A round-up of today's other world news in brief ...
Suicide bomb kills four US soldiers in Iraq
MOSUL, Iraq – A suicide bomber detonated a vehicle laden with explosives near a US patrol in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul yesterday, killing four US soldiers and their interpreter, the US military said.
The attack was the deadliest against US forces in Iraq this year. Only four US soldiers were killed in hostile action in January, the lowest monthly toll since the US-led invasion in 2003. – (Reuters)
German economy minister resigns
BERLIN – Conservative Michael Glos stood down as German economy minister yesterday in favour of newcomer Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, in an embarrassing setback for Chancellor Angela Merkel as she prepares for a federal election.
Mr Glos (64) shocked the chancellor by tendering his resignation, forcing her to fill an important cabinet post with an untried figure less than eight months before she seeks re-election. – (Reuters)
China TV’s HQ damaged by fire
BEIJING – Fire destroyed a building in Beijing that formed part of Central China Television’s new headquarters, as residents launched fireworks throughout the city to celebrate the Lantern Festival. – (Reuters)
28 killed in Tamil Tiger bombing
COLOMBO – At least 28 people were killed and 90 wounded when a female Tamil Tiger suicide bomber blew herself up yesterday at a checkpoint for refugees fleeing Sri Lanka’s war zone, the military said.
“Two officers and 18 others were killed from the army, two officers injured and 48 others injured. Eight civilians were killed and 40 others injured. Many of them are women and children,” a military spokesman said.
– (Reuters)
Ex-eBay chief in bid for US office
SAN FRANCISCO – Former eBay chief executive Meg Whitman (52), one of the highest profile Republican technology executives in Silicon Valley, has formed a committee to explore running for governor of California in 2010, the first official step of a campaign. –(Reuters)
Minister resigns over killings
ANTANANARIVO – Madagascar’s defence minister resigned yesterday over the killing of 28 protesters by security forces and thousands of opposition supporters gathered to mourn the dead on the Indian Ocean island.
Cecile Manorohanta’s resignation intensified the struggle between President Marc Ravalomanana and foes who accuse him of ruling like a dictator. – (Reuters)