Washington,there's more news and information available on our website 24 hours a day at VOA news.com.