A roundup of today's other stories in brief.
Archdiocese investigates Foley claims
MIAMI - The Archdiocese of Miami said yesterday it is investigating allegations that former US Republican Mark Foley, the disgraced lawmaker at the centre of a sex scandal which has embroiled the Republican party, was abused as a child by a Catholic priest.
The archdiocese apologised to Mr Foley and said Florida prosecutors identified his alleged abuser as Fr Anthony Mercieca, who in media interviews this week admitted having intimate contact with Mr Foley in the 1960s. - (Reuters)
George Michael in drugs row
LONDON - Pop star George Michael said smoking cannabis kept him "sane and happy" and appeared to light up a joint during an interview on Britain's ITV channel, ITV said yesterday. The comments have landed the former Wham! frontman in hot water with mental health groups and drug charities concerned about the message Michael's comments will send to young people.
"All drugs have potential to harm and that is the principal message we need to get across," said William Butler, a spokesman for the Addaction drugs charity. - (Reuters)
Envoy to present Kosovo plans
BELGRADE - UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari will present his "initial ideas" on the future of the breakaway Serbian province of Kosovo at a meeting of major powers today, amid signs they will delay a decision.
"He will brief the Contact Group on some of the initial ideas," his spokeswoman, Hua Jiang, said yesterday.
- (Reuters)