WORLD BRIEFS

VENEZUELA: Chávez back on the air

President Hugo Chávez, resuming his weekly broadcasts Sunday after a hiatus of seven months for cancer treatment, rebuffed U.S. criticism, as usual, speaking several hours before Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Caracas on a four-nation tour.

YEMEN: Saleh granted immunity

The cabinet approved a law Sunday granting President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and anyone who worked under him, immunity from prosecution for any crimes committed during his 33-year rule. The decision came as a surprise to many, who believed that a power transfer deal he signed in November granted him immunity in the killings of protesters, but would not extend to cover his 33-year rule. The agreement, brokered by Arab neighbors and backed by the United States, the EU and the UN, grants immunity in exchange for Saleh handing over powers to his deputy.

PAKISTAN: Musharraf plans return

Former President Pervez Musharraf announced Sunday he would return to Pakistan later this month and prepare for elections against the unpopular government of President Asif Ali Zardari. His first challenge may be to avoid arrest on his arrival. Saturday, state prosecutors said they planned to detain the former army chief on charges he failed to provide security for Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto ahead of her assassination in 2008. Musharraf took power in a 1999 coup and stepped down in 2008. He has been living in London and Dubai.

MALAYSIA: Opposition leader acquitted

Malaysia's High Court acquitted opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim of sodomizing a former aide, citing unreliable DNA evidence in a verdict today that surprised supporters who had feared he would be imprisoned to silence him. Anwar has long maintained that Prime Minister Najib Razak's ruling coalition concocted the charge to damage his chances of leading the opposition to an election victory.