The 17-judge court invalidated the National Reconciliation Order, saying in its ruling that the amnesty "seems to be against the national interest" and "violates various provisions of the Constitution."

There were dozens of "elves" behind the decorating, which, while elaborate, was more understated than in recent years. Ninety-two volunteers from 24 states put in more than 3,400 hours of their time, Obama said

Jacob Zuma is sworn in as president of South Africa on Saturday after a remarkable political comeback, taking over a faltering economy plagued by crime, poverty and AIDS. Zuma, 67, taking the oath of office was unthinkable during turbulent years when graft and rape charges nearly ruined him, crises that might have buried many politicians.