A round-up of today's other stories in brief
MS vaccine proves safe in early test
WASHINGTON -An experimental vaccine against multiple sclerosis appears to be safe and may produce beneficial changes in patients' brains and immune systems, Canadian researchers reported yesterday. Some patients appeared to have fewer immune cells attacking their nerves, the researchers report in the Archives of Neurology. They also appeared to have fewer brain lesions . - (Reuters)
Astronauts do spacewalk repairs
HOUSTON -Nasa astronauts from the shuttle Endeavour began a spacewalk to replace one of the International Space Station's steering gyroscopes yesterday while engineers in Houston examined images of a deep gouge in the orbiter's belly.
The US space agency said it had not decided whether the gouge needed a repair in space to ensure the ship's safe return to Earth from its visit to the space station. - (Reuters)
US offensive launched in Iraq
BAGHDAD -US and Iraqi forces launched an offensive against al-Qaeda and "Iranian-supported" Shia militants across Iraq yesterday in anticipation of an expected surge in violence.
US commanders fear militants will step up attacks on US soldiers or launch a "spectacular" attack on civilians to try to influence the debate over the war in Washington, where a progress report on the new US strategy in Iraq is due to be presented to Congress in September. - (Reuters)
Foreign minister to run for president
ANKARA -Turkey's ruling AK Party decided yesterday to resubmit foreign minister Abdullah Gul, a former Islamist, as its candidate for president, in a move sure to anger the secular elite.
AK Party sources said Mr Gul would visit opposition party leaders today to try to garner support for his bid. He is then likely to hold a news conference in parliament to formally announce his candidacy, they said. - (Reuters)
Japan resumes aid to Palestinians
JERUSALEM -Japan will resume direct aid to the Palestinian Authority after boycotting a previous Hamas-led government for more than a year, a Japanese official said yesterday.
"It's direct assistance . . . amounting to about $20 million (€14.6m) that will be paid in eight instal- ments," Ryuji Iwasaki said.
Meanwhile, Hamas Islamists in control of the Gaza Strip have enforced a new ban on unlicensed street rallies, firing in the air to disperse activists of the rival Fatah movement and confiscating cameras. - (Reuters)
Belgian couple kidnapped in Iran
TEHRAN -A Belgian couple has been kidnapped by bandits in southeast Iran who have demanded the release of their leader's brother in return for the hostages' freedom, Fars news agency reported. - (Reuters)