1. Syrian opposition recognized

    In a major boost for the enemies of Bashar Assad, the American Government has recognized the Syrian National Council as the true representative of that nation’s people.

    “We have made a decision that the Syrian opposition coalition* is now inclusive enough, is reflective and representative enough of the Syrian population, that we consider them the legitimate representative of the Syrian people,” President Barack Obama told ABC News in an interview.

    American recognition of the Syrian National Council will pave the way for greater non-military aid and assistance.

    2. Chavez surgery successful

    Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s cancer operation in Cuba on December 11 was a success, his vice president said.

    The complex surgery had lasted more than six hours and he would be recuperating* for several days.

    The 58-year-old socialist leader’s third cancer operation in the past 18 months has thrown his presidency into jeopardy and upended politics in the South American OPEC nation.

    3. Bridge collapse kills 14

    Heavy rains in South Africa have caused a bridge to collapse, killing 14 people.

    The South African Press Association reported on December 11 that the bridge collapsed in the nation’s Mpumalanga province. Joseph Mabuza, a spokesman for the province’s safety department, said that three vehicles drove onto the bridge in the dark after it had collapsed on Monday night.

    4. U.N. slams Pyongyang’s rocket launch

    The U.N. Security Council on December 12 condemned the rocket launch announced by North Korea, calling the move “a clear violation” of relevant council resolutions.

    China said on December 13 that it has made contact with all relevant parties since North Korea’s satellite launch. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said South Korea’s satellite launch has highlighted the significance and urgency of resuming* the six-party talks, which are aimed at realizing the denuclearization* of the Korean Peninsula.

    The U.S. Government on December 12 vowed to work with its partners to ensure North Korea is punished for its launch of another satellite.

    5. Sex scandal rocks Singapore

    Singapore opposition parties urged Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on December 13 to call a by-election after the parliamentary speaker abruptly resigned due to an extramarital affair*.

    The calls came less than 24 hours after Michael Palmer, 44, publicly confessed to the affair and announced his resignation from his parliamentary seat and membership of the ruling People’s Action Party.

    6. Ties with China important: Abe

    Shinzo Abe, leader of Japan’s main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), said on December 17 that relations between Japan and China are important for Japan.

    Abe made the remarks when he answered questions at the first official press conference at LDP headquarters after his party won a landslide victory on December 17.

    Abe said the current tension in ties between China and Japan had not only damaged bilateral* relations, but also the nation’s interests.

    7. Egypt Islamists claim majority in vote

    A narrow majority of Egyptians who voted in the first round of a referendum* on a proposed Islamist-backed constitution* have approved the document, according to unofficial tallies* compiled by the Muslim Brotherhood and released early yesterday.

    If the constitution is approved by a simple majority, the Islamists empowered after the overthrow of longtime authoritarian leader Hosni Mubarak would likely gain more clout*.(SD-Agencies)