| 04/13/2001 China's president begins stay in communist ally Cuba
HAVANA – Embraced by Fidel Castro upon his arrival, Chinese President Jiang Zemin started out on a warm note during his visit to Cuba, Beijing's only communist ally in the Western Hemisphere and a strong supporter during its diplomatic flap over a U.S. spy plane. Powell bringing Bush message of support to Kosovo, Bosnia
SKOPJE, Macedonia – Secretary of State Colin Powell cautioned today that outbreaks of violence sponsored by ethnic-Albanian terrorists are eroding international support for Kosovo's Albanian leaders. Earthquake jolts southwestern China; two killed, 190 injured
BEIJING – An earthquake struck a mountainous area of southwestern China near the Myanmar border, collapsing homes, killing two people and injuring 190 others, officials said today. Rescued U.S. hostage denies allying with Philippine rebels
MANILA, Philippines – In his first public comments since the end of his seven-month ordeal as a hostage of Muslim rebels, a California man today denied persistent rumors that he had joined the guerrillas and said he lost 100 pounds while in captivity. Chinese jet broke in two after striking spy plane, diplomats say
BEIJING – Senior U.S. diplomats today gave new details of the collision between a U.S. spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet, saying the Chinese pilot crashed into the Navy EP-3E's left engine after twice flying within three feet of the aircraft. The officials said the Chinese jet then struck the plane's nose, snapped in half and plunged into the sea. Palestinians accuse Israel of plotting to assassinate Fatah member
JERUSALEM – Palestinians today blamed Israel for the botched attempt to kill a leading member of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement and said they arrested suspected informers who delivered a booby-trapped car to the intended victim. Remains of Americans killed in Vietnam helicopter crash flown home
HANOI, Vietnam – In a poignant echo of earlier services for long-lost soldiers, U.S. officials held a repatriation ceremony today for seven Americans killed last weekend while searching for the remains of Americans missing since the Vietnam War. Seven killed in Philadelphia group home fire
PHILADELPHIA – Seven people were killed today in a fire at a group home for the physically and mentally disabled, according to fire officials and a neighbor. A difficult Easter for Holy Land Christians
JERUSALEM - Every year on Holy Saturday (April 14), the day before Easter, Palestinian Christians celebrate the ancient ceremony of the fire, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Resurrection. This year, however, few Palestinians will make it to the holy city for the ceremony because of the continuing Israeli blockade on West Bank and Gaza roads and communities. Bush criticizes China over handling of incident
WASHINGTON – President Bush said Thursday that Beijing's detention of 24 American military personnel was "inconsistent" with good relations and shows that hard work will be needed to get the U.S.-China relationship on track. Bush hails crew for honor, duty during ordeal
HONOLULU – Leaving their damaged spy plane on a Chinese island, 24 U.S. crew members landed Thursday in Hawaii to cheers and to face two long days of debriefing before weekend reunions with families and friends. CNN reporter, crew detained over pictures
NEW YORK – CNN's aggressive efforts to cover the release of the U.S. spy plane's crew led Chinese authorities to detain a reporter. With standoff over, Asians ponder repercussions
BANGKOK, Thailand – For 11 days, Asia watched anxiously as the United States and China exchanged angry accusations and demands over the detained crew of a U.S. spy plane and a missing Chinese pilot. Putin promises support for ailing space industry
MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin on Thursday marked the anniversary of a pioneering space flight by pledging to support Russia's space industry, which has fallen on hard times in the 40 years since cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin orbited the Earth. Around the world
• Macedonia: Powell: U.S. to continue support in Balkans
• Yugoslavia: No heart disease found in Milosevic, doctors say
• Britain: Couple won't appeal to keep 'Internet twins'
• South Africa: Officials vow inquiry into soccer match stampede
• Russia: Moscow mayor's party, pro-Kremlin group unite Sobering news for famed brewer
DUBLIN, Ireland – Brian Cloyne lifted a pint of smoldering black stout to his eye, contemplated its murky mystery against the light, then took a dramatic gulp. "In these dark days, you have to savor every pint of Guinness like it's your last," the painter told laughing workmates during a lunch break. China's Jiang receives cheers in Cuba
HAVANA – Chinese President Jiang Zemin got a hero's welcome at Havana's José Marti airport on Thursday and seemed to relish the moment, raising both arms, waving and smiling before climbing into a Mercedes and roaring off with Communist ally Fidel Castro. Raid frees U.S. hostage in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – Troops and police stormed a jungle hide-out Thursday to free a U.S. hostage from Muslim rebels who had threatened to behead him as a grisly "birthday present" to the Philippine president. Israelis, Palestinians clash after latest round of talks
RAMALLAH, West Bank – Clashes erupted Thursday between Israelis and Palestinians after unsuccessful U.S.-sponsored cease-fire talks, and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon threatened to send troops into Palestinian-ruled territory if attacks on Israelis do not stop. 04/12/2001 Exxon makes 'major' crude-oil discovery in Indonesia
IRVING – Exxon Mobil Corp., the biggest publicly traded oil company, made a "major" oil discovery in Indonesia with reserves estimated about 250 million barrels. Exxon plans to develop the field quickly, pumping from six to 10 wells by 2003, the company said in a statement. It called the field "one of the most significant oil discoveries in Indonesia in the past decade." Milosevic hospitalized with chest pain
BELGRADE, Yugoslavia – Under police guard, former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic underwent tests in a hospital today after being rushed from his cell at Belgrade's Central Prison following complaints about chest pains. Britain woos tourists put off livestock disease
LONDON – British officials are trying to reassure tourists deterred by pictures of burning animal carcasses and tales of rural meltdown, saying foreign media and even governments have sent misleading messages about the foot-and-mouth epidemic. Mideast security talks end inconclusively; Sharon threatens more reprisals
TEL AVIV, Israel – U.S.-hosted cease-fire talks between Israelis and Palestinians ended without result today, and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warned he would send troops into Palestinian areas again if attacks on Israelis persist. British couple won't appeal ruling sending twins back to U.S.
LONDON – The British couple who tried to adopt the "Internet twins" will not appeal a court ruling sending the girls back to the United States, their lawyer said today. Philippine military rescues U.S. hostage
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine military rescued U.S. hostage Jeffrey Schilling today from Muslim rebels who had threatened to behead him last week, military officials said. U.S. crew disputes Chinese account
WASHINGTON — Navy crew members returning Thursday from 11 days of detention disputed China's account of the collision that brought down their surveillance plane. President Bush said "tough questions'' would be put to China at an inquiry next week. Set free with 'sorry'
Two dozen crew members from a Navy surveillance plane headed home Wednesday night after a U.S. statement of regret ended an 11-day standoff with China that strained relations between the countries. Next crisis may be a weapons sale away
WASHINGTON – The United States and China have come through another security scrape without resorting to arms or diplomatic rupture. Analysts warn that more problems lie ahead, as both sides struggle with internal debates about whether their countries should be friends, foes or – to use President Bush's phrase – "strategic competitors." Bush: Too harsh, too weak, just right?
WASHINGTON – President Bush faced down his first foreign policy crisis by putting a new twist on an old slogan: "Lead, follow, or get the heck out of the way." War of words lets both claim victory
If love means never having to say you're sorry, diplomacy must mean saying "sorry" in a way that leaves the interpretation to both sides. Russians balance work, play at summer cottages
CHITA, Russia –When Sergey Starnovsky recently invited friends over, he didn't run to the supermarket for chips and dip. He backed his car out of the garage, hoisted a wooden hatch, and descended 21 feet into a cavernous pit. 04/11/2001 Kin of those detained in China express relief, joy
PAMPA, Texas – Word early today that the United States and China had reached a deal to free the 24 crew members – including two Texans – from an American spy plane was greeted with cautious optimism. Text of U.S. letter to Chinese released
WASHINGTON – Text of letter released by the White House from U.S. Ambassador Joseph W. Prueher to Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang. U.S. spy plane crew leaves China
HAIKOU, China – An airliner carrying 24 crew members of a U.S. spy plane held for 12 days in China took off Thursday, ending a tense standoff after President Bush said the United States was "very sorry" for a Chinese pilot's death and the U.S. plane's landing without permission. Fox proposing that Mexico, U.S. share intelligence
MEXICO CITY – Mexican President Vicente Fox is proposing that the United States and Mexico share intelligence on everything from drug and arms trafficking to money laundering. U.S. awaits reply to formal regrets
WASHINGTON – Administration officials said Tuesday that the United States had submitted a formal statement of regret to the Chinese government and was waiting for China's leaders to say whether they would accept it and release the crew of a U.S. spy plane. Long standoff could hurt Bush, Jiang at home
WASHINGTON – President Bush says the longer the standoff with China lasts, the greater the damage to relations between Washington and Beijing. But that's not the only thing in danger, according to political analysts. Israeli tanks enter Palestinian refugee camp in heavy assault
KHAN YUNIS REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza Strip – In a first foray into Palestinian territory, Israeli tanks and bulldozers rumbled into this refugee camp early today, razing or heavily damaging 30 homes and triggering an exchange of fire that killed two Palestinians and wounded more than two dozen. Netherlands is first nation to approve euthanasia
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Despite protests outside Parliament, the Netherlands legalized mercy killings and assisted suicide Tuesday, becoming the first nation to allow doctors to end the lives of patients with unbearable terminal illness. Troops in Lebanon incite religious rift
BEIRUT, Lebanon – At one end of Lebanon's volatile mix of politics and religion, 150,000 Christians rally to support a powerful archbishop's plea for Syria to end its dominance of Lebanon. At the other end, a Shiite Muslim leader tells 300,000 followers that Syria must keep its army in the country. Human 'blood substitute' approved for use in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – A product that can emulate the work of red blood cells, transporting oxygen throughout the body, has been approved for use in South Africa, making it the first human "blood substitute" available anywhere, the products' developers announced Tuesday. 04/10/2001 Authorities authorize new flight to Concorde testing ground
PARIS – France's civil aviation authority has authorized an Air France Concorde to fly to a test base to try out new tires developed in the wake of last year's crash of one of the supersonic jets, officials said today. Bomb blast damages think tank
ROME – A bomb blast early today damaged a building housing the offices of a think tank and an institute promoting Italian-American relations. No one was injured. Fidel Castro joins Kevin Costner at screening of movie on Cuban Missile Crisis
HAVANA – President Fidel Castro sat next to actor-producer Kevin Costner as Cuban officials joined Hollywood heavyweights at a private screening of "Thirteen Days," Costner's movie about the Cuban Missile Crisis. Russia's independent network sues for invalidation of takeover
MOSCOW – The parent company of Russia's embattled NTV television filed suit today for the invalidation of the takeover of the network by state-controlled natural gas giant Gazprom. Police supervisor arrested in Mexico City murder
MEXICO CITY – A supervisor of mounted police has been arrested on suspicion of killing a neighborhood activist who had campaigned against crime. Report: Russia begins production of new anti-submarine torpedo system
MOSCOW – Russia has begun production of a new anti-submarine torpedo system capable of hitting targets 2.7 miles away and up to 3,200 feet underwater, a news report said. British forces to begin investigation of helicopter crash
KACANIK, Yugoslavia – British peacekeepers today cordoned off the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed in mountainous terrain close to Kosovo's tense boundary with Macedonia, killing two people. The helicopter carrying seven people crashed in heavy rain Monday just outside of Kacanik, 30 miles south of Pristina, Kosovo's capital. Bush, Jordan's king to talk about Mideast, economics
WASHINGTON – Jordan's King Abdullah II, who has spent a week lobbying America's power elite for support, is meeting with President Bush to press his idea that the United States is essential to bringing peace to the Middle East. Bus plunges down steep incline in Spain, killing at least five
LA CORUNA, Spain – A bus veered off a highway in northwest Spain today and hurtled down a steep incline to a river's edge, killing at least five people, the Interior Ministry said. Attackers fire at U.S. forces in Kosovo
PRISTINA, Yugoslavia – Gunmen fired on U.S. and Polish peacekeepers in Kosovo as they were patrolling the rugged mountains near the border with Macedonia, a U.S. army spokeswoman said today. NATO-led peacekeepers returned fire and suffered no injuries in Monday's gunfight, the first since a joint U.S-Russian patrol came under attack in December. Israel rockets Palestinian security targets in response to mortar fire
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Israel rocketed Palestinian security targets in the Gaza Strip today, killing a policeman and injuring 20 people, hours after Palestinians fired two mortar shells at a Jewish settlement. Vatican modifies procession due to pope's frail condition
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has modified the traditional Good Friday procession at the Colosseum because of Pope John Paul II's frail condition, with the pope to follow most of the rite while kneeling. U.S. diplomats hold fifth meeting with spy plane crew members
HAIKOU, China – U.S. diplomats met today with crew members of a downed U.S. spy plane, an American official said. No other details of the visit were immediately available. Vietnam, U.S. mourn eight Vietnamese who died in MIA chopper crash
HANOI, Vietnam – Officials and relatives paid grief-stricken final farewells today to eight Vietnamese killed in the crash of a helicopter carrying a team searching for Americans still missing from the Vietnam War. Siamese twins separated successfully in Singapore
SINGAPORE – Eleven-month-old twins Jamuna and Ganga Shrestha were in different rooms for the first time in their lives today after doctors successfully separated the girls, who were born joined at the head. Two more ruling party leaders enter race to replace prime minister
TOKYO – Japan's economic minister and another senior member of the ruling party on today joined the list of contenders vying to succeed Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori. Bush says negotiations with China could take time
WASHINGTON – President Bush counseled patience today in the standoff with China, saying "diplomacy sometimes takes a little longer than people would like." He renewed the U.S. demand for the release of an American spy plane's crew. Seoul to recall its Japan envoy
SEOUL, South Korea – Escalating a diplomatic skirmish over a Japanese history textbook, South Korea said Monday that it planned to recall its ambassador to Tokyo. The Japanese government has come under fire from South Korea, China and other Asian nations for giving its approval last week to a middle-school textbook written by scholars who defend the nation's wartime record. Around the world Swiss hit brakes on bikes
ROMONT, Switzerland – The Swiss army bicycle brigade, a proud and unique part of the Alpine nation's sturdy defenses, is set to follow the mounted cavalry and carrier pigeon service into history. The abolition of the world's last remaining combat cyclist regiment – along with a 2,800-strong transport horse unit – is part of sweeping Defense Ministry reforms to modernize and rationalize Switzerland's militia army. Jews visit disputed holy site
HEBRON, West Bank – In a season of violence, hundreds of Jewish pilgrims from Israel have streamed through Hebron to mark Passover at the disputed Tomb of the Patriarchs in the divided West Bank city. Helmeted Israeli soldiers carrying submachine guns patrolled the streets as Jews arrived in buses Monday and toured the city's Jewish enclaves and its museum. The weeklong Passover holiday began Saturday. Economy key for Peruvians
LIMA, Peru – The first round of presidential elections behind them, Peruvians must choose between a one-time shoeshine boy who became a World Bank economist and a populist who led a disastrous administration a decade ago. Bay of Pigs group expels 2 members
MIAMI – To shouts of "Scoundrel!" and "Traitor!" veterans of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion expelled two members of Brigade 2506 for going to Cuba last month and meeting with the enemy for a conference on the failed mission. The pair were expelled "for treason to our principles, treason to all of our martyrs and treason to our country," said a Brigade 2506 statement issued Monday. British pair loses twins
LONDON – A High Court judge ruled Monday that U.S.-born twins adopted over the Internet by a British couple must be returned to the United States. Justice Andrew Kirkwood said the 9-month-old infants, who have been at the center of a custody struggle, will be sent back to St. Louis, where they were born, and placed in the care of a Missouri court weighing separate claims from their estranged parents. Subtle signs of encouragement
WASHINGTON – The Bush administration said Monday it saw encouraging signs of movement in the spy plane standoff, citing improved conditions for the 24 U.S. crew members and acknowledgment by China's state-controlled media that negotiations for their release are under way. 04/09/2001 British chopper with seven on board crashes
PRISTINA, Yugoslavia – A British helicopter with seven on board crashed Monday in mountainous terrain close to Kosovo's boundary with Macedonia. The fate of the three crew members and four passengers was not immediately clear. British couple loses bid for custody of 'Internet Twins'
LONDON – A British couple lost their bid Monday to regain custody of the "Internet Twins" – baby girls found through a U.S. online adoption broker, who then became the subject of a trans-Atlantic tug-of-war – with the High Court ruling that the infants should be returned to the United States. Families of Texan spy plane crew members wait for word
HOUSTON – The second week of the standoff between China and the United States over a spy plane and its 24 crew members brought neighbors of a Texas detainee closer together. Bush sees imminent damage to U.S.-Chinese relations
WASHINGTON – President Bush said Monday that "diplomacy takes time," but cautioned China that relations with the United States will suffer unless the 24 crew members of a U.S. spy plane are released soon. Clinton dedicates girls' technical school in India
RAMPUR, India – Former President Bill Clinton, on a weeklong trip to India, dedicated a girls' polytechnic school in his wife's name Sunday at the end of a long, dusty road where villagers lined up by the thousands to see him. Proper words in standoff subject to interpretation
HAIKOU, China – The 24 Americans passing their days at a Chinese military camp on this steamy, tropical island may be hostages not only to politics, but also to language. Venezuelans talk of self-defense
SAN CRISTÓBAL, Venezuela – Otto Ramírez is living proof that Colombia's problems have become Venezuela's nightmare. U.S. weary of waiting on China
WASHINGTON – Top U.S. officials signaled growing impatience with China on Sunday, saying that the two countries' long-term relationship would suffer permanent damage if the Chinese do not release 24 detained Americans soon. As revelations step up, Sophie steps down
LONDON – The Countess of Wessex, daughter-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II, stepped down from the helm of her public relations business Sunday as new revelations surfaced in the embarrassing "Sophie and the Sheik" scandal. U.S.-trained economist faces runoff in Peru
LIMA, Peru – Alejandro Toledo, a U.S.-trained economist with Indian roots, finished first in Peru's presidential election Sunday but fell short of a majority and will face a runoff, according to exit polls. Two villages are good neighbors despite Balkan strife
DONJE LJUBINJE, Yugoslavia – When the people of this mountain village fled the war in Kosovo in 1999, they headed over the Sar mountains – to Macedonia, to the village of Vejce, where they found shelter in families' homes. Around the world Sixteen bodies recovered from crash
THANH TRACH, Vietnam – Rescuers on Sunday recovered the bodies of nine Vietnamese and seven Americans who died in a helicopter crash while on a mission to find the remains of U.S. soldiers missing in action from the Vietnam War. 04/08/2001 Clinton inaugurates polytechnic school in his wife's name in northern India
RAMPUR, India – Former President Clinton, on a weeklong trip to India, dedicated a girl's polytechnic school in his wife's name today at the end of a long, dusty road where screaming villagers lined up by the thousands to see him. To the beat of drums and the swish of red scarves, girls performed the Bhangra, a peasant dance, to celebrate the dedication of the Hillary Clinton Center for MultiMedia Technology. Explosion, large fire at Schiphol airport; officer says no one hurt
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – Thousands of people were evacuated from Schiphol international airport today after an explosion and large fire in the passenger terminal. The blast reportedly came from a restaurant oven, and a police switchboard operator at the airport said no one was injured. 32 killed in southwestern Tanzania bus accident
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – A minibus struck a bull that strayed onto a road in southwestern Tanzania, then collided with another bus, killing 32 passengers and injuring 14 others, police said today. Impoverished Mali gets deal on Western HIV drugs
BAMAKO, Mali – Mali said it has reached a deal for cut-rate HIV drugs from four major Western drug companies, becoming at least the fourth African country to do so. Even at the sharply reduced rates, the Health Ministry said, treatment still will remain out of reach for most of the HIV-positive people in Mali – one of the world's poorest countries. Communist rebels in Philippines announce peace talks to be held in Norway
MANILA, Philippines – Communist rebel leaders, greeted with handshakes from government negotiators as they arrived in the capital today, announced they will hold talks with the Philippine government in Norway on ending a decades-long nationwide rebellion. Scandal-stung British countess to step down as head of public-relations firm
LONDON – Tarred by scandal over remarks she made to a tabloid reporter posing as an Arab sheik, Queen Elizabeth II's daughter-in-law Sophie – the Countess of Wessex – announced today she would step down as chief executive officer of her public-relations firm. Third inmate dies in Turkish prison hunger strike
ANKARA, Turkey – The third of more than 250 leftist inmates protesting prison transfers has died after months on a hunger strike, a prisoners group said today. President's letter to pilot's wife a 'humanitarian' response
WASHINGTON – President Bush is sending a letter to the wife of the missing Chinese fighter pilot as a humanitarian gesture, Secretary of State Colin Powell said today. The wife, Ruan Guoqin, had written a letter to Bush that accused him and his administration of being "too cowardly'' to offer an apology for the collision a week ago between the Chinese jet and a U.S. spy plane. Leaders of Iran's main opposition group arrested
TEHRAN, Iran – Forty members of Iran's main opposition group have been arrested on charges of trying to overthrow the Islamic establishment, media reported today, detailing another serious blow to reformers ahead of the June presidential election. U.S. ambassador accuses Croat leadership of `extensive' criminal activity
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina – Raising the stakes in the showdown with Croat separatists, the U.S. ambassador to Bosnia-Herzegovina claimed the leadership of the Croat hard-line party wanted a separate state to protect its "extensive'' criminal activity. Administration says quick end to standoff needed
WASHINGTON – As the standoff over 24 detained Americans dragged into its second week, Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Colin Powell said today a quick resolution was critical to limit damage to U.S.-China relations. Palestinian accused of collaborating with Israel killed
JERUSALEM – Masked Palestinian gunmen today killed a suspected collaborator with Israel in the West Bank, and two bombs went off near Israeli positions in the Gaza Strip as Jews marked the start of Passover. Thai army suspects Muslim separatists in bombings
BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai army said today that Muslim separatists are believed to be responsible for two bomb attacks in southern Thailand, one of which killed a child. Pope marks Palm Sunday and looks ahead to Toronto event
VATICAN CITY – Pope John Paul II celebrated Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square before tens of thousands of faithful, urging young people to renew their commitment to Christ. Many waved palm fronds, olive branches and pussy willows as John Paul was driven to the canopied altar atop the steps of St. Peter's Basilica. Officials recover bodies of Vietnam helicopter crash victims
THANH TRACH, Vietnam – Officials recovered the bodies of seven Americans and nine Vietnamese a day after they were killed in a helicopter crash while searching for the remains of servicemen missing in action from the Vietnam War. It took about half an hour today to carry the bodies down the mountain where the Russian-made MI-17 helicopter crashed in central Vietnam. China's military pushes for investigation, end to spy flights
BEIJING – American diplomats pressed on today for daily access to a detained U.S. air crew, while China's top military newspaper said Beijing had the right to "thoroughly investigate'' the crew members. The Liberation Army Daily also demanded an end to spy flights near China's coast. China: 'Regret' is not enough
The Bush administration deflected Chinese demands for an apology Saturday as negotiations continued for the release of 24 Americans detained after a U.S. reconnaissance plane and a Chinese fighter jet collided. Three held in USS Cole bombing
SAN'A, Yemen – Three Islamic militants were arrested in Aden on Saturday in connection with last year's bombing of the destroyer USS Cole, security officials said. Protesters rally for Russian network, freedom of press
MOSCOW – Rain running down their faces, thousands of Russians gathered Saturday for a rally in support of embattled independent television network NTV, in a protest of the takeover attempt by a state-controlled company. Around the world English counties keep paths closed to tourists
LONDON – Unconvinced that Britain's foot-and-mouth epidemic is coming under control, two disease-free counties refused Saturday to reopen their scenic footpaths to tourists. Vietnam crash kills 16 on MIA mission
HANOI, Vietnam – A helicopter carrying a team searching for Americans missing in action from the Vietnam War crashed into a mountain Saturday, killing at least 16 people, including seven Americans. Bosnia official tells Croats 'mob rule' fruitless
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina – Bosnia's international administrator warned Croat separatists Saturday that he will not submit to "mob rule" and rejected dialogue with hard-liners threatening the breakup of this ethnically fragile country. One year after chaotic election, Peruvians to select leader
LIMA, Peru – Only a year ago, Peruvians went to the polls to choose a president in an election so clumsily fraudulent that it forced the winner, the two-time incumbent, Alberto Fujimori, to desert the country and resign from exile in Tokyo. Arafat's Passover greetings fail to restart peace talks
JERUSALEM – Yasser Arafat extended Passover greetings Saturday to Ariel Sharon and was told by the Israeli prime minister in their first direct contact in a month that peace talks can resume only after violence stops. In the West Bank, Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen exchanged fire. Thousands ask Russia to talk with rebel leader
GROZNY, Russia – Several thousand people, many of whose relatives have been killed in the war in Chechnya, gathered Saturday in the region's ruined capital to demand that Russian authorities seek a negotiated end to the fighting. Russians retain pride in Gagarin space flight
MOSCOW – Strapped inside a clumsy, cannonball-shaped capsule atop a modified nuclear missile, Yuri Gagarin exuberantly cried, "Poyekhali!" – off we go. The ground shook with the rocket's thunder, and the world shook when it heard of his feat. Clinton visits orphanage, Mother Teresa's tomb
CALCUTTA, India – Former President Bill Clinton sang a hymn at the tomb of Mother Teresa on Saturday, then cuddled babies and danced with children at the orphanage she founded. Zurich quietly appreciates Joyce, who's buried there
ZURICH, Switzerland – The body of William Butler Yeats was returned to his native Ireland in 1948, nine years after he died in France. He rests in Drumcliff churchyard, in the shadow of Ben Bulben, a mountain in County Sligo James Joyce died in 1941, in this Swiss city known for financial rather than literary acumen. But Joyce used his fiction to exact some revenge on Ireland. 04/07/2001 Helicopter carrying MIA search team crashes in Vietnam, killing at least 16
HANOI, Vietnam – A helicopter carrying a team searching for Americans missing in action from the Vietnam War crashed into a mountain Saturday, killing at least 16 people, including seven Americans. Letter could lead to end of surveillance plane dispute
WASHINGTON – U.S. and Chinese diplomats worked today to resolve the status of 24 detained Americans from a downed spy plane, while the Bush administration considered Beijing's renewed demand for an apology. The White House said Saturday that President Bush is "focused on continued diplomatic efforts" to gain the crew's release, a White House spokeswoman said. China, U.S. seek accord
WASHINGTON – U.S. and Chinese diplomats are exchanging draft resolutions to establish a framework for the release of the 24 American military crew members held in China, administration officials and a key senator said Friday. Colombia losing way in its quest for peace
BOGOTA, Colombia – There was no masking President Andrés Pastrana's sense of joy and optimism when he emerged smiling from talks in February with Colombia's top guerrilla leader, declaring that the nation's flagging peace process was back on track. Around the world Peruvian general arrested in drug payoff
LIMA, Peru – The former head of Peru's armed forces during most of ex-President Alberto Fujimori's 10-year autocratic rule has been arrested on charges of taking protection money from narcotics traffickers, authorities said Friday. Terrorism fears in Mideast change the face of Passover
JERUSALEM – In the traditional family meal that marks the beginning of the Passover holiday, the youngest child asks, "What makes this night different from all other nights?" This year, there are two extra answers – bomb scares and the calendar. Pakistan's Bhutto wins new trial
NEW DELHI, India – Benazir Bhutto, twice elected prime minister of Pakistan only to be twice forced from office on charges of corruption charges, won an important legal victory Friday when the Supreme Court in Islamabad set aside her conviction in a kickback scheme. Foundation kicks off drive to immunize poor children
BOANE, Mozambique – Three-month-old Esperanca Matusse let out a sharp cry Friday as she became the first baby to be vaccinated in an international drive to immunize millions of impoverished children. Jihad leader who died in blast planned for his death
JENIN, West Bank – A Palestinian considered one of Israel's most dangerous enemies was so certain that Israel's feared Shin Bet security service planned to kill him that he had his photograph ready to be distributed at his funeral. Arrests in Palestinian area criticized
JERUSALEM – Israeli special forces entered a Palestinian area in the West Bank on Friday night and seized two local militia leaders, Palestinian officials said. Mexican general accused of drug ties
MEXICO CITY – Brig. Gen. Ricardo Martínez Perea has become the sixth Mexican army general arrested and charged in recent years with maintaining ties to drug traffickers. Virus forces Blair to put best tourist foot forward
YORK, England – Before foot-and-mouth disease hit, British Prime Minister Tony Blair dreamed of April as a march toward political triumph, a spring stroll leading to re-election in May. Colleague defends China pilot, but U.S. says he was dangerous
BEIJING – The pilot of a Chinese fighter jet had no chance against the U.S. spy plane that banked suddenly, striking it and sending the smaller aircraft spiraling out of control over the South China Sea, his wingman said on state television Friday. Longtime rivals to contend for leadership post in Japan
TOKYO – A feisty former premier and a charismatic innovator prepared to battle for the helm of economically troubled Japan after Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori made a long-awaited announcement Friday that he would step down. Release opens door for talks in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – Blinking back tears and sick with malaria, the last hostage held by communist rebels was released Friday, clearing the way for peace talks seeking to end 30 years of insurgency. 03/24/2001 48 hours: When Sikhs open their home to read their holy book, the guests stay awhile
The tension is familiar to anyone who has hosted a christening, wedding or bris in their home – or any other event with social and religious significance. Now imagine maintaining that intense focus on hospitality and religious observance for 48 straight hours. |
