A round-up of today's world news in brief
Five US troops killed by Iraqi suicide bomb
BAGHDAD -A suicide bomber blew himself up among US soldiers in central Baghdad yesterday, killing five and wounding three in the worst single attack on US forces in the Iraqi capital in almost a year.
The US military said the blast, which also wounded an Iraqi interpreter, hit the soldiers while they were on foot patrol. Iraqi police said at least nine Iraqis were wounded. The military blamed the attack on a suicide bomber. - (Reuters)
Mandelson may not quit
BRUSSELS- European Union trade chief Peter Mandelson said yesterday he might rethink his decision to leave the European Commission next year when his term ends.
British newspapers said prime minister Gordon Brown recently asked Mr Mandelson about the possibility of a second spell as the country's representative in Brussels, even though the two men have in the past been widely reported to dislike each other. "My mind is open on that," Mr Mandelson said when asked about the reported approach from Mr Brown. - (Reuters)
Poison letter for prosecutor
JOHANNESBURG- South Africa's top prosecutor, who is pursuing corruption cases against senior officials including ruling party leader Jacob Zuma, has been sent a letter laced with poison, his spokesman said yesterday.
The spokesman said Mokotedi Mpshe did not touch the letter himself, but national prosecuting authority staff who came in contact with the substance in the letter after it was opened were given medical treatment after developing rashes. - ( Reuters)
Six MPs go on hunger strike
TBILISI- Six parliamentarians from an opposition party in ex-Soviet Georgia began a hunger strike inside parliament yesterday to complain about elections in January which they say were rigged.
The New Rights party members said they were supporting at least a dozen members of an opposition coalition, who on Sunday began a hunger strike in front of parliament. - (Reuters)