World News

Zimbabwe's premier counting on South Africa

Tsvangirai calls off Zimbabwe unity government boycott

MAPUTO (AFP) - - Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday called off a boycott of power-sharing ties with President Robert Mugabe that had paralysed the fragile unity government for three weeks.

Tsvangirai calls off Zimbabwe unity government boycott

MAPUTO (AFP) - - Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday called off a boycott of power-sharing ties with President Robert Mugabe that had paralysed the fragile unity government for three weeks.

Chanel in court accused of counterfeiting

PARIS (AFP) - - French fashion giant Chanel was accused in court Friday of stealing a supplier's design in a case that could have a bearing on the rights of skilled artisans toiling in the luxury industry.

Families of Spanish hostages urge negotiations with pirates

MADRID (AFP) - - Families of the crew of a Spanish tuna trawler being held by Somali pirates appealed to Spain's government on Friday to negotiate with the kidnappers, who have threatened to kill the hostages.

British Airways to cut extra 1,200 jobs amid losses

LONDON (AFP) - - British Airways on Friday said the company's net loss more than quadrupled during its first half, forcing the carrier to slash an extra 1,200 jobs in an "essential" cost reduction programme.

Paraguay president explains military shake-up

ASUNCION, Paraguay - Paraguay needed a military shake-up to create opportunities for young officers with a proven commitment to democracy, President Fernando Lugo said Friday in his first explanation for removing his top commanders this week.

Vatican official seeks more access to Cuban media

HAVANA - A senior Vatican official said Friday he has asked Cuba's government to allow the Roman Catholic Church more access to mass media, saying Cubans are a religious people and should be given broadcast access to their pastors.

Honduras crisis deepens after collapse of deal

TEGUCIGALPA (AFP) - - Honduras sunk into further disarray after President Manuel Zelaya, ousted in a military-backed coup, said a US-brokered deal to end the nation's four-month crisis had collapsed.

Iran lawmaker: No shipment of uranium abroad

TEHRAN, Iran - A top Iranian lawmaker has rejected the possibility of Iran shipping uranium abroad for further enrichment.

Iran says over 100 people detained at anti-U.S. rally

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iranian police detained more than 100 people for "disturbing public order" during a rally this week to mark the anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. embassy, the official IRNA news agency reported on Saturday.

25 wounded in search for US troops missing in Afghanistan

KABUL (AFP) - - A search for two US soldiers missing in northwest Afghanistan continued after 25 soldiers were wounded in what one Western official said may have been a friendly-fire incident during the hunt.

Seattle team wins $900,000 in Space Elevator Games

LOS ANGELES - A Seattle teams has collected a $900,000 prize in a NASA-backed competition to develop the concept of an elevator to space _ an idea spurred by science fiction novels.

Fort victims had different reasons for enlisting

The 13 people killed when an Army psychiatrist allegedly opened fire on fellow soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, included a pregnant woman who was preparing to return home, a man who quit a furniture company job to join the military about a year ago, a newlywed who had served in Iraq and a woman who had vowed to take on Osama bin Laden after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Decision day for health care in the House

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is traveling to Capitol Hill on Saturday to try to close the sale on his signature health care overhaul, facing a make-or-break vote in the House certain to be seen as a test of his presidency.