Leaders

Bolivia's interim government led by Jeanine Anez announced on Jan. 8 it will launch investigations against nearly 600 former officials in the ousted administration.

Fugitive car mogul Carlos Ghosn vowed to clear his name in his first public appearance after leaving Japan illegally.

"I'm here to clear my name," he said at a news conference in Beirut, where he arrived nearly two weeks ago. He fled Japan, where he is facing trial for financial misconduct.

The Turkish operator of private jets that ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn used to escape Japan said on Jan. 8 it met with the Japanese ambassador to Turkey and offered to collaborate with the authorities in that country over the incident.

Tokyo prosecutors on Jan. 8 raided a Japanese lawyer's office where former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn had visited regularly before skipping bail last week and fleeing to Lebanon.

A manager at Turkish jet operator MNG Jet has told authorities that he assisted unwittingly in the escape of ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn from Japan because he had been threatened by a former acquaintance, daily Hürriyet reported on Jan. 4.

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, Chief of General Staff Gen. Yaşar Güler and force commanders entered the New Year with surprise visits to land, sea and air units.

Mexico's government said Bolivian police had impeded the departure of Spanish officials visiting the Mexican ambassador in La Paz on Dec. 27, widening a spat over Bolivia's surveillance of its diplomatic facilities that has rumbled on for days.

The Government is set to have a meeting on Friday evening, at the Victoria Palace. According to the programme announced by the press office of the Executive, the meeting is scheduled to start at 8.00 pm.

Ousted Bolivian leader Evo Morales told Reuters he plans to return to his home country by next Christmas, after going into exile in neighboring Argentina following a disputed election.

Bolivian prosecutors issued an arrest warrant on Dec. 18 for ousted President Evo Morales on charges of sedition and terrorism.

Interim President Jeanine Anez warned Saturday that leaders had brought charges against the former socialist and indigenous president.