In brief: Central African Republic at risk for genocide, U.N. says

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. chief’s special adviser on genocide prevention is warning of a “high risk of crimes against humanity and of genocide” in the Central African Republic.

Adama Dieng and other U.N. officials briefed the Security Council on Wednesday on the continuing and unprecedented violence between Christians and Muslims in one of the world’s poorest countries.

They spoke of children being beheaded, entire villages burned and a complete breakdown of law and order, and they urged the deployment of more peacekeepers as soon as possible.

But they expressed hope at this week’s election of an interim president who is the first female leader in the country’s history, and at the $496 million in humanitarian assistance newly pledged by international donors.

Argentine leader ends long silence

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – President Cristina Fernandez spoke publicly for the first time in more than 40 days Wednesday, ending a long silence that had Argentines speculating about her health following head surgery.

In a nationally televised address, an energetic Fernandez announced the creation of a program to encourage young, unemployed Argentines to attend public school with an $80 subsidy.

She also criticized those who speculated about her condition during her absence.

“It’s true that I’ve had some difficulties, but I’d like to see how others would fare if they had to deal with the things that I’ve gone through. I’d like to see them running this country,” Fernandez told hundreds of supporters who filled the main patio at the Pink House presidential palace.

The 60-year-old president underwent surgery to remove a blood clot Oct. 8. She returned to work Nov. 18.