EAST ASIA

S. KOREAN PRESIDENT WARNS U.S. AGAINST SEEKING COLLAPSE OF NORTH

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president, Roh Moo-hyun, yesterday warned Washington against pressuring North Korea to force the totalitarian regime’s collapse, while the North kept up its demands that Washington lift financial sanctions. The North reiterated its vow to stay away from international nuclear disarmament talks until the America lifts sanctions it recently imposed over allegations of Pyongyang’s involvement in counterfeiting of U.S. currency and other illegal activities.

– Associated Press

MONGOLIA’S PRESIDENT, PARLIAMENT APPROVE NEW PRIME MINISTER

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia – Mongolia’s president and parliament yesterday approved a new prime minister, a step toward rebuilding the former communist country’s government. The chairman of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party, Mieagombo Enkhbold, was given majority approval by parliament. President Enkhbayar also approved the nomination.

– Associated Press

PERSIAN GULF

IRANIAN NEGOTIATOR SAYS MORE TALKS NEEDED ON RUSSIAN OFFER

MOSCOW – Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, said yesterday that a Russian proposal to enrich uranium for the Islamic republic needs more work, and renewed a threat that, if the issue is referred to the U.N. Security Council, Tehran will forge ahead with technology that can make nuclear arms.

– Associated Press

SHIITE-SUNNI TALKS ON FORMING GOVERNMENT START

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Shiite leaders have launched talks with Sunni and Kurdish politicians on a unity government, proposing four candidates to be the next prime minister, a Shiite official, Baha al-Aaraji, said yesterday, nearly six weeks after Iraq’s parliamentary elections. The talks came amid a spate of sectarian violence, including the killing of a prominent Sunni Arab cleric, that threatens to disrupt the forming of the government. An American Marine also was killed by small-arms fire in Karmah, 50 miles west of Baghdad, the military said.

– Associated Press

SOUTH ASIA

U.S. AMBASSADOR: NUCLEAR DEAL OFF IF INDIA SUPPORTS IRAN AT IAEA

NEW DELHI – A landmark nuclear deal between India and America will “die” in Washington if New Delhi supports Iran at the upcoming meeting of the U.N. atomic watchdog agency, the American ambassador said yesterday. A week before the International Atomic Energy Agency meets to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, American Ambassador David Mulford said that if India does not vote to refer Tehran to the U.N. Security Council, it would be “devastating” to the deal currently before Congress.

– Associated Press

WESTERN EUROPE

GALLOWAY MAY FACE FRAUD INQUIRY OVER OIL FOR FOOD

George Galloway could be investigated by Britain’s Serious Fraud Office as part of an inquiry into the Iraq oil-for-food scandal, it emerged yesterday. The SFO confirmed that it sent officers to America last year to gather evidence after the publication of a U.N.-backed investigation into alleged kick-backs from Saddam Hussein. A decision on whether to proceed to a full criminal investigation is expected to be made within the next couple of months.

– The Daily Telegraph

PRINCE HARRY MAY GO TO IRAQ

LONDON – Prince Harry could find himself on front-line service in Iraq after it was announced yesterday that he is to join the Blues and Royals regiment. Before he faces any possible deployment, he will help to provide the personal bodyguard to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, when he joins the most senior regiment of the British Army in April. The regiment’s maneuvers will now come under intense press attention. Prince Harry has expressed a desire to serve with the troops no matter where they are or how difficult the operation.

– The Daily Telegraph