The parents in Colorado's balloon boy hoax were handed jail sentences Wednesday for their roles in the bizarre publicity stunt which became a worldwide media sensation.

Richard Heene, 48, showed no emotion as Judge Stephen Schapanski gave him a 90-day sentence to begin in January, before a packed courtroom in Fort Collins, outside Denver.

His wife, Japanese national Mayumi Heene, 45, was sentenced to 20 days in jail after admitting a misdemeanor offense of false reporting to authorities. She will serve her jail time after her husband is released next year.

US President Barack Obama has tapped former Bush administration adviser Howard Schmidt as his cybsersecurity coordinator, the White House announced Tuesday.

"Howard will have the important responsibility of orchestrating the many important cybersecurity activities across the government," said John Brennan, Obama's assistant for homeland security and counterterrorism.

"Howard will have regular access to the president and serve as a key member of his National Security Staff," Brennan said in a statement.

Colombia has announced it will build a new military base near its border with Venezuela, in a move likely to further strain its tense ties with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Defense Minister Gabriel Silva said Friday that the base, located on the Guajira peninsula near the city of Nazaret, would have up to 1,000 troops. Two air battalions would also be activated at other border areas.

"It is a strategic point from a defense point of view," Silva said.

Locked up 35 years for child rape and kidnapping, James Bain was finally set free by a Florida judge after a DNA test proved he was innocent of the crimes.

"Mr Bain, I'm now signing the order... you're a free man. Congratulations," the judge told the 54-year-old as his family and friends in the courtroom broke out in applause.

Outside the courtroom, Bain told reporters he held no grudge.

"No, I'm not angry, because I've got God... I'm going home with my family... and I will stay in touch with my lawyers," he said.

Scotland lock Alastair Kellock has warned Ireland's Triple Crown-chasing squad to brace themselves for a massive battle in the last Six Nations game at Croke Park.

Ireland, who could still retain their Six Nations title if England were to upset France in Paris on Saturday, are seeking to end their temporary stay at the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association by landing their fifth Triple Crown in the last seven years.

US President Barack Obama praised two key political figures in North Ireland for "charting a historic path" towards peace following an agreement on a landmark power transfer deal.

Obama singled out one-time foes First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at two receptions marking Saint Patrick's Day, a week after the deal was endorsed by the Northern Ireland assembly.

"I want to salute First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness for their outstanding leadership, their continuing example," Obama said.

Australia's iconic dingo may be the world's oldest breed of dog, according a major new DNA study that is likely to boost conservation efforts.

The international study has found the dingo and its close relation, the rare New Guinea singing dog, bear the closest genetic similarity to wolves of all breeds tested.

The research, published in science journal Nature, appears to confirm widely held theories about the dingo's history. It involved testing nearly 1,000 dogs of 85 different breeds as well as hundreds of wolves.

The 33 Haitian children at the center of a US abduction row have finally been reunited with their families, but the fact that not one of them turned out to be an orphan raised fresh concern.

SOS Children's Villages, the international aid group caring for the children since the drama erupted seven weeks ago, said Wednesday it was only right for them to be handed back to their families.

Red-clad Thai anti-government protesters promised entertainment for the crowds Thursday in a bid to boost dwindling numbers at their rally, vowing to step up demonstrations at the weekend.

The supporters of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra have so far failed in their drive to bring down the government, despite headline-grabbing symbolic blood protests and a 100,000-strong demonstration at its peak on Sunday. Related article: Thai protesters give blood