13 March 2013 Last updated at 08:15 GMT
The 85-year-old stepped down last month, saying he was no longer strong enough to lead the Church, which is beset by problems ranging from a worldwide scandal over child sex abuse to allegations of corruption at the Vatican Bank.
The reform would open the Mexican telecommunications market to greater foreign investment.
By Lauren Villagran, Correspondent
Southeast Asia
More fuel to South China Sea disputes
By David Brown
Many analysts today have tried to explain Beijing's insistence on its "immutable sovereignty" over the South China Sea in reference to the "vast deposits of oil and gas" under these contested waters. So, are these pools of oil truly vast? If they aren't so vast, does Beijing know? And vast or half-vast, does China have to control the oil of the South China Sea in order to benefit from the potential bounty?
In January, the US Energy Information Administration updated its estimate of the oil and natural gas resources of the South China Sea (SCS). Once again the EIA reported that a lot of hydrocarbons seem to lie beneath the SCS, with a mean estimate of approximately 11 billion barrels of oil in proved and probable
reserves, and 190 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas. Expressed in comparable energy terms, there's about three times as much gas, or about 33 billion barrels of oil equivalent. "Proved and probable reserves" are oil and gas that can be produced with existing technology if the price is high enough and the political environment is favorable.
Egypt branded more dangerous for tourists than Yemen
By Atia Abawi and Charlene Gubash, NBC News
Rome conclave: Cardinals resume papal deliberations
Cardinals are about to start their second day of deliberations in the Vatican conclave to elect a new Pope, after reaching no decision on Tuesday.
The 115 cardinal-electors are shut off in the Sistine Chapel and a nearby residence until two-thirds agree on a leader for the world's 1.2bn Catholics.
Black smoke signalling an inconclusive first vote drew cheers from crowds in St Peter's Square on Tuesday evening.
There is no clear frontrunner to replace Pope Benedict XVI.
The 85-year-old stepped down last month, saying he was no longer strong enough to lead the Church, which is beset by problems ranging from a worldwide scandal over child sex abuse to allegations of corruption at the Vatican Bank.
CIVIL RIGHTS
Hungary's parliament 'ends separation of powers'
Hungary's parliament has disempowered the constitutional court by approving controversial constitutional changes - despite massive protest at home and abroad. Many view the amendments as an attack on civil rights.
Hungary's democratic opposition took to the streets in protest. Western countries voiced major concern. And EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso personally called Prime Minister Viktor Orban - to no avail. Despite mounting pressure on the Hungarian leader, Hungary's parliament approved controversial changes to the constitution on Monday with a two-thirds majority.
Sudan's Bashir accepts summit with South Sudan as oil flows resume
Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has accepted an invitation to visit South Sudan, his office said on Tuesday, after the two countries agreed to resume oil flows in an easing of tensions following border clashes.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir telephoned Bashir with the invitation but no date for a summit has been set, said presidential press secretary Emad Sayed Ahmed.
"Yes, Salva Kiir asked President Bashir to visit Juba and he accepted the request," Ahmed told AFP.
African Union Commission chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said in a statement that the summit would be "the next step in cementing mutually cooperative relations between them."
Can you hear me now? Mexico proposes new telecom laws
The reform would open the Mexican telecommunications market to greater foreign investment.
By Lauren Villagran, Correspondent
The Mexican government is taking aim at the system that enriched the country’s billionaires with a proposed reform of its telecommunications industry.
Backed by all three major political parties and President Enrique Peña Nieto, the reform would open the telecommunications market to greater foreign investment, create two new all-access television channels, and subject companies to tougher competition rules – all with an eye on providing Mexican consumers with more choice and lower prices when it comes to phone and television services.
Carlos Slim’s América Móvil dominates landlines and cellular phone service in Mexico through his companies Telmex and Telcel, which respectively claim 80 percent and 70 percent of those markets. Mr. Slim has ranked as the world’s richest person on Forbes’ list for four years running.
Southeast Asia
More fuel to South China Sea disputes
By David Brown
Many analysts today have tried to explain Beijing's insistence on its "immutable sovereignty" over the South China Sea in reference to the "vast deposits of oil and gas" under these contested waters. So, are these pools of oil truly vast? If they aren't so vast, does Beijing know? And vast or half-vast, does China have to control the oil of the South China Sea in order to benefit from the potential bounty?
In January, the US Energy Information Administration updated its estimate of the oil and natural gas resources of the South China Sea (SCS). Once again the EIA reported that a lot of hydrocarbons seem to lie beneath the SCS, with a mean estimate of approximately 11 billion barrels of oil in proved and probable
reserves, and 190 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas. Expressed in comparable energy terms, there's about three times as much gas, or about 33 billion barrels of oil equivalent. "Proved and probable reserves" are oil and gas that can be produced with existing technology if the price is high enough and the political environment is favorable.
Egypt branded more dangerous for tourists than Yemen
By Atia Abawi and Charlene Gubash, NBC News
Tourists have long flocked to Egypt to see the pyramids, take a trip up the majestic Nile or relax on one of its many sun-kissed beaches.
But, in a potentially damaging blow to its economy, Egypt has now been ranked below countries such as Pakistan, Yemen and Chad for "safety and security" in an influential report on tourism by the World Economic Forum.
It is perhaps little wonder that tourists are spooked — amid ongoing political unrest, Molotov cocktails, gunfire and tear gas have become almost commonplace in some areas.
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