A round-up of today's world news in brief
Edwards will not stand as vice-president
LAS VEGAS- Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards said yesterday he would not accept the nomination for US vice-president as he did four years ago.
Mr Edwards was picked as running mate with Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry in 2004 but they were defeated when US president George W Bush was re-elected.
Speaking at CTIA, the annual US wireless industry showcase, Mr Edwards also declined to say whether he would endorse Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. - (Reuters)
$800bn tobacco suit thrown out
NEW YORK- The US court of appeals for the second circuit tossed out an $800 billion (€511 billion) lawsuit against Big Tobacco yesterday by decertifying a class of smokers who said they were deceived into believing "light" cigarettes were healthier.
The smokers had sued the tobacco firms for $800 billion in economic damages stemming from their purchase of light cigarettes. - (Reuters)
Pope to meet US Jewish leaders
WASHINGTON -Pope Benedict will meet Jewish leaders in Washington and visit a synagogue in New
York in acknowledgment of the feast of Passover, which begins during his US tour this month, US bishops said yesterday.
The pope, who visits Washington and New York from April 15th-20th, will meet 200 leaders of other religions on April 17th and will speak separately with Jewish leaders. - (Reuters)
Pizza withdraws from Italian poll
ROME -An Italian politician, whose appeal against a ban on running for office had threatened to delay the April 13th-14th election, withdrew from the race yesterday to ensure the vote could go ahead on time.
Giuseppe Pizza, head of the small centrist Christian Democrat party, said: "We will do a symbolic campaign and give up running for the upcoming elections."
The government had launched a counter-appeal to stop Mr Pizza from running.
His party was banned because its logo looked too similar to another party's, risking confusion. - (Reuters)
Morrissey wins court apology
LONDON- British singer Morrissey won an apology in court yesterday from the publishers of Word Magazine over suggestions he was a racist and a hypocrite.
The former Smiths frontman is also pursuing separate legal action against music magazine NME for an article it printed last year in which he discussed his views on immigration in Britain. - (Reuters)
Supermodel taken off flight
LONDON -British police escorted supermodel Naomi Campbell (above) off a US-bound flight at Heathrow airport yesterday, airport sources said.
Police said they had arrested a passenger on suspicion of assaulting an officer but declined to provide further details.
Campbell spent five days mopping floors as part of a community service sentence in New York last year and was ordered to attend anger management classes after throwing a mobile phone at her housekeeper. - (Reuters)