News Mash-up: Political Leaders

Putin signs law allowing him more terms as leader Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 5 signed a law allowing him to potentially hold onto power until 2036, a move that formalizes constitutional changes endorsed in a vote last year. The July 1 constitutional vote included a provision that reset Putin’s previous term limits, allowing him to run for president two more times. The change was rubber-stamped by the Kremlin-controlled legislature and the relevant law signed by Putin was posted April 5 on an official portal of legal information. Putin, 68, has been in power for more than two decades. (AP) Jordan’s Prince Hamza pledges allegiance to king Jordan’s Prince Hamza pledged allegiance to King Abdullah on April 5 after mediation by the royal family, two days after he was placed under house arrest and accused of trying to destabilize the country. The prince signed a letter in which he placed himself at the monarch’s disposal after a meeting with other princes, the royal court said. On April 3, the military warned the prince over actions it said were undermining “security and stability” in Jordan. Officials said April 4 he had liaised with people who had contacts with foreign parties in a plot to destabilize Jordan. (AP) These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.