Chavez' surprise moves

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has long been criticized for his authoritarian leadership style and alliances with less than friendly foreign governments and militant groups. However, he surprised the region last week with moves that even his harshest critics would find refreshing.

First, Chavez announced that members of the Columbian rebel group FARC should give up their arms and release their hostages. This appears to be a complete turnaround from only a few months ago when he defended the legitimacy of their struggle. In addition, information from FARC computers seized by the Columbian government allegedly proves that Chavez had been financially supporting the rebels. On the domestic front, Chavez has recently withdrawn a controversial piece of legislation that would have given the intelligence services more power. Again, this is in stark contrast to Chavez' failed attempt to change the constitution and thereby consolidate his power last year.

It is doubtful that these incidents are evidence of a less ambitious Venezuelan president. It is important to note that Chavez' party faces local elections in November, and overreaching now may cost them votes.

Ireland rejects Lisbon treaty

The voters of Ireland have rejected the EU Lisbon treaty, eliminating any hopes that the document will come into force. Ireland was the only European country where its citizens were allowed to vote on the treaty, whereas the rest handled the matter in their parliaments, 14 of which had already ratified it. The treaty was supposed to have streamlined the decision making process in the EU, however, it was the length (290 pages), complexity, and ambiguity of the document that may have turned many voters off. It is unclear how the EU will react to the vote, as some top EU officials have said, "there is no plan B."

Historic deal between China and Taiwan

Negotiators from Taiwan and China have agreed to open government offices in each other's territory in order to facilitate travel across the Taiwan Strait. These talks were the first formal ones between the two Asian rivals since 1999. At the time, China ended talks in reaction to the Taiwanese government's pro-independence leanings. Since Taiwan's election of a more pro-Chinese president in March, relations have improved, allowing these talks to take place. Other accomplishments from the negotiations include an agreement to lift travel restrictions and to promote tourism.

China and Taiwan have been separate political entities since the Chinese civil war ended in 1949. Although most international organizations do not recognize Taiwan as an independent country, in practice the island dealt with as an autonomous region. Beijing is adamant on its position that Taiwan is a part China, and although Taipei is careful not declare formal independence from the mainland, it has not taken any serious steps toward reunification. Because the two territories do not have official diplomatic relations, last week's negotiations were held between 'semi-official bodies'.

Japanese prime minister censured

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda was censured last week by the opposition controlled upper-house of parliament. The censure, which criticizes his domestic politics and calls on him to step down, is the first of a Japanese prime minister in the postwar era. Despite growing unpopularity among the public, fueled by a government plan that would force the elderly to pay more for healthcare, Fukuda is unlikely to heed the opposition's demands. His party still has a majority in the more powerful lower house of parliament, which voted on Thursday in favor of a motion of confidence in the current government.

Entertainment Update

Singer George Michael announced last week that his current 25 Live Tour will be his last. The 44-year old pop star who has spent much of the past year touring Europe will play in the North America this summer before returning to Wembley Stadium in London for his final two shows in August. The choice for his final act is probably not coincidental - he gave his farewell performance with Wham! there 22 years ago.

Actress Tori Spelling gave birth to a baby girl on Monday. It is the former Beverly Hills 90210 star and husband Dean McDermott's second child. Spelling hopes to have a better relationship with her new daughter than she had had with her own mother. The latter relationship had been stormy for years until they resolved their differences after the birth of Spelling's first child last year. Fans of 90210 will have a chance to see Spelling this autumn, when she will reprise her role as Donna Martin in a spin-off of the hit 80's series.

Recently engaged actress Jessica Alba and Cash Warren also had a baby girl last week. It is the couple's first child.

Actress Katherine Heigl has withdrawn her nomination for an Emmy Award for her role in the American TV show Grey's Anatomy. Unhappy about her character's reduced role in the series, she has argued that she does not deserve an award. The producers of hit series had no comment.

English football star Wayne Rooney married his childhood sweetheart, Coleen McLoughlin on the Italian Riviera last week. Security was tight at the wedding and only a few family members were in attendance at the 17th century villa, where they exchanged vows. Although the football world is focused on the European Championship this month, the English team did not qualify, leaving Rooney with a bit of free time.

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