A round-up of today's other world news in brief.
Pirates agree to release ship containing tanks, says Kenya
NAIROBI - Somali pirates and owners of a Ukrainian ship carrying 33 tanks and other military hardware have reached a deal to release the vessel, a Kenyan maritime official said yesterday.
Gunmen captured the Faina on September 24th, with its cargo of T-72 tanks, grenade launchers and ammunition, and demanded $20 million in ransom.
"They have reached a deal but are still discussing the modalities of releasing the ship, crew and cargo," said Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme.
"Talks on how to deliver the money are ongoing. What I hear are that things are good and that the ship should be released." The 20 crew members aboard include 17 Ukrainians, Russians and Latvians. - (Reuters)
Architect dies
The distinctive white sails of the Sydney Opera House darkened last night to mourn the death of Joern Utzon, the creative mind behind the landmark. Prime minister Kevin Rudd led praise for the Danish architect, whose most distinctive creation had a troublesome birth in Australia but is now held dear as the country's most recognised building.
"Joern Utzon was a visionary architect whose legacy includes one of the world's most spectacular and inspiring buildings, the Sydney Opera House," said Mr Rudd. - (PA)
Over 150 whales die in stranding
SYDNEY - At least 150 whales have died in a mass stranding off Tasmanias west coast, Australian authorities said yesterday, despite the efforts of rescuers who managed to shepherd a small number back to the ocean.
The state government said the number of long-finned pilot whales that had perished had climbed to 150 after a body count yesterday, almost double the earlier estimate of 80.
The stranded whales were discovered on Saturday and locals and government officials worked to rescue them, but the whales had been badly injured by the rocks.
Department of Primary Industries and Water spokesman Warwick Brennan said rescuers in a boat managed to steer about 30 whales out of the bay.
Pilot whales are among the smaller whales, typically up to about 5 metres (16 ft) in length and dark with a grey underbelly. - (Reuters)
Court orders release of journalist
BAGHDAD - An Iraqi court yesterday ordered the release of a freelance photographer working for Reuters news agency who has been held by US forces since early September.
The Iraqi Central Criminal Court ruled there was no evidence against Ibrahim Jassam Mohammed, and ordered that the US military release him from Camp Cropper prison near Baghdad airport.
Iraqi prosecutors acknowledged in remarks included in the court ruling that there was a lack of evidence against the photographer, and said they were closing the case against Jassam.
There was no immediate response from the US military to the ruling. - (Reuters)