Today's other world news in brief
At least 13 die in fighting in Somali capital
MOGADISHU – At least 13 people were killed and scores wounded in the Somali capital yesterday as Islamist rebels battled police and African Union peace- keepers throughout the day.
Witnesses said battles that began mid-morning were still going on at dusk. Both sides fired heavy machine guns and artillery and the insurgents unleashed volleys of mortar bombs at the presidential palace. It was the worst fighting in weeks in Mogadishu. – (Reuters)
Holocaust denier flees Argentina
BUENOS AIRES – The British bishop at the centre of the Catholic Church Holocaust row fled Argentina yesterday.
Bishop Richard Williamson, who is on record denying that six million Jews died in Nazi camps, left the country just days after the government threatened to expel him.
He is believed to be on his way to London. A Buenos Aires TV station showed the bishop, whose statements embarrassed the Vatican, raising his fist to a reporter as he prepared to board an international flight. – (AP)
Murdoch sorry for ‘racist’ cartoon
NEW YORK – New York Post chairman Rupert Murdoch apologised in print yesterday for a cartoon that ignited protests from readers who saw it as a racist depiction of US president Barack Obama as a chimpanzee.
The Post previously issued a partial apology in an editorial, saying no apology was due to “some in the media and in public life who have had differences with the Post”. That was seen as a reference to civil rights activist Al Sharpton, who led the protests against the cartoon.
In an article headlined "Statement from Rupert Murdoch" on page two, Murdoch said the February 18th cartoon was a mistake that offended many. – (Reuters)
Court grants MDC official bail
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s high court granted Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) official Roy Bennett bail yesterday. However, he could stay in custody for another week because state lawyers said they would appeal against the court’s ruling.
The MDC treasurer general was arrested on February 13th, shortly after returning to Zimbabwe for the swearing in of a unity cabinet appointed by president Robert Mugabe and MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai. – (Reuters)
Iran seeks to ease Bahrain tensions
MANAMA – Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sent a message to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa in an effort to smooth relations, after an Iranian official questioned the island nation’s sovereignty.
The message was discussed during a meeting between the king and Iran's interior minister, Sadeq Mahsouli, in Manama on Monday, state media said yesterday. – (Reuters)
Swedish princess to wed commoner
STOCKHOLM – Sweden’s crown princess Victoria plans to marry her “commoner” boyfriend next year, she told reporters yesterday.
Reports that the 31-year- old heir apparent to the Swedish throne would marry personal trainer and gym owner Daniel Westling (35) have appeared in the press for years. – (Reuters)
Artist guilty over sculpture deaths
LONDON – A London artist who created an inflatable artwork that broke free from its moorings and flipped over, killing two people, was found guilty yesterday of breaching health and safety rules.
Claire Furmedge (38) and Elizabeth Collings (68) died when they fell from the giant PVC structure as it left the ground. – (PA)