Japan has finally emerged from the ”lost decade” of deflation and is set to continue on a path of robust growth, weathering an expected end to zero interest rates, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday. ”Japan has now exited from the period of deflation,” said the deputy director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific department.
Rebel leaders controlling half of the West African state of Côte d’Ivoire said on Tuesday their forces have begun pulling back from sections of the front line as agreed under an ongoing peace process. The military council of the New Forces rebels said earlier on Tuesday it is committed to ”applying peace accords in full”.
Zambia’s main opposition leader, Anderson Mazoka, has died in a South African hospital after suffering from prolonged kidney complications, his spokesperson announced on Wednesday. Mazoka (63) was admitted to Johannesburg’s Morningside hospital two weeks ago for his routine medical review and check-up.
An internet audio tape attributed to Osama bin Laden said on Tuesday that Zacarias Moussaoui — the only person convicted in the United States for the September 11 attacks — had nothing to do with the operation. ”He had no connection at all with September 11,” Bin Laden said.
The suspended head of the Southern Spears, Tony McKeever, wants his job to fight for the rights of the rugby franchise, the Herald Online reported on Wednesday. ”My suspension is illegal and needs to be withdrawn so that I can stand up for the rights of the franchise,” he said.
The new R55-million Baramall shopping centre was officially launched in Soweto on Wednesday. The centre is fully let and anchor tenants include Shoprite, OK Furnishers, Jet Stores, PEP Stores, Diskom and Dunns, while financial institutions include Absa, African Bank, First National Bank and Standard Bank.
South African Football Association (Safa) CEO Raymond Hack on Tuesday dismissed a ”hate campaign” to discredit him as ”mischievous and deceitful” — and said there is no substance to reports that there has been a petition from staff members calling for his dismissal.
Jack Nicklaus holds the record in major championships, one that might never be broken because it was established through decades of superior golf and a few good breaks. About the only player who has even a remote chance is Tiger Woods. This record is about playing, not winning.
Ramnaresh Sarwan stroked an unbeaten 115 on Tuesday to spur the West Indies to a four-wicket win over India with one ball to spare in the third one-day cricket international at Warner Park. The 25-year-old celebrated his 100th match with a match-winning innings that led the home team to their winning target of 248 for six off 49,5 overs.
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After a season dogged by questions over his form and fitness, Ronaldo is planning once again to use football’s greatest stage as his platform to provide the answers. He has endured a miserable season in Madrid that has seen him jeered and booed by his own fans at the Bernabeu.