UPDATES: News and Links

Egypt's Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq resigns

Egypt's Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq has resigned, the country's ruling military council has announced in a statement.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12634117

Libya revolt: Gaddafi in crimes against humanity probe

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has said he will investigate Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, his sons and senior aides for crimes against humanity.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12636798

Oman: Sultan Qaboos still popular despite discontent

The conversation was going smoothly until I mentioned the possibility of Oman following Egypt and Tunisia, with the removal of the head of state, Sultan Qaboos.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12639699

Israel examining ways to protect IDF troops from legal action

IDF concerned after list of some 200 Israeli 'war criminals' was published on the Internet last November, consisting of IDF officers, soldiers who took part in Gaza war.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-examining-ways-to-protect-idf-troops-from-legal-action-1.346791?localLinksEnabled=false

Libya government accepts Chavez mediation plan: Venezuela

(Reuters) - The Libyan government has accepted a plan by its ally, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is seeking talks to end the uprising in the North African country, a Chavez spokesman said on Thursday.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/03/us-libya-venezuela-idUSTRE7224IY20110303?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29

Libyan rebels reject Hugo Chávez mediation offer

Leaders of anti-Gaddafi fighters say talk of peace is too late and they will not negotiate via Venezuelan president

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/03/libyan-rebels-reject-hugo-chavez

Chávez's Libya plan is short on detail

No definite ideas for negotiations have been put to Arab League, says senior figure

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/03/chavez-libya-plan-short-detail

Army appoints new Egyptian PM

Former transport minister Essam Sharaf appointed premier by nation's military rulers, after resignation of Ahmed Shafiq.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/20113393825273567.html

Global food prices hit record high

UN agency says food prices at highest point in 20 years, as a result of stockpiling and spikes in global oil prices.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2011/03/20113318290458178.html

UK facing 1970s-style oil shock which could cost economy £45bn – Huhne

Climate and energy secretary says an oil price of $100 a barrel transforms the economics of climate change

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/mar/03/chris-huhne-oil-prices-green-economy

Ivorian forces kill 7, post-election toll hits 365

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Ivorian security forces shot dead seven women protestors on Thursday and the United Nations said at least 365 people had died in violence since disputed elections that have taken the country to the brink of civil war.

http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE7226CE20110303