UK pledges support for developing countries

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Saturday pledged the support of G8 to leverage the development agenda of developing countries, by providing them with financial and human resources.
He said: “We in the developed countries need the political will to support the developing countries to harness their potentials to the fullest in their various development agenda.”
Prime Minister Cameron made the pledge when he moderated the plenary discussion for four countries that he invited to participate in this year’s G8 Summit on the theme: “Trade, Tax and Transparency.”

World Cup: Fifa probe puts Ethiopia and Tunisia progress in doubt

Ethiopia and Tunisia's progress to the final round of African World Cup qualifying are in doubt as
On Sunday, Ethiopia beat South Africa 2-1 in Addis Ababa to seemingly reach the African play-offs.
Tunisia also believed they had gone through but Fifa is investigating a case involving Equatorial Guinea, which could affect the Group B standings.
Togo are also to be investigated, meaning the Group I table could change.
Fifa rules state guilty teams "will be sanctioned by forfeiting the match".

Nelson Mandela improvement sustained – Jacob Zuma

Former South African President Nelson Mandela continues to get better in a Pretoria hospital, current President Jacob Zuma has said.

He added that the revered ex-leader remained in a serious condition as he recovered from a lung infection.

“Over the last two days, although he remains serious, his doctors have stated that his improvement has been sustained,” Mr Zuma said.
He added that Mr Mandela “continues to engage with family”.

Mr Zuma made his remarks while addressing a gathering for Youth Day in KwaZulu-Natal province in remembrance of the 1976 Soweto uprisings against apartheid.

Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai criticises Mugabe over 'poll date'

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has unilaterally declared that elections will be held on 31 July, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has said.

He would not accept the date, as Mr Mugabe had acted "unconstitutionally".
Mr Tsvangirai has been pushing for key reforms as a condition for elections.

South Africa welcomes 'progress' in Nelson Mandel treatment

South Africa's government is pleased that ex-President Nelson Mandela is responding well to treatment in hospital, it said in a statement.

The cabinet, which met on Wednesday, wished a speedy recovery to Mr Mandela, regarded as the father of the nation.
The 94 year old is spending his sixth day in a Pretoria hospital suffering from a recurrent lung infection.
Earlier, President Jacob Zuma said he was happy with Mr Mandela's progress after a "difficult few days".
Mr Mandela's grandson and family heir, Mandla, said the family had "been deeply touched" by the concern shown for Mr Mandela's health.

FIFA fines Zambia

FIFA has fined Zambia US$10,000 (about KR54, 000) following the hurling of missiles on the pitch by some fans during last weekend’s Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Jubilant Chipolopolo fans reacted by throwing an assortment of objects which included plastic bottles and empty cans of beer onto the pitch as Zambia thrashed Lesotho 4-0.

If this action by some fans is repeated this Saturday when the Chipolopolo face Sudan in another Group D World Cup qualifier at the same venue, Zambia will risk playing behind closed doors at home in future international engagements.