A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Prescott hints Blair may step down shortly
LONDON - Britain's deputy prime minister hinted yesterday that Tony Blair may "very shortly" step down as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, triggering a party election to replace him.
John Prescott's comment during an interview with BBC television is likely to add fuel to the "when will Blair move aside?" question.
"I can still make an important contribution when the party has its means by which it makes decisions about that [ the choosing of a new leader] and I think that will come very shortly," Mr Prescott said. - (Reuters)
World Bank aid pledge for Liberia
MONROVIA - World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz yesterday pledged continued support to help rebuild war-shattered Liberia, but said it must do more to end bureaucratic obstacles to attract badly needed investment. He was speaking after a two-day visit during which he praised economic progress spearheaded by the country's new head of state. - (PA)
Sixth day of New York power cut
NEW YORK - Tens of thousands of New Yorkers remained without electricity for a sixth day yesterday, with no end in sight to a power cut that the city's authorities were at a loss to explain.
Electrical engineers were drafted in from other states to try to return power to an estimated 80,000 people in Queens. The power cut began amid sweltering temperatures at the start of last week. - (Guardian)
45 people turn up for Geldof concert
ROME - Bob Geldof cancelled concerts in Milan and Rome, after too few people bought tickets. Only 45 people turned up on Friday at Milan's Civic Arena for a performance by the singer and songwriter. The venue has a capacity of 12,000.
Geldof refused to go on stage when he heard of the small number of people waiting to hear him perform. Before taking a taxi back to his hotel, he stopped to placate those who had turned up by signing autographs and having his photograph taken.- (Guardian)