A round up of today's other stories in brief
Bomb sparks new violence in Pakistan
KOHAT - Small-arms and rocket fire between Muslim sects killed four people in a Pakistani town after 36 people, mostly minority Shias, died in a suicide bombing and other violence.
Thursday's bombing targeted a Shia procession in the town of Hangu in North West Frontier Province marking Ashura, the holiest day in the Shia calendar.
No group claimed responsibility, but Shia leaders were quick to accuse Sunni militants blamed for decades of sectarian attacks as well as al-Qaeda-linked violence. The bombing brought exchanges of fire between bands of Shias and Sunnis in and around Hangu, which resulted in four deaths. - (Reuters).
Kosovans elect Rugova ally
PRISTINA - Kosovo elected political moderate Fatmir Sejdiu as its new president yesterday, just in time for face-to-face talks between ethnic Albanians and Serbia on the future of the disputed province.
He replaces Albanian independence icon Ibrahim Rugova, who died of lung cancer on January 21st. The 120-seat parliament voted 80 to 12 to elect Mr Sejdiu (54), a longtime Rugova ally.
The vote clears the way for direct Serb-Albanian talks on the fate of the Serbian province, which has been run by the UN since Nato bombs drove out Serb forces in 1999. - (Reuters)
Attempt to sue entertainer fails
LONDON - A grieving family whose son was found dead in a swimming pool at the home of television entertainer Michael Barrymore failed yesterday in an attempt to launch a private prosecution.
The family of the butcher Stuart Lubbock (31), Harlow, Essex, wanted Mr Barrymore to answer allegations of drug misuse, disorderly behaviour and assault. But a district judge said there was insufficient evidence. - (PA)
Getty art trust boss quits
LOS ANGELES - The president of the J Paul Getty Trust - one of the world's richest art institutes - has resigned amid an inquiry into allegations that the trust's assets had been misused for personal benefit, excessive travel and lavish pay.
The board of trustees said Barry Munitz, president and CEO for the past eight years, had decided to resign. He will receive no severance package and will pay the Getty Trust $250,000, without admitting any wrongdoing. - (Reuters)
Vigilantes kill 10 in Guatemala
GUATEMALA CITY - Police have found the bodies of 10 suspected gang members dumped in the Guatemalan capital, the latest victims in a vigilante killing spree that recalls the death squad violence of the country's civil war.
All had been tortured and strangled. - (Reuters)