ZIMBABWE: Thousands of white Zimbabwean farmers faced a midnight deadline last night to leave land they have farmed for generations or risk jail, although a last-minute High Court ruling could provide a grace period.
The High Court ruled a mortgaged farm could not be taken for resettlement by blacks if the state had not properly informed the mortgage institution. The decision could throw a lifeline to most of the farmers. Farm officials said many farmers would wait to see how President Robert Mugabe's government reacted to the verdict, but some had decided to withdraw from their properties to towns and cities this weekend - a public holiday the ruling party traditionally uses to rally support for its policies. Trucks laden with household goods drove into Harare from surrounding farming districts yesterday, but farmers who declined to be identified said they might return next week if the political and security environment was conducive.- (Reuters )
Lockerbie compensation offered
LONDON - Relatives of the 270 victims of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing have given a cautious welcome to Libya's agreement in principle to pay them compensation. "I think we should regard it as a significant step forward," said Mr Jim Swire, who lost his daughter when Pan American Flight 103, traveling from London to New York, blew up over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Libya signaled for the first time that it was prepared to pay compensation as Britain's minister for the Middle East, Mr Mike O'Brien, held talks with Libyan leader Muammar Gadafy. - (AFP)
People fall into shark tank
NEW ORLEANS - A platform at a Louisiana aquarium collapsed last night, dumping 10 people into a tank teeming with sharks. No one was seriously injured, officials at New Orleans' Aquarium of the Americas said. Two people were taken to hospital for minor cuts and bruises, said spokeswoman Ms Melissa Lee. The accident happened while donors to the aquarium were being given an after-hours behind-the-scenes tour. - (AP)