Foreign Desk
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

Mexico City Is Set To Okay Gay Civil Unions
MEXICO CITY — Mexico City’s assembly yesterday voted for the first time in the country’s history to legally recognize gay civil unions, a measure that will provide same-sex couples with benefits similar to those of married couples. The mayor was expected to sign the measure into law. The bill allows same-sex couples to register their union with civil authorities, granting them inheritance and pension rights, as well as other social benefits.
— Associated Press
Israeli Gay Parade Canceled After Protests
Israeli homosexuals yesterday called off a parade in Jerusalem under pressure of religious leaders and security concerns, exposing intolerance there despite an active, open gay scene in other Israeli cities. The Gay Pride parade, planned for Friday, touched a raw nerve in the holy city, unifying fundamentalist Jews, Christians, and Muslims in a common anti-gay agenda. For the past week, hundreds of Orthodox Jews have clashed nearly every night with police, burning trash bins and throwing stones while vowing to prevent the parade from going ahead.
— Associated Press
Mubarak Warns Against Hanging Saddam
CAIRO, Egypt — Egypt’s president came out strongly against hanging Saddam Hussein, saying in remarks published yesterday that it could make Iraq explode into more violence. But Iraq’s prime minister said the execution could take place by the end of the year. The statement from President Mubarak of Egypt broke an uneasy silence among Arab leaders over Sunday’s verdict by an Iraqi court, which convicted Saddam for the killings of some 150 Shiite Muslims.
— Associated Press
Health Minister: Insurgents Have Killed 150,000 Iraqis
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s health minister Ali al-Shemari said about 150,000 Iraqis have been killed by insurgents since the March 2003 American-led invasion. He did not explain how he arrived at the figure, which is three times most other estimates.
— Associated Press