Ukraine's PM, Cabinet fired

Ukraine's parliament fired the country's prime minister and Cabinet on Tuesday to protest the government's handling of the recent gas-price war with Russia, a move experts said was an attempt to weaken the beleaguered government of President Viktor Yushchenko ahead of crucial legislative elections March 26.

Parliament's 250-50 vote against Prime Minister Yuri Yekhanurov sent a strong signal that the political clout Yushchenko amassed after his ascent to power during 2004's Orange Revolution was eroding.

Ukraine refused to abide by Russia's fourfold price increase for gas it sends to Ukraine, prompting a shutoff of supplies Jan. 1. A deal doubling gas prices instead of quadrupling them was reached three days later. Lawmakers said that would hurt Ukraine's economy.

Deal for warplanes blocked

President Hugo Chávez accused the U.S. of blocking Venezuela's acquisition of Super Tucano military planes from Brazil because the jets are built with U.S. technology.

He also said Venezuela would consider buying Russian or Chinese warplanes if the United States fails to honor a contract to supply his country with parts for its F-16 jets and claimed that the U.S. was conspiring against Bolivian President-elect Evo Morales, his close friend and leftist ally. But Chávez didn't back up his claims with any evidence.

Ex-leader barred from race

Peru's election board on Tuesday barred Alberto Fujimori from running in an April election as the jailed former president fought efforts by Peruvian prosecutors to have him extradited from Chile on charges of rights violations and corruption.

Fujimori has been detained in Chile since November when he arrived unexpectedly following five years in exile in Tokyo. He went to Japan in 2000 when his regime collapsed.

Fujimori's daughter Keiko registered his candidacy on Friday, hours after the Chilean judge handling his extradition ordered him to remain under arrest, possibly for months, while the case is processed.

Also

U.S.-Philippines maneuvers: The United States will send 250 soldiers to Jolo island, a stronghold of al-Qaida-linked Muslim militants in the southern Philippines, for two weeks of joint military exercises starting Feb. 20, officials said Tuesday.

Japan eyes U.N. fees: Japanese Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki urged U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Tuesday to fix what Japan sees as a discrepancy between Japan's hefty U.N. dues and its limited role in the world body. Japan is the second-highest contributor to the United Nations after the United States and has long sought a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, so far without success.