The monarch made the announcement over state-run television, accusing the government of failing to conduct parliamentary elections and restore peace in the country.
• HANOI -- Vietnam announced that it would release two of its best-known dissidents from prison following intense pressure from international human rights groups and the United States.
Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly, 58, a Roman Catholic priest, and Nguyen Dan Que, 63, a physician, were set to be freed along with 8,323 other prisoners before the Lunar New Year holiday, or Tet, which begins Feb. 9, Vice Foreign Minister Le Van Bang announced at a news conference.
Both have been outspoken advocates of religious freedom and democracy, openly criticizing the government for its poor human rights record. Five other inmates jailed for violating national security laws were also released.
The americas
• BRUSSELS -- European Union foreign ministers agreed to restore normal diplomatic relations with the Cuban government while pledging to increase contacts with critics of President Fidel Castro.
The decision, announced by Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn of Luxembourg, ends a freeze on high-level contacts imposed by the 25-nation bloc after Havana cracked down on dissidents in March 2003.
• PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Haiti will hold elections Nov. 13 to replace former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was ousted 11 months ago, an election official said.
-- From News Services
