Saturday,  June 22, 2013 • Vol. 14--No. 337 • 31 of 37

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• It is not known if the U.S. government has made a formal extradition request to Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong government had no immediate reaction to the charges against Snowden. Police Commissioner, Andy Tsang, when was asked about the development, told reporters only that the case would be dealt with according to the law. A police statement said it was "inappropriate" for the police to comment on the case.
• When China regained control of Hong Kong in 1997, the former British colony was granted a high degree of autonomy and granted rights and freedoms not seen on mainland China. However, under the city's mini constitution Beijing is allowed to intervene in matters involving defense and diplomatic affairs.
• Outspoken legislator Leung Kwok-hung said Beijing should instruct Hong Kong to protect Snowden from extradition before his case gets dragged through the court system. Leung also urged the people of Hong Kong to "take to the streets to protect Snowden."
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SAfrica: Ambulance carrying Mandela to hospital had engine trouble, 'no harm' to condition

• JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- The South African government says an ambulance carrying Nelson Mandela to a hospital two weeks ago had engine trouble and the former leader was then transferred to another ambulance for the rest of the journey. It said care was taken to ensure the condition of the 94-year-old was not affected.
• The office of President Jacob Zuma said in a statement Saturday that it was confirming media reports about the transport problem at the time of the former leader's hospitalization. Zuma's office says doctors believe Mandela suffered "no harm" during that period.
• The statement also says that Mandela remains in a serious but stable condition in a hospital. The government has previously said that the anti-apartheid leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate was being treated for a recurring lung infection.
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Southwest cancels at least 64 flights after computer glitch grounds all departing planes

• DALLAS (AP) -- A system-wide computer failure forced Southwest Airlines to ground its entire fleet of airplanes preparing for departures late Friday, and at least 64 flights had to be cancelled even after the system was fully restored, a company spokeswoman said.

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