February 7, 2005

Englishwoman Ellen MacArthur sets a record for the quickest round-the-world solo sail. She completed the 27,354 mile journey in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds, breaking the old record of 72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes and 22 seconds, set by Francis Joyon in 2004, which itself took 20 days off the previous record. (Associated Press) (Sky News)
A number of people are taken hostage in the Spanish consulate in Bern, Switzerland. (Reuters AlertNet) (SwissInfo) (BBC)
Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo asks other African states not to recognize the transfer of power in Togo to Faure Gnassingbé. The African Union has also condemned the move. (Reuters AlertNet) (IAfrica)
Spanish police in the Canary Islands find a drifting boat containing 227 African migrants. (Reuters) (BBC)
In Guatemala, the constitutional court stops a trial of 16 military officers accused of war crimes and killing hundreds of civilians. (Reuters) (BBC)
In Malawi, President Bingu wa Mutharika quits the governing party, the United Democratic Front, stating he is fed up of criticism of his anti-corruption campaign. The party had debated whether to expel him for alleged misconduct. (IOL, SA) (SABC) (BBC)
In Nepal, the state media reports that the new government of King Gyanendra of Nepal offers talks to Maoist rebels. At the same time, Nepalese government forces begin a new offensive against the rebels. (Reuters AlertNet) (BBC)

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