World In Brief

Senate paves way for Farc peace talks

COLOMBIA: The Senate has given final approval to a constitutional amendment that sets the stage for eventual peace talks with Farc rebels.

A law allowing amnesties for combatants was passed on Thursday on a 65-3 vote.

Human rights groups objected to parts of the Legal Framework for Peace amendment, fearing that it would let crimes against humanity go unpunished.

Opponents on the right object to language that would allow Farc rebel leaders to serve in congress.

Five Dutch banks’ credit ratings cut

NETHERLANDS: Moody’s has cut the credit ratings of five Dutch banks including ING and ABN Amro.

It cut the long-term debt and deposit ratings for Rabobank Nederland by two notches to Aa2. ING Bank and ABN AMRO Bank were cut by two notches to A2.

All the banks were given stable outlooks, which means the ratings are unlikely to change again in the near term.

MP detained over bribe allegations

NIGERIA: Lagos police said today they have questioned an MP who led a probe into the country’s mismanaged fuel subsidy programme.

Farouk Lawan, a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, was detained overnight over allegations he received a £400,000 bribe from an oil company owner with ties to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Pentagon marks gay pride month

US: The Pentagon announced today that it will mark June as gay pride month.

The Defence Department will soon hold its first event to recognise gay and lesbian troops.