■VENEZUELA
Drug czar stupid: Chavez
President Hugo Chavez called White House drug czar John Walters “stupid” for saying drug trafficking through Venezuela has soared in recent years. Venezuela on Sunday rejected US requests to resume cooperation in the war on drugs, insisting it has made progress despite an alleged fourfold gain in the amount of Colombian cocaine passing through its territory. Walters has been attempting for weeks to meet with Venezuelan officials while urging renewed cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Chavez suspended cooperation in 2005, accusing DEA agents of espionage. On Sunday, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry released a statement dismissing US attempts to renew drug talks as “useless and inopportune,” saying the US should focus on slashing demand for drugs at home.
■UNITED STATES
Eight sick after exposure
One of two Missouri hospital emergency rooms reopened on Sunday, a day after being shut down under quarantine when eight people sickened by a dangerous chemical’s release sought treatment. The chemical, which authorities said was likely the highly toxic material nitroaniline, was released when a barrel was dropped. Seven people were still in the hospital, at least one in serious condition, while an eighth patient was released late on Sunday. SSM DePaul Health Center in Missouri’s St Louis County reopened its emergency department on Sunday afternoon after quarantining it the previous night, spokeswoman Jamie Newell said. At St Anthony’s Medical Center most of the emergency department was reopened on Sunday following decontamination. Nitroaniline is commonly used in the synthesis of dyes, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals, gasoline, poultry medicines and as a corrosion inhibitor.
■ETHIOPIA
Top aid official tours country
The UN’s humanitarian chief is touring drought-affected regions of the country. John Holmes arrived in Ethiopia yesterday for a three-day trip. The UN says more than 4 million Ethiopians need emergency assistance and 8 million need immediate food relief. Besides visiting regions affected by the drought this week, Holmes will hold talks with Ethiopian officials.
■SOUTH AFRICA
Snow, floods bring chaos
A cold front bringing with it snow, storms and freezing temperatures has killed 16 people as well as destroyed thousands of hectares of bush and pasture land, according to local reports yesterday. Highland regions of the West Cape Province around Cape Town were hit by snow, while three other provinces were plagued by bush fires whipped up by strong winds. One official compared the burning areas to a battlefield. Meanwhile a Greek freighter was in danger of being run aground near the coastal town of Gaansbai. The ship was met by waves up to 10m high.
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