A roundup of today's other international stories in brief:
At least 70 Taliban fighters killed
KANDAHAR - More than 70 Taliban fighters were killed in fighting with Nato and Afghan forces in Kandahar, a police official said yesterday.
Four policemen were also killed in the battle in Panjwai district, southwest of Kandahar city, that erupted late on Saturday, said Panjwai police chief Neyaz Mohammad Sarhadi.
"So far, we've recovered the bodies of 72 Taliban."
He said the battle began when hundreds of Taliban attacked government headquarters where clashes have erupted regularly since May.
- (Reuters)
Iran dashes hopes of uranium deal
TEHRAN - Iran set the scene for confrontation with the UN Security Council yesterday by declaring it would reject demands to suspend uranium enrichment as the price of an agreement over its nuclear programme.
The announcement pre-empted tomorrow's anticipated formal Iranian response to an international incentive package and appeared to dash hopes of a deal. The package, put together by the Security Council's five permanent members - the US, Britain, France, Russia and China - plus Germany, promised civilian nuclear technology in return for suspending uranium enrichment.
- (Guardian service)
Man who incited bomber for parole
LONDON - A Muslim cleric who influenced a 7/7 bomber is set to be released from prison, it was reported yesterday. Sheikh Abdullah el-Faisal was jailed in 2003 for racial hatred and soliciting the murder of Jews, Americans and Hindus after urging Muslims to wage jihad.
The Observer said he was now eligible for parole and that he had been issued with a notice of deportation to Jamaica.
- (PA)
Illegal immigrants feared drowned
ROME - At least 10 illegal immigrants trying to enter Italy were feared dead and another 20 missing yesterday when a rubber boat overturned off Sicily in the second such disaster in the area in as many days. A coastguard official said about 10 immigrants had been rescued.
- (Reuters)