Ex-dictator Rios Montt unsuccessful in bid for presidency, coming distant third in 9 November elections. Run-off election between leading two candidates, Oscar Berger and Alvaro Colom, to be held 28 December.

President Alejandro Toledo apologised for estimated 70,000 deaths during 20 year fight against Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) rebel group. Peru’s Congress approved new charges against ex-President Fujimori, lifted his presidential immunity. Fujimori, in exile in Japan, still plans to run in 2006 presidential elections. Prominent leader of Shining Path captured by army.

President Chavez alleged yet another coup plot by opposition after weapons caches seized 7 November. Competing recall drives lead to continued tension. Chavez supporters sought signatures during campaign from 21-24 November to recall 38 anti-Chavez politicians. Opposition campaigning for signatures from 28 November-1 December for referendum to recall Chavez.

Sporadic violence continues in country’s 11-year conflict. Security forces killed ten Islamist rebels and recovered large quantity of arms 7 November. Abassi Madani, chief of banned Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) party, stated violence would end only if government authorities freed all prisoners, accounted for those missing and lifted state of emergency. U.S. General and NATO Commander James Jones said Algeria (along with Morocco and Tunisia) potential haven for Islamist extremist groups.

Revealed it had been carrying out secret nuclear research for 18 years, including production of low-enriched uranium and separation of plutonium, but claimed for civilian purposes. IAEA, which reviewed Tehran’s disclosures, said no evidence intention was to build bomb. U.S. unhappy with this but backed off on demand that Iran’s violations of Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) be referred to Security Council; instead, reached agreement with Britain, France, and Germany that future breaches be referred. IAEA resolution 26 November reflected compromise. Iran agreed to abide by NPT and Additional Protocol allowing snap inspections, and said had suspended enrichment. Nobel Prize winner Shirin Ebadi took up case of slain Canadian journalist Zahra Kazemi.

Major revision of U.S. political plan for Iraq, as timetable for handing over sovereignty moved up and decoupled from constitutional process. Under new plan, provisional assembly to be selected by local councils by 31 May 2004, and assembly to elect executive by 30 June 2004, at which time Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) to dissolve. Adoption of permanent constitution and holding of elections left till 2005. Iraq’s most powerful cleric, Grand Ayatollah Husseini Ali al-Sistani, called for elections in June 2004, but expected to compromise. New plan emerged amid mounting pressure in Washington for exit strategy. Anti-Coalition attacks said to have decreased toward end of month, but sophistication increasing; November bloodiest month since start of war. Two helicopters, and likely third, shot down by insurgents, killing 39. Attackers also targeting U.S. allies: Italian military police HQ, in Nasiriyah, bombed 12 November, claiming 25, including 19 Italians. Seven Spanish intelligence agents and two Japanese diplomats killed 29 November, and two South Korean civilians shot dead following day. Meanwhile, international exodus from Iraq continues: Spain announced withdrawal of diplomats 4 November, and CARE Australia pulled foreign staff after grenade attack on its office 22 November. 229 Coalition soldiers, including 189 Americans, killed by hostile fire since 1 May, declared end of combat operations.

Diplomatic activity behind scenes as pressure mounts for both sides to make concessions. Growing sense that time running out on Quartet-backed Roadmap. UN Security Council unanimously passed resolution 19 November endorsing Roadmap, but other initiatives, including “Geneva Initiative”, gaining momentum. Launched 1 December by group of Israelis and Palestinians led by Yossi Beilin and Yasser Abbed Rabbo, Initiative offers full blueprint for settlement following on from Camp David and Tabah negotiations discontinued in January 2001. Four former heads of Israeli Shin Bet security service warned Sharon’s policies risk “near- catastrophe”, echoing October comments by army chief. New government of Palestinian PM Ahmed Qurei approved; Arafat retained control of security services. Islamic Jihad and Hamas said to be considering truce, but talks with Egyptian mediator at preliminary stage. Violence diminished in November, though sporadic attacks continued.

Political situation stable. No significant changes from last month.

Negotiations ongoing between Hizbollah, Israel, and German mediators over possible prisoner swap. Deal would see about 20 Lebanese prisoners and some 400 Palestinians freed in exchange for Israeli businessman and bodies of three soldiers, but Hizbollah insisting on release of Samir Kantar, Lebanese man imprisoned for killing Israeli family in 1979.

Presidential elections held 7 November. Incumbent of 19 years, President Taya, re-elected with 67% of vote. Leading opposition candidate Mohamed Haidalla received 19%. Taya promptly arrested Haidalla and his deputy campaign director for allegedly plotting coup. At least 12 opposition figures now in detention.