A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Romney closer to presidential bid
WASHINGTON –Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney took a big step towards entering the 2012 Republican presidential race yesterday, saying he would form a committee to explore a challenge to President Obama. Mr Romney is the second major Republican to form an exploratory committee, which allows him to raise money and hire staff. He was preceded by former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty. – (Reuters)
Immigration law challenge upheld
PHOENIX – A US appeals court has upheld a preliminary injunction against parts of Arizona’s controversial immigration law that were challenged by the Obama administration.
Arizona’s law included a provision that would require the police to determine the immigration status of a person they have detained and whom they suspect is in the country illegally.
In a ruling released yesterday,the 9th US circuit court of appeals said a lower court did not abuse its authority by enjoining key sections of the state law, including the police requirement.
The law, signed by Republican governor Jan Brewer in April last year, had wide support in the state and across the United States as a whole, but was opposed by President Barack Obama and civil rights groups.
Opponents say it would lead to harassment of Hispanic Americans. – (Reuters)
UN official says US is blocking access to WikiLeaks detainee
GENEVA – The United Nations investigator on torture has accused the US administration of blocking a one-on-one meeting he has been seeking with WikiLeaks soldier Bradley Manning, who has been detained since May last year.
Argentine lawyer Juan Mendez said yesterday he had been trying to organise a visit to check on Pte Manning’s condition since December. Pte Manning (23) is being held during the investigation of charges that while serving in Iraq, he leaked secret documents, including hundreds of state department cables, that later appeared on the WikiLeaks website. – (Reuters)
McChrystal back to join army board
WASHINGTON – The former top-ranking US general in Afghanistan, who was fired when he disparaged the Obama administration in a magazine article, is to head a new advisory board to support military families.
A White House spokesman said yesterday that retired general Stanley McChrystal would work with the Joining Forces programme, led by first lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, wife of the vice- president. – (Reuters)