"We accepted (the ambassador's apology) but personally I'm not going to stop to change planes in the United States until they learn what civilization is," Correa said.

Lebanon: Political crisis

BEIRUT — Prime Minister Fuad Saniora assured his country Saturday that the military was in control of the streets while lawmakers struggled to overcome a political crisis that has left the country without a president.

The army made clear it will stay out of politics, emerging as the country's best hope for stability. In his first comments since Lahoud left office, Saniora defended his government, saying it will continue to function according to the constitution. In the absence of a president, Saniora's Cabinet, which the opposition considers illegitimate, takes executive power under the constitution.

Venezuela: Hostage talks

CARACAS — President Hugo Chavez on Saturday accused the Colombian government of scuttling his efforts to negotiate a prisoner swap with leftist rebels, saying officials prefer "war" to talks on the possible release of 45 hostages, including three Americans.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe ended Chavez's high-profile attempt to mediate between Colombia's government and FARC rebels on Wednesday, after Chavez disobeyed the conditions of his involvement by speaking directly to Colombia's top army chief. Chavez accepted Uribe's decision but on Saturday called his conversation with army Gen. Mario Montoya a "stupid excuse" to pull him from negotiations.