Nepal Military Claims 64 Maoist Rebels Killed in Clash PolitInfo.com
Nepal's military says its forces have killed at least 64 Maoist rebels in a clash in the country's midwest, a week after troops killed at least 148 rebels in the same area.
Nepal army says kills 64 Maoists in gunbattles San Diego Union Tribune
Nepal King announces civic polls, creates controversy Navhind Times
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Rich nations must act selflessly: Clinton CBC News
UNITED NATIONS - The United States and other powerful nations must win friends and allies by offering international assistance without ulterior motives, said former US president Bill Clinton.
UN welcomes Clinton's tsunami appointment ABC Online
Clinton Urges Makeover of US Image Newsday
Xinhua - UN News Centre - NewsMax.com - 4RFV - all 67 related »

Negroponte Approved as Intelligence Director by Senate Panel Bloomberg
John Negroponte, President George W. Bush's nominee to be the first director of national intelligence, was approved by the Senate Intelligence Committee, clearing the way for a confirmation vote by the full Senate.
Senate Panel Approves Intel Chief Nominee San Francisco Chronicle
Senate committee approves nomination of intelligence chief WBNS
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S.Korean, Texas Oil Man Charged in UN Scandal Reuters
A South Korean at the center of an influence-peddling scandal in Washington in the 1970s and a Texas oilman have been charged in two separate federal cases involving bribes and kickbacks in the scandal-plagued U.N. oil-for-food program, U.S. authorities said on Thursday. Tongsun Park, a key figure in the so-called Koreagate scandal, was charged by the U.S. attorney in New York with being an unregistered agent for Iraq. The criminal complaint said he received at least $2 million from Iraq for lobbying U.N. officials to set up the oil-for-food program, with an understanding that some of the money would be used to "take care" of a U.N. official.
Four Charged in UN Oil-For-Food Scandal Guardian
Texas oilmen charged with kickbacks to Saddam Hussein KLTV
Denton Record Chronicle (subscription) - Voice of America - News Hounds - New York Times - all 415 related »

12 dead in Paris hotel fire CNN
French firefighters have told CNN at least 12 people have died in a hotel fire in central Paris. The fire was still burning at the Paris-Opera hotel early Friday morning with people trapped by the blaze, a fire department captain told CNN.
Flames Rip Through Paris Hotel, 13 Dead 580 CFRA Radio
Paris hotel fire kills at least 13 people Globe and Mail
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Twin suicide bombings on Israeli buses kill 16 Reuters.uk
Palestinian suicide bombers killed at least 16 people in simultaneous attacks on two Israeli buses on Tuesday, breaking a long lull in such violence and threatening ...
World Bank Chief to Become a Special Mideast Envoy New York Times
Envoy named to coordinate Gaza withdrawal Minneapolis Star Tribune (subscription)
World Socialist Web Site - Special Broadcasting Service - 123Bharath.com - International Herald Tribune - all 991 related »

Pressure on EU leaders as No vote fears grow Financial Times
Sir, Europe's elected politicians and bureaucrats would do well to reflect on the FT's news coverage of the European Union this week.
Chirac appeals for EU yes vote Guardian
Chirac Goes on TV to Promote Europe's Constitution New York Times
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At least five killed in Baghdad blasts Hindustan Times
Twin suicide car bombs detonated near an Interior Ministry building in central Baghdad on Thursday killing at least five people and wounding around 20, a hospital official said.
19 Iraqis Killed and 60 Hurt by Cars Bombs and Gunfire New York Times
Bombs Kill at Least 15 Los Angeles Times (subscription)
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Does anyone think that Clinton will be the next UN chief? He is becoming an international star again. He is more liked than Bush.

He might be a candidate as a successor of Kofi Annan!

Japan warns its nationals to keep low profile in China CBC News
Japanese diplomatic missions in China have issued an urgent alert to Japanese nationals to keep a low profile ahead of planned weekend rallies.
China and Japan, economic partners to more violence DCEAlumni.com
Beijing warns against unauthorised anti-Japan protests Reuters AlertNet
Bloomberg - Asahi Shimbun - Scotsman - International Herald Tribune - all 404 related »

Former professor recalls businessman kidnapped in Iraq KWQC-TV
Jeffrey Ake's (AYKS') former professor at the University of Illinois says he was an energetic and outgoing student.
Twin Suicide Bombings in Baghdad Kill 11 New York Times
US Businessman Believed Abducted in Iraq ABC News
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Cuba: Talks with EU "on the brink of ruin" Xinhua
Cuba said on Thursday that the open dialogue with the European Union (EU) is "on the brink of ruin", after the approval of a statement against the island country at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, presented by the United States and co-sponsored by the bloc. Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque rated as "pathetic, failing and subservient" the role of the EU, at a press conference in Havana. The commission passed the US proposal on Cuba by a 21-17 vote with 5 abstentions, renewing resolutions from previous years condemning the country's human rights record.
UN agency condemns Cuban's human-rights record Kansas City Star
A stick to beat Cuba Guardian
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Pressure mounts as ministers discuss EU embargo on China Financial Times
European Union foreign ministers are today set to discuss one of the most sensitive topics on their agenda - EU relations with China - amid a barrage of pressure from the US not to lift its arms embargo and multiple calls from voters for EU "safeguards" against a rising tide of Chinese textile imports.
US legislators condemn lifting arms embargo on China Winston-Salem Journal
Europe Urges Linking Lifting of Chinese Arms Ban to Rights New York Times
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Mel may put Pope on film Melbourne Herald Sun
MEL Gibson is reportedly set to turn Pope John Paul II's story into a Hollywood movie. Gibson has already filmed the ending to the movie.
Shift toward tolerance Orlando Sentinel (subscription)
Rome gets tourism boost after pope's death USA Today
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Kyrgyzstan denies plan to host US surveillance planes Xinhua
Kyrgyzstan's acting President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said Thursday the country had no plan to station US AWACS surveillance planes on its soil, according to reports reaching here from Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.
New Kyrgyz leaders gain support from Rumsfeld eTaiwan News
Rumsfeld Gets Assurances From Kyrgyzstan on US Air Base New York Times
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State Department Official Heads to Sudan's Darfur Reuters
US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick plans to visit Darfur Friday as part of intensifying diplomatic efforts to halt starvation and armed conflict threatening millions of lives in Sudan's western region. Darfuri civic leaders who met the State Department's number two official in Khartoum Thursday described a dire situation in their home province. "All Darfur is a (prison) camp because there is insecurity, starvation," said Mahmoud Mustafa el-Mekki, a senior tribal official.
Zoellick Presses Sudan for US, NATO Role in Darfur Washington Post
US Official Arrives in Sudan to Pressure Khartoum on Darfur Voice of America
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Resignation clouds Lebanese poll Taipei Times
Pro-Syrian Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karami stepped down on Wednesday, raising doubts that parliamentary elections will be held before the end of next month, when the current legislature's term ends.
Minister warns of unrest Gulf Daily News
Lebanon's Pro-Syrian Coalition in Disarray Reuters
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Britain, US share blame for illicit oil funds, says Annan Jamaica Observer
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday said Britain and the United States are partly to blame for Iraq making billions of dollars in illicit money because they never stopped it from smuggling oil.
Annan: US, Britain Share Scandal Blame ABC News
Annan blames US, UK for oil scandal Aljazeera.net
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Musharraf visit complemented by 45-member team Sify
His "informal visit" to cheer the Pakistani cricket team at Ferozeshah Kotla will be complemented by a 45-member high-powered delegation that takes care of all eventualities arising from his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday afternoon. The composition of the Pakistani delegation is an indication of the importance President Musharraf is attaching to his three-day visit.
India frees 24 Pakistani prisoners Pakistan Dawn
From Cricket to Kashmir? BusinessWeek
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UN peacekeeper from Philippines killed in Haiti Xinhua
A UN soldier from the Philippines was shot dead Thursday in a neighborhood of Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince during a clash between UN troops and local gangs, UN officials said.
End the misery Orlando Sentinel (subscription)
UN Peacekeeper Killed in Haiti ABC News
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Angola follows up 150 families to control Marburg fever People's Daily Online
Over 150 families residing in Angola's northern Uige province, whose relatives died of Marburg hemorrhagic fever, have been under medical vigilance, local media reported Thursday.
Angolans Scrapping Hugs Amid Deadly Virus ABC News
Angola Targets Risky Funeral Rites in Marburg Fight Swissinfo
Scotland on Sunday - Washington Times - Reuters - CNN International - all 305 related »

Coalition Talks to Resolve Czech Crisis San Francisco Chronicle
A deal that would have let the Czech Republic's scandal-tainted prime minister resign to make way for a new government collapsed Thursday, leaving the leadership of the central European country in limbo.
Czech deal collapses, crisis prevails Reuters.uk
Czech Social Democrats Reject Agreement on Cabinet Bloomberg
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Soldier cleared of Briton’s death Times Online
AN ISRAELI military court yesterday cleared a soldier of killing a British film-maker in the Gaza Strip two years ago. James Miller’s death was captured by his own camera, which picked up the sound of shots in the dark as he walked towards an Israeli armoured vehicle at night in May 2003 while making a programme about Palestinian children in Rafah. His film was called Death in Gaza. A military judge yesterday acquitted an Israeli officer identified as Lieutenant H of misusing his firearm. Early Israeli versions of the shooting held that soldiers opened fire after being attacked by Palestinian gunmen who were smuggling arms from the Egyptian border nearby. But Mr Miller’s footage of the incident, on the Philadelphi Route, which runs along the Gaza-Egypt border, showed no evidence of a gun battle.
Israelis clear lieutenant of killing British film-maker Scotsman
IDF clears officer in death of UK journalist Ha'aretz
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Bankruptcy rules getting stricter Miami Herald
Congress passed bankruptcy legislation that would force many people seeking protection from creditors to repay their bills instead of having their debts wiped clean. President Bush will sign the new rules into law.
Filing bankruptcy soon will be tougher Kansas City Star
US Congress passes bill making it harder to wipe away debts EastDay.com
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Kings and Queens Bid Farewell to Monaco's Rainier Reuters
Kings, queens and presidents bade farewell to Monaco's Prince Rainier on Friday at a funeral service in the cathedral where he married former Hollywood actress Grace Kelly and will be laid to rest beside her.
Did Curse Put the 'Grim' in Grimaldi? ABC News
Somber Funeral For Prince Rainier CBS News
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Prince Rainier III - Prince Albert of Monaco

Lawlessness Part of Abbas' Daily Struggle Newsday
Policeman Jouma Ahmad settled the score the way he felt best -- by shooting his enemy nine times, right in the middle of a police station.
Middle East ; Sharon mulls new pullouts post-Gaza: report: Keralanext
Editor's Notes: Overtures to the deaf Jerusalem Post
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Eyewitness: Paris hotel blaze BBC News
Neighbours, passers-by and rescue workers have described the devastation at the scene of a fierce fire at a central Paris hotel. Many people have died in the blaze, among them African immigrants waiting for housing.
Fire Kills 20 in Paris Hotel Used by Immigrants Swissinfo
At least 17 killed in Paris hotel inferno CTV
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India, Pak can fight terrorism together: Manmohan Singh Deccan Herald
Ahead of President Pervez Musharraf's visit, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India and Pakistan can work together in fighting the sources of terrorism in the region making it clear it was their joint responsibility to ensure full security to the passengers of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service. Addressing the Chief Ministers conference on Internal Security here, he said notwithstanding the recent dastardly attempt to disrupt the bus service by terrorist elements, people of Jammu and Kashmir came out onto the streets as one to welcome this gesture of reconciliation.
Top News ; Divided Hurriyat to meet Musharraf: Keralanext
Musharraf leaves for India Saturday Kashar News
Hindu - Islamic Republic News Agency - Radio Australia - GEO - all 287 related »

Press laments Chirac's EU plea BBC News
Most French newspapers give President Jacques Chirac poor marks for his performance in Thursday's live TV debate aimed at producing a Yes vote in the EU constitution referendum.
Media criticizes Chirac EU appeal CNN International
World; French media critical of Chirac’s EU charter pitch: Keralanext
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Man arrested in 2002 Cape Cod slaying CNN
A 33-year-old garbage collector has been arrested in the stabbing death of a single mother three years ago on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, authorities said Friday. The Barnstable County district attorney's office confirmed the arrest of Christopher McCowen in connection with the death of Christa Worthington but gave no details about pending charges.
Arrest Made in Death of Cape Cod Writer ABC News
Hyannis man arrested in Worthington slaying Cape Cod Times
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Israel: Gaza is test case for 'Road Map' Washington Times
Israel will closely monitor developments in the Gaza Strip after it withdraws from the area to determine whether and how to implement the internationally ...
Conflict: Israel and Palestine Olean Times Herald
Gaza Settlers to Return Army-Issue Weapons Guardian
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Italy facing political crisis DCEAlumni.com
Italy’s longest serving prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, since World War II risks the collapse of his four party center-right coalition government after two small parties withdrew their support as they want him to resign and form a new government following heavy losses in regional elections earlier this month. The centrist UDC party, which has four ministers in government, was the first to decide to withdraw its support from the center-right government. Then, the new Italian Socialist party, which has only two minor government posts, followed its example.
Italian Government in Danger of Collapse Voice of America
Political Turmoil for Berlusconi Scotsman
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Silvio Berlusconi

China Assures Japan, But Braces for Protests Reuters
China braced for a second wave of anti-Japanese protests this weekend, promising to protect Japanese businesses and citizens and denying that authorities had tacitly encouraged the unrest.
Beijing Moves to Rein In Anti-Japan Demonstrations New York Times
Rallies to maintain rage Melbourne Herald Sun
The Standard - Xinhua - Wired News - CNN International - all 417 related »

Pakistan calls for meeting opportunity to Kashmiri leaders Xinhua
Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri Friday said Kashmiri leaders on both sides of the Line of Control should be provided opportunities to meet each other.
General arrives on Saturday, military CBMs to get a push Newindpress
Musharraf due on rare India trip BBC News
GEO - BBC Sport - Independent Online - Swissinfo - all 242 related »

Bush administration tries to preserve Sudan Financial Times
New and matching uniforms were issued, a military brass band had practised for days and a national holiday was declared for the crowds who turned out on Friday at a remote dirt airstrip in southern Sudan to celebrate the arrival of their most important guest after decades of civil war. Robert Zoellick may only rank the equivalent of a deputy foreign minister, but as the most senior US official ever to set foot in rebel-held Rumbek, he was accorded a welcome fit for a head of state. Women ululated and barefoot children jumped up and down in joy as the deputy secretary of state inspected the guard of honour led by an officer carrying a giant sword.
Sudanese Resistance Plead for US Aid Washington Post
US Looking to Help Southern Sudan's Ex-Rebels Reuters
AllAfrica.com - Guardian - Voice of America - all 217 related »

EU keeps ban on arms to China News24
Luxembourg - The European Union nations on Friday failed to agree on lifting their 15-year-old ban on arms sales to China, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said.
Arms ban to continue AsiaNews.it
EU nations maintain ban on arm sales to China Ireland Online
Expatica - Bloomberg - New York Times - Spiegel International - all 175 related »

Britain rejects Annan's oil-for-food accusation Xinhua
Britain on Friday rejected an accusation by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that Britain and the United States ignored illegal oil smuggling from Iraq to Jordan and Turkey in the 1990s.
Timeline: Oil-For-Food Scandal Sofia News Agency
Row deepens over UN oil scandal BBC News
Aljazeera.net - Zaman Online - Hindu - Turks.US - all 186 related »

Analysis: What if France votes 'no' Washington Times
So far, the European constitution appears to be about everything but the slim document being distributed to France's 40 million voters, ahead of a May 29 referendum.
Media criticizes Chirac EU appeal CNN International
Chirac Defends EU Constitution on TV Washington Post
Xinhua - New York Times - Voice of America - Reuters - all 197 related »

Anti-Japan Protesters March on Consulate in Shanghai Bloomberg
Tens of thousands of Shanghai protesters attacked the Japanese consulate and restaurants in a second weekend of anti-Japan demonstrations in China, provoked by disputes over oil-drilling rights and textbooks.
Anti-Japanese protests might spin out of control Pravda
New Anti-Japanese Protests Erupt in China ABC News
Reuters - Ireland Online - CNN International - MSNBC - all 599 related »

Musharraf Due in India, for Peace, Prayers and Cricket Reuters
Pakistan's president flies into India on Saturday for a weekend of prayers, peace talks and cricket, his first visit since a disastrous summit in 2001 and a sign of a vast improvement in ties between the nuclear rivals. But although General Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will discuss the thorny issue of Kashmir and ways to further strengthen their relations, no major breakthrough is expected almost three years after near-war.
India, Pakistan to discuss Kashmir Globe and Mail
Musharraf heads to India for ‘key summit’ Times of Oman
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Terror of blaze recounted Kansas City Star
“One can imagine young children, parents without their clothes, in the middle of the night, fast asleep, smoke, cries, tears.”.
Paris hotel fire kills 20, injures 59 Kentucky.com
20 die in fire at budget hotel in Paris Myrtle Beach Sun News
ABC News - Washington Times - Guardian - New York Times - all 1,064 related »

Some seek change in balance of power Miami Herald
When the 115 cardinal-electors of the Roman Catholic Church gather Monday, they will be choosing more than a pope. They will be choosing a Catholic Church for the 21st century.
Prospective cardinals for next Pope Newindpress
Conclaves often end surprisingly Billings Gazette
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Stumbling toward peace St. Petersburg Times
The setbacks to Middle East peace continue, but the Bush administration has played a positive role in keeping the atmosphere conducive to negotiations.
Most Gaza Settlers Won't Resist Violently: Poll Reuters
Jewish extremists gearing up for a fight, Israeli officials say Kansas City Star
New York Post - Vail Daily News - Guardian - Taipei Times - all 927 related »

Monaco says goodbye to Prince Rainier Lexington Herald Leader
Prince Rainier III's subjects honored his memory yesterday with an emotional and pomp-filled funeral at the site where he and Princess Grace began their fairy-tale marriage nearly half a century ago.
Phila. Mass honors a prince Philadelphia Inquirer
Monaco says goodbye to Prince Rainier Baltimore Sun
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Guardian - Independent - KHON2 - all 595 related »

US and Britian reject oil for food blame Radio Australia
The US and British governments have rejected accusations by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that they bore part of the blame for the corruption of the oil for food program.
Row deepens over UN oil scandal Matamat.com
UN chief Annan angers US, Britain Washington Times
Independent - Times Online - Guardian - Reuters India - all 249 related »

Berlusconi coalition in disarray as UDC quits Financial Times
The centre-right Italian government led by Silvio Berlusconi, prime minister, was on the verge of disintegration yesterday after one of the four parties in his coalition decided to withdraw from his cabinet.
Junior party quits Italy's coalition Guardian
Cornered Berlusconi Battles to Resolve Govt Chaos Reuters
Washington Post - New York Times - Independent - Voice of America - all 204 related »

World Retail Banking Report 2005 - Italy a bought Republic by a UHNWI (Ultra High Net Worth Individual)?

EU keeps China arms-sales ban Boston Globe
European Union nations were unable to agree yesterday on lifting their 15-year-old ban on arms sales to China, a proposal that had drawn criticism from the United States and exposed internal divisions.
EU foreign ministers vow to boost partnership with China Xinhua
EU still wants to lift ban on sale of arms to China Financial Times
Winston-Salem Journal - Guardian - Voice of America - eTaiwan News - all 223 related »

"When capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity."

Lebanese president appoints a moderate to be prime minister Baltimore Sun
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud named moderate pro-Syrian lawmaker Najib Mikati as prime minister yesterday, breaking a political deadlock and reviving chances for holding parliamentary elections next month.
Pro-Syrian Legislator Is Named Lebanon's Next Prime Minister New York Times
Lebanon names Mikati as prime minister RTE Interactive
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Police round up Pakistan opposition party leaders ahead of rally Salt Lake Tribune
Police arrested senior opposition party figures Friday in an apparent effort to block a weekend rally for the husband of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto upon his return from a visit to his exiled wife.
Ex-Pakistan PM Bhutto's husband arrested Japan Today
Police Arrest Senior Opposition Leaders Los Angeles Times (subscription)
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