28 May 2002
2 killed in latest Middle East suicide bombing
At least two people have been killed in an explosion in the central Israeli town of Petah Tikva near Tel Aviv. They include a three-year-old girl and a suicide bomber. Dozens more have been injured. The explosion reportedly took place at the entrance of a busy shopping mall in what police described as a terrorist attack. The mayor of the city says the bomber arrived in a car packed with explosives and blew himself up. This latest assault comes in the wake of new Israeli incursions into West Bank towns in response to last week's suicide attacks. Israeli security services had been on maximum alert since receiving warnings of planned attacks on Israeli civilians by Palestinian militants.
NATO World leaders gather for historic Rome summit
The American President, George W Bush, has arrived in Rome on the last leg of his week long European tour. He's in the Italian capital for tomorrow's historic NATO-Russia summit which will mark the formation of a joint council. Bush will also meet Pope John Paul at the Vatican before returning to Washington. He's the first NATO world leader to land in Rome. Many others, including French President Jacques Chirac and Britain's Prime Minister, Tony Blair, are scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning. The Allies and Russia will sign a partnership deal giving Moscow a greater say in areas such as counter terrorism, arms control and maritime safety. Concerned that militants may try to target the site, the Italians are leaving nothing to chance. An imposing security shield has been set up at Europe's second largest military airbase, Practica di Mare. Measures have been taken to protect the base and its guests from attack by land, air and sea. Helicopter gunships will also be available to shuttle visiting VIPs to safety in case of an attack.
Pakistani President says he does not want war
In an address to his nation Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf said his country did not want war with India, but he said he was ready to respond with full force if Indian forces attack. "If it is thrust upon us" he said "We will respond with full might." The nuclear-armed neighbours have moved towards the brink of war in recent months, following a series of attacks in India blamed on Pakistani based militants. Heavy fire was traded throughout last the night along the line of control dividing Kashmir. In the latest incident Pakistanis were the victims. Four were killed and twelve wounded when mortar bombs were fired on a village in the Punjab province.
Anti-American protests in France greet Bush's arrival
Demonstrators took to the normally quiet streets of Normandy in western France to protest against the arrival of President Bush in the region today. Jose Bove, one of the leaders of the anti-globalization movement in France was there too. He said it was time to point out that America's way of doing business worldwide was wrong. Several thousand people took to the streets of Paris too. Many were Palestinians angry at Washington's support for Israel. However far fewer people showed up in the French capital than expected. President Bush said he had no problem with the protests. He said it was a sign of democracy at work.