LETTER N° 2

From January 9 to January 15

9 Uzbekistan		In presidential elections, incumbent Islam Karimov wins 91.9% of the vote. Turnout is 95%. Karimov is given an additional five-year term, which his inaugurated on Jan 22.
11 Solomon Islands		Former prime minister (1981-84, 1989-93, 1994-97) Solomon Mamaloni dies.
12 Ecuador		Defense Minister José Gallardo is replaced by Gen. Carlos Mendoza.
13 Colombia		Former foreign minister (1982-84) Rodrigo Lloreda Caicedo dies.
13 South Korea		Park Tae Joon is named prime minister. Lee Chong Pin becomes foreign minister and Lee Hun Jai finance minister.
13 South Africa		Former foreign minister (1994-99) Alfred Nzo dies.
14 Guatemala		Alfonso Portillo Cabrera takes office as president. Gabriel Orellana becomes foreign minister and Juan de Dios Estrada Velásquez defense minister.