SeaWorld's killer whale is to be spared

United States: Despite calls to free or destroy the animal, SeaWorld in Florida today said it will keep a killer whale that drowned its trainer, Dawn Brancheau, but will suspend all orca shows while it decides whether to change the way handlers work with the animals.

Venezuela: President Hugo Chavez said he hopes to hold talks with his Colombian counterpart on easing tensions between the neighbouring states after their verbal altercation at a summit this week.