Ex-Credit Suisse exec pleads guilty in US

A FORMER Credit Suisse executive has pleaded guilty to conspiracy in New York City after his extradition from the United Kingdom.

US citizen and London resident Kareem Serageldin entered the plea on Friday in federal court.

Serageldin was accused of distorting the value of mortgage securities in 2007.

Prosecutors said he and others took actions that contributed to a $US2.7 billion ($A2.57 billion) write-down in Credit Suisse's 2007 year-end financial results.

Last year, a grand jury indicted him on charges of conspiracy, false record-keeping and wire fraud.

He pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to falsify books and records.

Sentencing was set for August 2.

Two other people in the case have pleaded guilty to conspiracy and agreed to co-operate.

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Court goes heavy on light-fingered crook

A MAGISTRATE has overruled a police decision not to oppose the granting of bail to a woman who went of a one-day crime spree targeting Darling Downs retail stores.

Tianna Marlene Willis appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday facing more than 40 charges - most of them committed in Toowoomba on January 31.

The court was the told offences included Willis illegally taking property from "almost every shop in town" and included attacking a car with a knife.

Police did not oppose an application for bail made by Willis's lawyers, but magistrate Stuart Shearer was having none of that.

Prosecutor Sergeant Sharon Carruthers said police were happy for Willis to be released on bail despite the fact she already had an appalling "eight-pages" of criminal history.

However, Mr Shearer said the public could have no confidence that Willis would not re-offend if released on bail.

"I cannot see anything to suggest ... I could be confident of her (Willis) not committing further offences (if released)," Mr Shearer said.

"The extent of the crime spree (is of great concern).

"I am satisfied if released on bail she (Willis) is an unacceptable risk of re-offending."

Mr Shearer said he based his bail refusal on Willis's extensive criminal history and the fact she was facing four outstanding charges for failing to appear in court in accordance with bail requirements.

Willis is charged with 42 offences for a range of crimes including stealing, receiving stolen property, receiving stolen property, uttering or forging a document, public nuisance and going armed to cause fear.

Solicitor Cameron Young, for Willis, said his client only travelled to Toowoomba on the day of the spree at the behest of a now former boyfriend.

Mr Shearer ordered Willis be remanded in custody to reappear in court next week (April 17).

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Funding cuts will hurt unis: peak body

UNIVERSITIES say they will suffer "severe" financial strain after the federal government announced it would strip $2.3 billion from the tertiary education sector.

The Gillard government announced on Saturday more than $2 billion worth of savings, which include scrapping discounts to students who pay university fees upfront and the imposition of an efficiency dividend on universities.

The government says the measures will free up funds to pay for its "once in a generation" Gonski school reforms.

But Universities Australia, the peak body representing the sector, said the funding cut was the largest since 1996.

"We acknowledge the government is confronting difficult economic circumstances but we are concerned at the long-term impact these cuts will have on university research and education," Universities Australia chair Glyn Davis said in a statement.

"The application of this efficiency dividend, while limited to two years, will nonetheless place severe strain on a sector that has been encouraged to expand enrolments to enable greater access to higher education."

Professor Davis said the magnitude of the cuts made to the sector over the past six months would challenge the ability of universities to continue to meet the high standards of educational quality expected of them.

It also comes at a time when Australia sits a "disturbingly" 25th out of 29 advanced economies for public investment in universities as a percentage of GDP.

"Today's announcement will be condemned by those who understand that Australia's university sector is crucial to national productivity growth, industrial diversification and long-term economic transformation," Prof Davis said.

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Woodside confident Browse will go ahead

Woodside boss Peter Coleman is confident the $45 billion Browse LNG gas project will go ahead. Source: AAP

WOODSIDE boss Peter Coleman is confident the $45 billion Browse LNG gas project will go ahead, despite the energy giant scrapping plans for a controversial onshore processing plant in Western Australia.

Woodside has scratched plans to build a processing plant at James Price Point in West Australia's north, saying it would not deliver the returns the company needed.

Woodside will now begin talks with its joint venture partners, which include Shell Australia, about alternatives.

Possibilities include using floating technologies to process the gas or building a pipeline to existing LNG facilities in WA's Pilbara region.

Another alternative is building a smaller onshore plant at proposed Browse LNG precinct near James Price Point.

Mr Coleman said the decision to dump the plan for James Price Point was a tough one, saying the project was subject to cost pressures.

"We do believe that Browse will get developed," he told reporters.

He said Woodside had been looking at other options to a processing plant at James Price Point, but said they were not nearly as mature as the original plan for the facility there.

However some of the alternatives that would be considered did have the potential for the early development of Browse.

"We've already come out and said things like floating technology, for example, is a technology that Woodside supports ... whether that's appropriate for a Browse development will need to be determined by the joint venture over time," Mr Coleman said.

He said Woodside did not have an alternative preference at this stage and needed to talk to its joint venture partners in the next few weeks to map out a plan.

Shell's Australian boss Ann Pickard reiterated that it believed its floating technology would be the fastest, most economic and best technical solution for processing gas from the Browse project.

"Floating LNG can bring significant long term, sustainable jobs to Western Australia, Australia, and the Kimberley, as well as providing employment and business opportunities for Kimberley indigenous people," Ms Pickard said in a statement.

Ms Pickard said Shell would work closely with the Browse joint venture and government to keep the Browse project on track.

But WA Premier Colin Barnett said it would be a tragedy and a missed opportunity if Browse gas project didn't wind up onshore at James Price Point.

Mr Barnett has long been adamant the gas should be processed onshore as this would ensure local jobs.

But he softened his tone on Friday, saying an offshore project would still bring benefits to WA.

"If the project goes ahead offshore ... it would still bring some benefits to WA," he said.

"It would be a tragedy and a missed opportunity if that gas did not come onshore."

Green groups and shareholders have applauded Woodside's decision to dump plans for the costly onshore liquefied natural gas plant.

Woodside shares were 90 cents, or 2.5 per cent, higher at $36.18 at 1135 AEST.

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Holden to keep promised SA funds

HOLDEN appears set to keep a promised $50 million in South Australian government funding despite a decision to axe jobs at its local assembly plant.

Premier Jay Weatherill held talks with Holden boss Mike Devereux on Friday after the company this week said 400 jobs would go by August in response to falling demand for locally built vehicles and high costs.

Mr Weatherill said the government would review its support for Holden but maintained both parties were determined to ensure the company had a future in South Australia.

Mr Devereux said he believed the government's $50 million was still on the table, as part of a $275 million joint state-federal funding package to help the company develop two new cars from 2016 to 2022.

The state and the company will meet in the coming weeks to thrash out a new agreement.

"There's no doubt that we will be revisiting the nature of our contribution, just as we will be asking for the company to revisit the nature of its contribution to the people of South Australia," the premier said.

"We've never walked away from our agreement. We've, in all respects, honoured our side of this bargain.

"But the events of this week have materially changed those circumstances and we have to revisit that agreement."

Ahead of Friday's meeting, Mr Devereux likened the global auto industry to a team sport and said he played on "team Australia".

"My focus for today is to figure out what we need to make sure that team Australia plays the game to win," he said.

The meeting also came after former Ford boss Jac Nasser, now the chairman of BHP Billiton, said the end of vehicle manufacturing in Australia might be inevitable.

He said if one of the three remaining producers decided to quit the country, the loss of scale could result in a domino effect.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said she didn't believe Australia's car industry was on its last legs, even though the future wasn't assured.

"The skills and innovation that come from the car industry matter to the one million Australians employed in manufacturing," she told reporters in Sydney.

"There's nothing we value more highly as a government than creating jobs."

Opposition industry spokeswoman Sophie Mirabella said the future prosperity of the automotive sector would not rest on what subsidies were provided but on how they were used.

She said the industry had a viable future that wouldn't be determined on the basis of handouts.

"I don't think it's about providing a greater dollar figure for subsidies," she told ABC radio.

"I think it's about using the existing funding in a much better way."

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Barnett shrugs off Johnson spray

A SPRAY from his former police minister on the first day of parliament doesn't worry West Australian Premier Colin Barnett one whit.

Former Liberal minister-turned backbencher Rob Johnson launched an extraordinary attack on Mr Barnett on Thursday after being pipped by fellow Liberal Michael Sutherland for the Speaker's role.

Mr Sutherland won 33 votes to 26 - which meant at least four Liberal or National members voted against party lines and the premier's chosen candidate.

Mr Johnson said during the recent state election campaign Mr Barnett had endorsed him for the Speaker's position.

So he let rip after losing out, saying his supporters had been "got to" and that the Liberal leader was dictatorial.

Despite starting off the political year on a controversial note, Mr Barnett said on Friday he was completely unfazed by the comments.

"How high do you think that rates on the stress level?" he asked journalists with a smile.

Mr Barnett admitted he was disappointed some people had voted for Mr Johnson.

"But I wouldn't lose a wink of sleep over it," he said.

"What it did demonstrate, even if some people voted against the government nomination, the vote was still easily won."

Asked if Mr Johnson's criticism was just sour grapes or if there was truth in what he had said - including the premier being angry "a lot of the time" - Mr Barnett said: "I don't really know and I don't really care".

But Mr Johnson "absolutely" remained welcome in the party, he said.

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NSW police seize guns and $1m of drugs

A POLICE search of a ute on the NSW mid-north coast has led to the seizure of almost $1 million worth of cannabis.

Guns and amphetamines were also found by officers who executed search warrants on two homes following the vehicle stop.

Police first found two large hessian bags containing 57 kilograms of cannabis when they stopped and searched a Toyota Hilux in Lorne on Tuesday evening.

The drugs had an estimated street value of $320,000.

Officers then raided a home in Lake Cathie on Wednesday, where they allegedly found 79 kilograms of cannabis, 96 grams of cannabis resin, 23 grams of amphetamine and four firearms.

The drugs have a combined street value of $600,000.

Another search warrant was executed on a home in Kempsey on Wednesday afternoon where 11kg of cannabis and eight cannabis plants were allegedly uncovered, with an estimated street value of $70,000.

Three men - aged 42, 53 and 67 - were arrested over the seizures and charged with numerous drug and weapons offences.

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NZ schoolgirl killed then house set alight

A CHRISTCHURCH schoolgirl had socks stuffed in her mouth and was strangled with a cord before her home was set alight, a New Zealand court has been told.

The trial of two men charged following the death of 13-year-old schoolgirl Jade Bayliss got under way in the High Court at Christchurch on Thursday.

Jeremy George Edward McLaughlin, 35, is accused of murdering Jade, burgling her family's Somerfield home, and then setting fire to the house on November 10, 2011.

McLaughlin's flatmate, Jolon Sweeney, 42, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to the burglary and arson.

Prosecutor Kathy Bell told the court that the Cashmere High School girl was strangled with a cord and had socks stuffed in her mouth, the Christchurch Court News website reports.

Her bedroom was largely untouched by fire and she hadn't inhaled smoke or carbon monoxide.

DNA taken from her fingernails strongly corresponded to McLaughlin's DNA, she said.

Jade's mother Patricia had earlier ended her relationship with McLaughlin.

However, Jade was home sick from school when McLaughlin returned to burgle the house.

Miss Bell said McLaughlin killed Jade and returned later with petrol to set fire to the house.

McLaughlin's lawyer, April Kelland, said he did not murder Jade, and that timing would be critical in the case. McLaughlin admits the burglary and arson charges.

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Tokyo stocks close 1.96% higher

TOKYO stocks have rallied further, with exporters the main beneficiaries as the dollar approaches the 100 yen mark.

The Nikkei 225 index at the Tokyo Stock Exchange ended up 1.96 per cent, or 261.03 points, at 13,549.16. The Topix index of all first-section issues finished up 2.34 per cent, or 26.25 points, at 1,147.29.

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Probe says North Korea behind cyber attack

AN investigation into a major cyber attack on South Korean banks and broadcasters last month says North Korea's military intelligence agency was responsible, officials say.

The probe into access records and the malicious codes used in the attack pointed to the North's military Reconnaissance General Bureau as the source, the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA) said on Wednesday.

"It was a premeditated, well-planned cyber attack by North Korea", a KISA spokesman said.

"We've collected a lot of evidence to determine the North's Reconnaissance General Bureau led the attack, which had been prepared for at least eight months," he said.

A joint team of civilian and government experts traced the origin to six personal computers used in North Korea.

In order to spread malware in target computers, the hackers went through 49 different places in 10 countries including South Korea, the investigation found. The North had used 22 of the places in past attacks.

The March 20 attack completely shut down the networks of TV broadcasters KBS, MBC and YTN, and halted financial services and crippled operations at three banks - Shinhan, NongHyup and Jeju.

It employed malware that can wipe the contents of a computer's hard disk as well as drives connected to the infected computer.

About 48,700 machines including PCs, automatic teller machines and server computers were damaged, KISA said.

The attack came days after North Korea had accused South Korea and the United States of being behind a "persistent and intensive" hacking assault that temporarily took a number of its official websites offline.

It also coincided with heightened military tensions on the Korean peninsula, following Pyongyang's nuclear test in February.

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ERA says 3 Deeps on schedule and budget

AUSTRALIA'S largest uranium producer Energy Resources of Australia says construction of its Ranger 3 Deeps project has begun and remains on schedule and within budget.

ERA, which is majority owned by Rio Tinto, expects to commence underground exploration drilling of the Ranger 3 Deeps exploration decline in the Northern Territory in the second quarter of 2013.

"The overall project presently remains on schedule and within budget," ERA said in its March 2013 Quarter Operations Review.

Exploration expenditure for the March 2013 quarter was $9 million compared to $17 million in the December 2012 quarter.

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Malaysian election set for May 5

Malaysia's general election will be held on May 5, an electoral official says. Source: AAP

MALAYSIA'S general election will be held on May 5, an electoral official says, setting a long-awaited date for highly anticipated polls tipped to be the closest in the country's history.

Speaking a week after Prime Minister Najib Razak dissolved parliament, Election Commission chairman Aziz Yusof also said balloting would be preceded by a two-week official campaign period kicking off on April 20.

The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which has controlled Malaysia through coalition governments since independence in 1957, faces a formidable opposition that has gained ground with promises to end corruption, cronyism and authoritarian rule.

The opposition surged to its best showing ever in the 2008 vote, shattering the ruling regime's decades-old aura of invincibility.

Under UMNO, multi-ethnic Malaysia became a regional economic success story while enjoying relative harmony between majority ethnic Malays and its sizeable racial minorities.

Prime Minister Najib hopes to extend the government's unbeaten run in the polls by focusing on his steady economic stewardship and a torrent of cash handouts and other sweeteners to the public.

But the opposition has won support with pledges of a more open era, enjoying unprecedented freedom to get its message past state-controlled mainstream media via an uncensored internet.

Speculation over a polling date had reached fever pitch in the past two years but Najib set the stage on April 3 by dissolving parliament, which was due to automatically expire at the end of the month.

The UMNO-controlled Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition has romped to thumping majorities in every election so far, but lost its powerful two-thirds majority five years ago.

It now faces the fight of its life against the Pakatan Rakyat (People's Pact) opposition led by Anwar Ibrahim.

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New dementia research centre launched

A new research centre for dementia will drive better care, says the federal minister for aged care. Source: AAP

FEDERAL Minister for Ageing Mark Butler has launched a new research centre for improving dementia care services, saying with one million Australians expected to suffer from the disease by 2050 it is "one of the greatest health challenges we've ever faced".

The $25 million National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre is a collaboration between the government, Alzheimer's Australia and non-government aged care groups in NSW, Western Australia and South Australia.

Canberra has devoted just under $21 million to the project, which will operate out of different locations across Australia, with Mr Butler saying "we want to make sure the world's best research informs the world's best care and support".

"Together the team will undertake essential work that will help to improve the planning of aged care services, responsible medication management, quality use of medicines and the development of new models of respite care," Mr Butler said in a statement.

"The government is investing in this centre to help people living with cognitive decline remain in the community living productive lives for as long as possible, and for those who are unable to do so it will also improve their experience of living in residential aged care facilities."

Alzheimer's Australia chief Glenn Rees said the centre would drive changes by "making sure that research results in real changes in practice".

"Dementia is a major global health issue, and we are a long way from where we need to be in the development of new treatments and improving the quality of dementia care," Mr Rees said in a statement.

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Asylum seekers reach WA port

A BOAT carrying suspected asylum seekers has been escorted into the West Australian port city of Geraldton.

Barely 430km north of Perth, the Mid West region coastal centre is more than 2000km south of Christmas Island where asylum seekers coming to Australia are usually intercepted.

The vessel arrived about 12 noon (WST) on Tuesday.

Locals were stunned as the crowded fishing boat approached.

It is thought it came from Sri Lanka and had been at sea for around six weeks.

Customs officials have taken the vessel ashore, and a temporary screening centre has been set up to process the arrivals.

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It's time for Tiwi recognition, elder says

IT'S time for Tiwi Islanders to take control of their own destiny, an elder says.

Elders on the islands, 80km north of Darwin, formed a land council in 1979 with the goal of taking control of their own affairs.

In the meantime they've watched the establishment of the Torres Strait Regional Authority.

But despite Tiwi aspirations for a similar authority, a local council still controls housing, healthcare, schooling, infrastructure and planning.

Elder Marius Puruntatameri says the idea has been discussed on the Tiwi Islands for 30 years.

"We were thinking about it then, we're still talking about it now," the softly spoken elder told AAP.

For Mr Puruntatameri, the duplication and wasted money is most frustrating.

"Everyone's just doing their own thing, there's no unity," he said.

"A lot of people out here are working for themselves instead of our people."

The elders have renewed their push for a regional authority as the Northern Territory reviews local governments.

"We've never stopped believing Tiwi people should be responsible, should be trusted," Mr Puruntatameri said.

"We'll never stop talking about it.

"Sure we'll have our problems, there will be ups and downs.

"But we can learn and we will learn."

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Labor remains committed to auto industry

HOLDEN job losses are disappointing but the federal government remains committed to the automotive sector, acting industry minister Gary Gray says.

Mr Gray says the government's thoughts are with affected workers and their families at this difficult time.

Holden has announced it will axe 400 jobs from its South Australian operations with another 100 positions to go from its product development workforce in Melbourne.

Holden said workers would be offered voluntary redundancy packages and the company expected the restructuring to be completed by August.

Mr Gray said Holden was committed to honouring worker entitlements and assisting them to find new jobs.

As well, the government has a range of measures available to assist workers, including intensive employment support under the Automotive Industry Structural Adjustment Program.

"The Gillard government remains committed to the Australian automotive sector and the manufacturing sector more broadly," Mr Gray said in a statement.

"We will work with the industry to ensure it is sustainable in a period where the Australian dollar is very strong, for example trading at parity or higher with the US dollar."

Holden said the strong Australian dollar was the primary reason for its decision, but there were also challenging market conditions and a fall in demand for its locally-built Cruze small car.

Mr Gray said Holden had made clear the restructuring was part of a broader move to make its operations more competitive and ensure it was well placed to retain production in Australia.

"The automotive manufacturing industry is an integral part of the Australian economy, paying the wages for around 250,000 Australians employed either directly in the sector, or indirectly in related manufacturing and service industries," he said.

"Our commitment to the sector is why we are investing $5.4 billion to 2020 under our New Car Plan. This will help fund investment and innovation by the car industry and it creates the policy certainty needed to support long-term investment."

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Woman's desperate cries ignored: Qld court

A YOUNG woman's screams of "Help me, oh God help me" nearly 40 years ago have haunted a man who ignored them.

The man and his wife have told a cold-case inquest into the deaths of two Sydney nurses in Queensland they saw two young women being manhandled by two men one night in September or October 1974.

One screamed for help but the couple didn't stop because they were frightened, the Toowoomba inquest was told.

Brian Britcher said he saw a green EJ Holden parked part way down the Toowoomba Range road.

Two girls and two men were nearby.

A blonde girl was being held around the neck by one man, while a dark-haired girl further down the road was being frogmarched towards the car by a second man.

Mr Britcher said the dark-haired girl was screaming "Help me, oh God help me", but he kept driving because his wife and young daughter were in the car.

"Had I have stopped I might've been able to help, but I thought of my wife and my daughter," he told the court, his voice breaking with emotion.

"I've lived with that for (more than) 30 years."

He said he didn't call police from a phone booth at nearby Withcott because he was afraid the men might drive past and recognise his car.

He didn't have a phone at home but contacted police within two days of the incident, which he said occurred either on the last weekend of September 1974 or the following weekend.

His wife Valma, who also gave evidence, said police told the couple to go home and forget about it because no one had been reported missing.

They contacted police again when the bodies of the two Sydney women were found in 1976 but no statement was taken.

It wasn't until 1987 that police called them and they were shown photos of the two women.

Ms Britcher said she was positive they were the women she had seen.

The inquest continues.

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Seven no comment on Oly broadcast rights

THE Seven Network won't comment on reports it has withdrawn its bid for the rights to broadcast the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The Australian on Monday reported that Seven dropped out of the race for the commercial free-to-air rights after the International Olympic Committee told it to raise its offer.

The Nine and Ten networks had declined to make an offer for the rights for both the Sochi winter Olympics in 2014 and Rio in 2016 because of cost concerns.

The Nine Network broadcast the London games last year, while Foxtel held the payTV rights.

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Potentially serious flu season ahead

THE NSW government has released a state-wide plan urging people to prepare for a "potentially serious" flu season with experts expecting a return of swine flu.

Health Minister Jillian Skinner along with several health experts released the Get Ready For Winter plan at Westmead Hospital in western Sydney on Sunday.

Ms Skinner said it's important people are prepared to combat and prevent flu as the government is expecting a "potentially serious" flu season after record levels of infection in the northern hemisphere over the past winter.

"This year we are particularly concerned about the likelihood of three strains of influenza - the H1N1, H3N2 and B strains - all circulating at the same time," Ms Skinner said in a statement on Sunday.

H1N1, also known as swine flu, was responsible for several deaths in 2009.

But NSW Health director of health protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty told AAP it might not be as severe as it had been in the past.

To deal with more patients over the flu season, a "record number" of nurses and doctors would be available, Ms Skinner said.

"Our hospitals are equipped and preparing to manage the increased case load but we are urging people to be aware of how they can stay well during the influenza season and stay out of hospital."

"In the first instance, people with a cold or flu-like symptoms should see their GP or contact healthdirect (1800 022 222) to talk to a registered nurse."

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Inquiry starts into soldier's truck death

A COMMISSION of inquiry will begin investigating the circumstances of a young Victorian military engineer's death during a training exercise.

Sapper Jordan Penpraze, 22, died three days after he was involved in a truck crash during a defence exercise at Sydney's Holsworthy Barracks in October last year.

The Defence Department said a commission of inquiry into the death begins in Sydney on Monday at 10am (AEST).

Retired magistrate and coroner Warren Cook, will preside over the inquiry along with Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Herbert and Major Jamie Cotton.

As a trainee combat engineer in the Australian Army, Mr Penpraze had been looking forward to deployment in Afghanistan - building bridges and clearing roads of improvised explosive devices and minefields.

But the Victorian soldier died on home soil, the same week he was due to graduate from the Australian Army School of Military Engineering.

Sapper Penpraze was one of 18 soldiers thrown from the open-top Unimog troop carrier when it careened off the road and rolled several times.

The Defence Department said the hearings will be open to the public, as much as possible.

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Venezuela's Maduro claims plot to kill him

VENEZUELA'S acting president Nicolas Maduro has accused former US officials Roger Noriega and Otto Reich of plotting to kill him to prevent his victory in next week's presidential elections.

Speaking at a televised campaign event on Saturday, Maduro said the plot also involved "right-wing forces" from El Salvador, which had already dispatched paid assassins to Venezuela to implement the plan.

"Their goal is to kill me," said Maduro, who had been designated by the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez as his heir apparent. "They want to kill me because they know they cannot win free and fair elections."

A presidential election to replace Chavez, who died of cancer last month, will be held on April 14.

Maduro said part of the plot also involved sabotaging the nation's electrical grid.

Parts of oil-rich Venezuela suffer from regular power outages, a problem opposition leader Henrique Capriles had seized upon to criticise the socialist government that Chavez led for 14 years until his death on March 5.

On Thursday, Maduro also accused the opposition of plotting to sabotage the national power grid to cause a blackout ahead of the election.

He repeated the claim on Saturday, adding that he was aware that one of the leaders of Capriles' Justice First party had met with an employee of the US Embassy in Caracas to discuss plans for "a general blackout" in the state of Bolivar, where most of Venezuela's electrical power is generated.

"They are clearly hatching a conspiracy," Maduro insisted, adding that the Venezuelan government will consider "an appropriate diplomatic measure." He did not elaborate.

A conservative Mexican-American, Roger Noriega served as US permanent representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS) from 2001 to 2003.

Otto Reich, a Cuban-American, was the US president's special envoy for the Western Hemisphere, assistant secretary of state and US ambassador to Venezuela.

While vocal critics of Venezuelan policies, both have repeatedly denied any involvement in Venezuelan affairs.

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