15 December 2006
	Another Week

JAMES A BAKER, co-chairman of the Iraq study group , testifies before the senate armed services committee on the release of the group's report. The report recommended direct dialogue between the US, Syria and Iran over Iraq and the Middle East, as well as the withdrawal of US combat forces from the country by early 2008. US president George W Bush admitted that a new approach to Iraq was needed. AT HOME Liberty Life announces its intention to acquire the 62,6% stake it does not own in Stanlib from Standard Bank and Quantum Leap Investments. Anglo American increases its stake in Anglo Platinum by 1,1 percentage points to 75,4% after converting preference shares into ordinary shares. Outspoken deputy health minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge denies saying during an interview with a London newspaper that President Thabo Mbeki should take a public HIV test. Chief government spokesman Themba Maseko says a statement he issued stating that government was considering curbing the sale of prime coastal land to foreigners was incorrect. ABROAD In his last address as UN secretary-general, Kofi Annan urges the Bush administration to abandon unilateralism and observe human rights in its fight against terror. Nasdaq launches a US$5,3bn (£2,7bn) hostile bid for the London Stock Exchange. The US technology-laden exchange has set January 11 as the first closing date of the offer, adding that the £12,43/ share offer is final. The three young children of a Palestinian intelligence official loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas are shot dead in Gaza. Gunmen fire at the car in which the boys, aged six to 10, were travelling to school. Ségolène Royal receives a boost in her bid to become France's first female president next year after Jean-Pierre Chevènement, a leftwing rival, withdraws his candidacy to support hers. General Augusto Pinochet, Chile's former military dictator, dies at the age of 91. He spent his old age fighting charges of human rights abuse and fraud. SPORT In the last game at FNB Stadium before its renovation for 2010, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates draw 1-1 in Africa's biggest soccer derby. After winning the Rugby Sevens tournament in Dubai the previous week, the Springboks lose in the final of the George tournament to the All Blacks.