31.   His office announced Friday that they had agreed to create a new military council made up of commanders, tribal elders and former army officers.

32.   Israeli Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman resigned Thursday, his office announced.

33.   Recently, the Social Security office announced it would extend benefits to contributing Indians, street vendors and priests and priestesses of popular Afro-Brazilian animist religions.

34.   President Vaclav Havel was hospitalized Monday with pneumonia, his office announced.

35.   Prime Minister Jean Chretien has canceled a planned trip to Russia in January because of economic troubles there, his office announced Tuesday.

36.   Prime Minister John Howard plans to meet the Dalai Lama in Sydney on Thursday despite Chinese protests, his office announced Tuesday.

37.   Slovak Premier Vladimir Meciar has replaced three senior members of his Cabinet, the presidential office announced Tuesday.

38.   Surinamese Vice President Jules Ajodhia has been hospitalized with heart-related problems after complaining of chest pains, his office announced Thursday.

39.   The European Union head office announced an humanitarian relief package Monday to help refugees who have fled the war in the Western Sahara.

40.   The European Union head office announced Tuesday that it is looking into allegations that Japan unfairly restricts imports of European leather goods.