::no break:: Power talks in Ukraine
Kiev Allies of Ukraine’s pro-western President Viktor Yushchenko began exploring the chances of forming a coalition with the opposition after 80 days of talks failed to piece together a government of liberals backing the 2004 Orange Revolution. Viktor Yanukovich, the opposition leader who is now back with a chance to regain power, predicted a deal by early next week. (Reuters)
Stem-cell funds
Strasbourg The European Parliament approved the use of EU funds to finance some stem-cell research, despite opposition from a group of mostly Roman Catholic MEPs. Funds may not be used for research into cloning for reproductive purposes. (AP)
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Good neighbours
Belgrade The Serbian Government recognised the independence of Montenegro and said that it would establish diplomatic ties with its former partner. Good relations between the two are thought to be essential for regional stability. (AP)
Rebuff for EU
Strasbourg Polish politicians protested against a European Parliament resolution singling out Poland as a country where racism and homophobia were on the rise and threatening sanctions. The resolution was drafted by left-wing and liberal groups. (AP)
Patients lost
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Berlin A 63-year-old patient who vanished from his bed in a Berlin clinic nearly a week ago was discovered dead in a technicians’ room. On Monday a 68-year-old Berlin hospital patient who went missing was found dehydrated but alive 80 hours later in a lift. (AP)
‘Miracles’ tested
Moscow The Russian Orthodox Church said it had set up a commission of scientists to examine apparent religious miracles. Samples from two “seeping” icons have been sent to researchers at a “prestigious institution”, but no details were given. (AFP)
Bulgarian jitters
Sofia Almost half of Bulgarians believe that their country is not ready to join the European Union next year because their political leaders lack the will to push through reforms to tackle rampant high-level corruption and organised crime. (Reuters)
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Student protest
Athens Students broke bank and airline office windows after thousands protested in the centre of the Greek capital against government reforms that would bring in private universities, evaluations of professors and time limits on gaining degrees. (AFP)
Rebels to give up their guns
Dili, East Timor Rebel soldiers holed up in the hills around the capital are on the verge of disarming, the head of the Australian-led peacekeeping force said yesterday. In a development that could end months of unrest in the tiny fledgeling state, Brigadier Mick Slater said that an agreement was being negotiated with the rebels and there was “every indication” that they would comply. (AP)
Infants separated
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Los Angeles Conjoined baby sisters who were fused from the breast to the pelvis have been separated successfully and are in a serious but stable condition, doctors said. Renata and Regina Salinas Fierros are recovering in intensive care after the operation. (Reuters)
UN nomination
Delhi India nominated the author and UN Undersecretary-General Shashi Tharoor, 50, to succeed Kofi Annan when the UN chief’s second five-year term expires this year. Mr Tharoor was born in London but holds Indian citizenship. (Reuters)
Bush adviser quits
Washington Michael Gerson, 42, is leaving the White House after seven years as a speechwriter and adviser. “It seemed like a good time,” he said. “Things are back on track a little.” He joined the Bush team in 1999 and had a heart attack in 2004.
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Leader named
Baghdad The US says the man who claims to have succeeded Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as head of al-Qaeda in Iraq is Abu Ayyub al-Masri, an Egyptian. About 104 insurgents have been eliminated since al-Zarqawi was killed. (AP)
Missing girl found
Donalds A girl taken from her mother’s home in Arizona ten years ago when a toddler was found safe in South Carolina, authorities said. Rebekah Braun, 12, was found after Danny Moran, 57, thought to be her father, was arrested in Roanoke, Virginia. (AP)
Fighters ordered
Caracas President Chávez of Venezuela said that his Government planned to buy 24 Russian-made Sukhoi fighters as part of increased military spending. Señor Chávez has vowed that the US will not defeat his self-styled socialist revolution. (Reuters)
Dangerous drivers
Bogotá Drivers ogling women accounted for nearly one in twenty crashes in Colombia last year — a distraction second only to mobile phone use. Authorities are pointing out the dangers in an attempt to get men to keep their eyes on the road. (AP)