GERMANY

George Bush obit published in error Germany's respected news weekly Der Spiegel mistakenly -- and briefly -- published an obituary Sunday for former President George H.W. Bush, hours after a family spokesman said the 88-year-old was recovering from illness. The unfinished obituary appeared on Der Spiegel's website for only a few minutes before it was spotted by Internet users and removed. In it, the magazine's New York correspondent described Bush as "a colorless politician" whose image only improved when it was compared to the later presidency of his son, George W. Bush.

CUBA

Venezuela's Chavez faces 'complications' Hugo Chavez is facing "new complications" from a respiratory infection after cancer surgery in Havana, Vice President Nicolas Maduro said Sunday night after a visit with the leader. Venezuela has been in deep uncertainty for weeks as a result of Chavez's sickness, his extended absence and the regime's refusal to say what kind of cancer he has.

CENTRAL AFRICA

African Union head seeks end to violence The leader of the African Union, Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi, arrived in the Central African Republic and proposed a government of national unity to resolve the rebel conflict. Boni Yayi flew to Bangui, the capital, where he met with President Francois Bozize. The landlocked nation of 4.4 million people has suffered decades of army revolts, coups and rebellions since gaining independence in 1960 and remains one of the poorest countries in the world.

NEW YORK

Psych exam ordered in subway killing A woman suspected in the death of an immigrant pushed off a New York City subway platform has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Erika Menendez, 31, was arraigned Saturday night on a charge of murder as a hate crime. She told police she has hated Muslims since Sept. 11 and thought the victim was one. A judge ordered that Menendez be held without bail. She is charged in the death of Sunando Sen, a Hindu from India.

NEWS SERVICES