It is 15:30 Universal Time. I’m Howard Newberg in Washington.
President Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak met in Seoul Sunday. The two leaders agreed on united action against any (possible threat) from North Korea. Mr. Obama said North Korea would not gain anything by making threats but would rather separate itself more from the world. The president was speaking in relation to North Korea’s plans to carry out a (rocket launch) next month. Mr. Obama spoke at a joint news conference with President Lee. Mr. Lee agreed calling the long, the planned long-range launch an (offensive action) that threatens world peace. He also said it violates United Nations resolutions as well as an agreement with the United States.
Obama administration officials say they are considering providing Syrian rebels with (non-deadly aid) in their campaign to oust President Bashar al-Assad. An official said the Untied States wants to help the rebels with (medical supplies) and communication equipment but not arms. The proposal will be discussed at a Friends of Syria meeting in Turkey on April 1st. American Secretary of State Hilary Clinton plans to attend that meeting. Separately, Untied Nations and Arab League special diplomat Kofi Annan is in Russia. He is attempting to gain Russian support for international calls for a (ceasefire) and talks in Syria. Russia and China have repeated vetoed Security Council action against Syria.
Egyptian Islamists have won a majority of seats on a 100-member committee that will write a new constitution. None-religious and liberal groups fear this will increase the position of Islam in society. Egypt’s official MENA news agency published the names of the committee members on Sunday. They were chosen on Saturday during a (joint meeting) of parliament’s Lower House and Senate. The majority of members in both the Lower House and Senate are Islamists. Egyptian liberal and leftist lawmakers from minority parties boycotted the parliament’s selection of the committee. The action was in protest to what they call Islamists attempts to control the (rewiring) of the constitution. They also fear that the new constitution will ignore their (concerns and values).
Senegal is holding a highly disputed second president vote between President Abdoulaye Wade and opposition leader and former Prime Minister Macky Sall. Voters form long lines in the capital Dakar on Sunday for the election. Observers say the election could threaten the security of one of Africa’s most (peaceful democracies). Mr. Wade is seeking a third term. However, Senegal’s constitution limits the president to two terms. Mr. Wade’s desire to campaign for a third term has sparked deadly riot. He gained 35% of the vote of the February 25 election. Mr. Sall came in second with around 27%. Since then, 13 other opposition leaders have supported Mr. Sall in an effort to (unseat) President Wade.
You are listening to the news in VOA Special English.