LETTER N° 3

From January 16 to January 22

16 Chile		In the presidential runoff, Ricardo Lagos wins 51.3% of the vote and Joaquín Lavín 48.7%.
16 Finland		In the first round of presidential elections, Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen (Social Democrat) wins 40% of the vote, ahead of Esko Aho (Centre) with 34.4%, Riitta Uosukainen (Conservative) with 12.8%, Elisabeth Rehn (Swedish People's Party) with 7.9%, and Heidi Hautala (Green League) with 3.3%.
17 Guinea-Bissau		The presidential runoff held January 16-17 is won by Kumba Ialá with 72% of the vote against 28% for Malam Bacai Sanhá. Turnout is almost 69%. On January 24 President-elect Ialá designates Caetano N'Tchama as prime minister.
19 Italy		Former prime minister (1983-87) Bettino Craxi dies.
20 United States		Former Idaho governor (1967-71) Don W. Samuelson dies.
21 Ecuador		While President Jamil Mahuad refuses to resign, a coalition of Indian organizations and army officers stages a coup, declares all government powers dissolved, and sets up a Government Junta of National Salvation chaired by Col. Lucio Gutiérrez, who takes the style of president of the republic. Late at night, after Mahuad has fled the presidential palace, a Council of State is formed, consisting of Gen. Carlos Mendoza, Antonio Vargas, and Carlos Solórzano. Early on January 22, the council is dissolved, and Vice President Gustavo Noboa assumes the presidency. Hugo Unda succeeds Mendoza as defense minister. Heinz Moeller becomes foreign minister and Jorge Guzmán Ortega finance.
21 Lebanon		Former prime minister (1952, 1953, 1960-61, 1970-73) Saeb Salam dies.
21 Slovenia		Foreign Minister Boris Frlec resigns. Dimitrij Rupel is named as his successor.