MIDDLE EAST

SUSPECT IN HARIRI ASSASSINATION SLITS WRISTS

A Lebanese banker currently in detention in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Rana Koleilat, held for her alleged role in the murder of a former prime minister of her homeland, Rafik Hariri, has attempted suicide, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation. Ms. Koleilat, 39, was found bleeding in her cell Wednesday, but Brazilian authorities said that she was not seriously injured, and rather was attempting to draw attention to her case, the BBC said. Lebanese authorities requested her extradition Wednesday on charges of fraud, embezzlement, and forgery, and although Lebanon and Brazil do not have an extradition treaty, the network said that the request is likely to be approved. Ms. Koleilat has a British passport, and is entitled to British assistance, the BBC quoted Vice Consul David Paginton as saying.

– Staff Reporter of the Sun

EAST ASIA

RICE: CHINA MUST EXPLAIN MILITARY BUILDUP

SYDNEY, Australia – Secretary of State Rice said yesterday that China must be more open about its military buildup and play by international economic rules as its influence grows around the world.

“I heard that there’s going to be a 14% increase in the Chinese defense budget. That’s a lot,” Mr. Rice said during a diplomatic visit to Australia, a country with broadening economic ties to China.

“China should undertake to be transparent about what that means,” Ms. Rice said following a meeting with Australia’s foreign minister, Alexander Downer.

China’s parliament on Friday approved a 14.7% increase in its annual military budget to $35 billion. The Beijing government said the money would go toward salaries, new equipment, training, and higher fuel costs.

– Associated Press

WESTERN EUROPE

TEARGAS FIRED TO QUELL PARIS RIOTERS

PARIS – Police fired teargas and fought running battles with rioters in the Latin quarter of Paris last night in the worst violence to erupt since protests began over a new youth employment law. The trouble flared around the Sorbonne University, closed last week as tensions rose, after a march through the capital by tens of thousands of students.

A red flare was fired as crowds gathered near the university, a key symbol of the 1968 student revolt. This led to a charge in which students were joined by anarchist elements.

Police fired teargas to stop protesters reaching the university. Some of the rioters wore ski masks to counter the effect of teargas in a clear sign that the trouble was premeditated.

– The Daily Telegraph

EASTERN EUROPE

PROTESTS PLANNED AGAINST BELARUS VOTE MINSK – Their teeth chattering with cold and fear, the teenagers moved silently toward the Russian embassy in Minsk. The four knew they had very little time; they could see police advancing on them. Having unfurled their banners and flags, they held them aloft between jerky hands. “Shame on those who support the dictator,” they shouted at the diplomats inside.

In Belarus, a country America describes as an outpost of tyranny in Europe, it was a courageous if brief display of defiance. Within seconds, the teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were arrested and taken away for interrogation by the KGB.

That acronym has disappeared into history everywhere in the former Soviet Union except here, where it is used by President Lukashenko, head of state for 12 years, to crush dissent.

– The Daily Telegraph