A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
Two killed in fireworks factory blaze
LONDON -Two firefighters were killed yesterday when a fireworks factory exploded in flames. The victims were among emergency services staff sent to deal with reports of a blaze at the Festival Fireworks factory in Shortgate, near Lewes, East Sussex.
Eyewitnesses said the area was rocked by a series of blasts after the initial blaze. The explosions sent debris flying through the air and caused nearby buildings to shake. - (PA)
Gene found with breast cancer link
LONDON -Cancer specialists announced yesterday that they have discovered a gene which may hold the key to a treatment for up to 10 per cent of all breast cancers. The development could, in time, lead to treatments that would make chemotherapy unnecessary.
Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research in the UK have found that one in 10 breast cancers are linked to an overactive gene called FGFR1. The scientists report in the journal Clinical Cancer Research that when the gene's activity was blocked, tumour growth was reduced. - (Guardian service)
Olmert warns of Israeli retaliation
JERUSALEM -Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert voiced concern yesterday about Palestinian violations of a week-old ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, while militants accused Israel of not adhering to the increasingly shaky truce.
In a statement Mr Olmert said Israel "would not be able to hold back for much longer" if militants continued to fire rockets from Gaza. - (Reuters)
Raul Castro makes overture to US
HAVANA -Cuba's acting president, Raul Castro, departing from his brother's confrontational approach to their arch-enemy the United States, has said he is open to talks with Washington.
The offer made on Saturday was the most direct overture to the US by Fidel Castro's designated successor, who is running Cuba in the absence of its ailing leader. - (Reuters)
Islamic success in Bahrain election
MANAMA -Islamic groups confirmed their dominance of the new parliament in Bahrain after a second round of voting ended late on Saturday, while liberals and women failed to secure any of the contested seats, results showed.
The election gave the Gulf kingdom's majority Shias a political voice for the first time in the Sunni-ruled country. - (Reuters)