A round-up of today's other world stories in brief
Refugees to be moved away from crossfire
GOMA - Tens of thousands of refugees at a frontline camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will be urgently moved to prevent them being caught in crossfire between rebels and the army.
More than 65,000 civilians who have fled weeks of fighting are camped at Kibati, a few kilometres south of combat lines between Tutsi rebels loyal to renegade general Laurent Nkunda and government troops.
The refugees, squatting in cramped, dirty conditions within sight of a live volcano, are among 250,000 civilians forced from their homes since a resurgence of fighting in late August in the North Kivu province. - (Reuters)
Seven killed in Iraq plane crash
BAGHDAD - A civilian cargo aircraft crashed in western Iraq yesterday, killing all seven people on board, the US military and shipping firm FedEx said.
The aircraft was operated by a company called Falcon Aviation and was carrying FedEx cargo.
On its website, Falcon Aviation Group describes itself as a Dubai-based firm operating cargo flights in the Gulf region for FedEx and other firms, including flights to the al-Asad US air base in western Iraq. - (Reuters)
No food supplies for Gaza, says UN
GAZA - A United Nations aid agency said yesterday it had run out of food supplies for 750,000 Palestinians in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip after Israel blocked deliveries by the world body.
Short of fuel, Palestinian officials shut down Gaza's sole power plant as Israel kept commercial crossings with the coastal territory closed for a 10th day.
Israel blamed the closure and the partial blackouts in Gaza City on cross-border rocket attacks by Palestinian militants. "We have run out this evening and unless the crossing points open ... we won't be able to get that food into Gaza," said John Ging of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. - (Reuters)
Hendrix band's drummer dies
PORTLAND - Mitch Mitchell, a pioneering drummer best known for his work with 1960s rock icon Jimi Hendrix, died on Wednesday, aged 62.
Mitchell was found dead in his hotel room in Portland, Oregon. A coroner's spokesman said it appeared he died of natural causes, although a formal finding had not yet been issued.
The drummer had been in Portland for the last stop on a US tour with Experience Hendrix, a concert celebrating the legacy of the late rock star. - (Reuters)
'Idol' contestant takes her own life
LOS ANGELES - A woman who took her own life near American Idol judge Paula Abdul's home was a would-be contestant who was savaged during her audition, which was aired in January 2006.
Police said Paula Goodspeed, whose rendition of Proud Mary was roundly criticised by judge Simon Cowell and rejected by Abdul and judge Randy Jackson, appeared to have taken an overdose. Ms Goodspeed told the show's host, Ryan Seacrest, that she was a huge fan of Abdul and created life-size paintings of the singer. Her body was found on Tuesday evening in a car near Abdul's Los Angeles home. "I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired," Abdul said.
"My heart and prayers go out to her family." - (AP)