Dictator dies after surgery
Brasilia Alfredo Stroessner, the ousted right-wing military dictator of Paraguay, has died at 93 after undergoing surgery. He had seized power in a coup in 1954 and was driven from power by his fellow generals in 1989, after which Brazil granted him asylum. President Duarte of Paraguay said yesterday that there were no plans to honour him. The country had sought to question him over “ disappearances” during his rule.
Obituary
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Weapons pledge
The Hague Canada is pledging C$100 million (£47 million) towards the destruction of Russia’s chemical weapons. Two plants in Russia will be funded, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said. Other donors include Britain. (AP)
Beslan toll rises
Nalchik A woman injured when hostages took over a school in the southern Russian town of Beslan in 2004 has died of her wounds, bringing the death toll to 333. Taisia Bziyeva-Dauyeva, 68, died in hospital, having been in a coma since the siege. (AP)
Oil spill appeal
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Nueva Valencia Government officials have appealed for urgent help to combat the worst oil spill in the Philippines. The sinking of the tanker Solar I has polluted an important marine reserve and threatened the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen. (AFP)
Wolf jitters
Boise Ranchers in the Idaho Northern Rockies say that their sheep and cows are being “scared skinny” by wolves, which returned to the region more than a decade ago. The “wolf jitters” could mean skimpier lamb chops and porterhouse steaks. (AP)