Madagascar’s political rivals reach agreement on transitional government posts following talks

Madagascar political rivals reach government deal

West African leaders impose arms embargo on Guinea following deadly pro-democracy protest

ABUJA, Nigeria — West African leaders said Saturday they are imposing an arms embargo on Guinea after soldiers there fatally shot pro-democracy demonstrators and will try to stop Guinea’s military ruler from running in January’s presidential election.

Madagascar installs new prime minister despite old PM’s claims that he won’t quit

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Madagascar’s government has installed a new prime minister, ignoring the former prime minister’s vow not to step down.

Madagascar’s prime minister refuses to quit, endangering post-coup power-sharing deal

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Madagascar’s outgoing prime minister refused to quit Saturday, endangering a power-sharing agreement brokered by mediators to keep peace on the island.

Britain calls for sanctions on Eritrea for supplying arms to opponents of Somali government

UNITED NATIONS — Britain called Thursday for U.N. sanctions against the tiny Red Sea nation of Eritrea for supplying weapons to opponents of the transitional government in nearby Somalia in violation of a U.N. arms embargo.

Madagascar coup leader to lead transitional government but won’t run for re-election

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Madagascar’s opposing political factions have agreed to retain the coup leader as head of the transitional government starting Wednesday but will not allow him to run in presidential elections, mediators said.

Nepal promises probe into assassinations and “disappearances”

UNITED NATIONS — Nepal’s Maoist-dominated government promised Saturday to establish a “disappearance commission” to investigate political killings that the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights says were perpetrated by communist insurgents fighting to overthrow the monarchy.

AP Exclusive: UN assembly president cites rules fight in Madagascar speech shut-out

UNITED NATIONS — U.N. General Assembly President Ali Abdessalam Treki said he was only following the rules when he tried to let Madagascar’s coup leader Andry Rajoelina speak.

Italy’s questioning of Afghan role shows pressures on NATO countries

KABUL — A deadly bombing caused Italy to become the latest nation to question its role in Afghanistan on Friday, highlighting the pressure facing dozens of militaries confronting a protracted war — and an Afghan government ill-equipped to handle its problems alone.

Madagascar’s coup leader names a new government, including officials close to toppled leader

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — The leader of this African island nation who took power in a military-backed coup unilaterally named a new Cabinet on Tuesday that includes officials who have been close to the president he toppled.

Incoming Japanese prime minister reassures US on alliance despite pledges to get tougher

TOKYO — Japan’s incoming Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama reassured U.S. leaders Thursday that their security alliance remains the foundation of its foreign policy, despite pre-election promises that Tokyo would seek a more independent path.

Poll finds Japan’s new leaders have weak mandate, low voter expectations

TOKYO — Japan’s new government will have a shaky mandate when it takes office later this month, a poll indicated Wednesday, as party leaders acknowledged they must get to work immediately to deal with the country’s severe economic problems.

Madagascar rivals agree on transition deal to end political crisis on Indian Ocean island

MAPUTO, Mozambique —Madagascar’s bitter political rivals signed a power-sharing deal Sunday, agreeing to create an interim government to end months of violence.

US steps up warnings to Eritrea over support for Somali extremists before Clinton Africa trip

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Wednesday criticized Eritrea for destabilizing activities in Somalia, warning it could soon face sanctions unless it stops support for Somali extremists.

UN chief urges military support for Somalia’s embattled government whose survival is at stake

UNITED NATIONS — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on all countries Thursday to provide urgent military support to Somalia’s embattled transitional government, warning that its survival is at stake.

Steven Rattner, head of government’s auto task force, leaves amid transition for GM, Chrysler

WASHINGTON — A former steelworkers union official is taking over the White House’s automotive task force as the government shifts gears in its revamping of General Motors and Chrysler.

New government council will help auto workers transition to new manufacturing jobs, Biden says

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — A new government council will help auto industry workers transition to new manufacturing opportunities, including jobs in alternative energy, Vice President Joe Biden said Tuesday.

Cuba dominates agenda as top Americas’ diplomats, officials meet in Honduras

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras — Top officials from members of the Organization of American States will take on one of the Western Hemisphere’s most divisive topics, Cuba, when they meet here on Tuesday, possibly leaving the United States in the lurch.

El Salvador president-elect names wife, former guerrilla leader to Cabinet posts

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — President-elect Mauricio Funes has appointed his wife and a former Marxist guerrilla to Cabinet posts just hours before starting his five-year term.

White House aide resigns over Air Force One’s photo-op flyover in New York

WASHINGTON — The White House official who authorized a $328,835 photo-op of an Air Force jet used by the president soaring above New York City resigned under fire Friday as the administration tried to move past the embarrassing incident that sent panicked workers rushing into the streets amid flashbacks of Sept. 11.

Toyota’s president-elect from founding family to race Lexus in Germany

TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. said incoming president Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder, will be a driver on the automaker’s team in a 24-hour endurance race in Germany.