January, 2006

• 30 January

  Kuwait’s new emir takes oath of office

  KUWAIT CITY (AP) — Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah took the oath of office Sunday, becoming the first emir of this oil-rich US ally to ascend to power on the approval of parliament rather than merely the internal decision of the ruling family. The emir, 76, swore to uphold …

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• 30 January

  Hamas faces EU threat

  OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (Reuters) — The European Union could not fund a Hamas-run Palestinian Authority if it did not renounce violence and recognise Israel, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Israel on Sunday. It was the most explicit threat to cut aid from Europe, the biggest donor to the Palestinians, since …

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• 30 January

  Bombs kill 20 Iraqis, target churches

  BAGHDAD (AFP) — At least 20 Iraqis were killed in rebel attacks and bombings on Sunday, including six coordinated car bombs set off near churches, while a roadside bombing wounded a US television news anchor and his cameraman. The latest rebel attacks came as the trial of ousted president Saddam …

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• 30 January

  Saddam trial degenerates into chaos on debut of new judge

  BAGHDAD (AP) — A new chief judge moved to crack down in a chaotic session of Saddam Hussein’s trial Sunday, forcibly expelling a defendant and a defence lawyer. The defence team walked out in protest and Saddam was removed after shouting “down with America” and arguing with the judge.

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• 30 January

  Major powers try to close ranks over Iran nuke issue

  VIENNA (AFP) — The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany meet in London on Monday to try to bridge broad differences over the Iran nuclear programme, which the West fears is a covert grab for atomic weapons. The United States and three major European powers Britain, …

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• 30 January

  US journalists seriously injured in Iraq

  WASHINGTON (Reuters) — ABC news anchor Bob Woodruff and camera operator Doug Vogt were seriously injured in a roadside bombing in Iraq on Sunday, the US television network said. At the time of the blast, they were travelling with an Iraqi army unit in an Iraqi vehicle near Taji, near …

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• 30 January

  Egypt downplays Hamas win, urges EU not to cut aid

  CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s foreign minister on Sunday urged the European Union to continue aid to the Palestinians, saying the situation was not as “dim” as some fear after the landslide election victory of Islamic group Hamas. In Damascus, Syrian President Bashar Assad met with Hamas’ political leader Khaled Mishaal …

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• 30 January

  After years of fear, Algeria’s skiers return

  TIKJDA, Algeria — Gazing at the cedar trees and snow-capped crags of this mountain ski resort, Abdenour Ouahi savours the delights of his sport. “When I’m here, I feel at peace. I have no problems,” said the 28-year old, breathless after making his favourite descent at the 1,478 metres (4,850 …

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• 30 January

  Auditors say US-led occupation officials squandered millions meant for Iraq rebuilding

  DUBAI (AP) — Iraqi money gambled away in the Philippines. Thousands spent on a swimming pool that was never used. An elevator repaired so poorly that it crashed, killing people. A US government audit found American-led occupation authorities squandered tens of millions of dollars that were supposed to be used …

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• 23 January

  Lebanese leaders fail again to agree on Lahoud’s fate

  BEIRUT (Reuters) — Rival Lebanese leaders failed to agree on the fate of pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud on Wednesday, highlighting the wide gaps among Syria’s allies and foes trying to end Lebanon’s worst political crisis in 16 years.

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