Briefs, December 27, 2012
Myanmar's president has voiced rare public criticism of his government, saying rampant corruption, bribery and inefficiency were getting in the way of the country's much-touted reform process.
Thein Sein denounces government corruption
YANGON - Myanmar's president has voiced rare public criticism of his government, saying rampant corruption, bribery and inefficiency were getting in the way of the country's much-touted reform process. In another sign of the changes sweeping Myanmar, President Thein Sein reprimanded a gathering of cabinet ministers, regional leaders and other senior bureaucrats in a speech broadcast live on national media. It marked a sharp contrast to secretive leadership of the former military regime that did not admit its failings. AP
Gang-rape of student prompts inquiry
NEW DELHI - The government has ordered a special inquiry into the gang-rape of a student that sparked mass protests. The victim of the attack in Delhi is still fighting for her life. Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who is the government's top spokesman, said retired judge Usha Mehra had agreed to head a commission of inquiry. He said the inquiry would "identify the lapses if any on the part of the police, or another authority or person, that contributed to the occurrence, and fix responsibility for the lapses or negligence". AFP
