From JAPAN- The mayor of Ohi has approved the restart of 2 nuclear reactors, the first to return on line in Japan. The educational ministry of Japan apologized for resetting the "safe" radiation exposure level for children after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
From GERMANY- Parliamentary elections in France last weekend showed a swing to the left. Transparency International released a report on the links between corruption and the ongoing financial crisis in Europe- a dialogue with one of their directors. A report on Syria including Hillary Clinton's accusation that Russia was supplying attack helicopters to the government for use against rebels and civilians.
From RUSSIA- Russia supplies 70% of the weapons Syria purchases, but has made no new helicopter deliveries. Turkey is delivering weapons to Syrian opposition forces.
From SPAIN- Spain's borrowing rates have soared despite a weekend bailout of Spanish banks. The President of the European Commission has called for swift moves to create a Eurozone banking union. As many as 100,000 protestors took to the streets of Moscow demanding fresh elections- this despite severe threats from Putin's government, who the day before raided homes of prominent activists.
From CUBA- The Falkland Islands announced a referendum on British rule to be held next year- leaders in Argentina are calling this a "media stunt" to distract from new talks at the United Nations demanding that the UK return the islands now. Barack Obama will skip the Rio Plus 20 Sustainable Summit in Brazil next week. A new US study shows that drinking water contamination from fracking can occur much quicker than previously believed. Student leaders in Chile announced a new strike against profit-making education. There was a fresh US drone strike in Yemen killing 9.