A round-up of today's world news in brief
Two CBS journalists missing in Iraq
NEW YORK- Two journalists working for CBS News have gone missing in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, the company said in a statement.
"All efforts are under way to find them and until we learn more details, CBS News requests that others do not speculate on the identities of those involved. CBS News has been in touch with the families and asks that their privacy be respected," it said in a statement.
Iraq has become extremely hazardous for journalists, raising concerns about the diminished amount of information on the war that is available to the public. - (Reuters)
Moderate quake hits Mexico
TIJUANA- A moderate earthquake rattled northern Mexico's Baja California peninsula yesterday, close to the border with Arizona and California, but Mexican officials reported only minor damage to buildings.
The magnitude 5.1 quake, centred just 7km (4.3 miles) below ground, struck at 10.29am local time 19km (12 miles) northwest of Guadalupe Victoria in Baja California state, the US Geological Survey said. - (Reuters)
Annan aims for Kenya deal in days
NAIROBI -Former UN secretary general Kofi Annan has invited Kenya's feuding political parties to continue talks at a hidden location outside Nairobi, with the aim of reaching an agreement within two or three days, a spokesman has said.
"During this period, he has asked for a complete news blackout," added a statement yesterday from the spokesman for Mr Annan, who is mediating the post-election crisis in Kenya. - (Reuters)
London bike-hire scheme unveiled
LONDON -London will adopt a bicycle-hire scheme similar to a popular initiative in Paris under a £500 million (€672 million) cycling investment package announced by mayor Ken Livingstone yesterday.
Under the plan, 6,000 bicycles will be available for hire from ranks every 300m (600ft) throughout the city centre. - (Reuters)
Sarkozy approval rating falls to 39%
PARIS -French president Nicolas Sarkozy's approval rating fell 10 percentage points to 39 per cent in an opinion poll published yesterday, the latest survey to highlight a collapse in his popularity.
The Ipsos poll for weekly Le Point did not give details on respondents' reasons for their answers. - (Reuters)