Lebanon
Former warlord killed in Beirut car bombing
A former Lebanese warlord held responsible for the 1982 massacre of Palestinian refugees was killed Thursday in a car bomb attack. Three bodyguards also died.
The group Lebanese for a Free and Independent Lebanon claimed responsibility for slaying Elie Hobeika, 45, saying it was to protest Syrian meddling in Lebanese affairs. Hobeika was an ally of Syria.
Hobeika led the right-wing Lebanese Forces militia, which tore through Palestinian refugee camps in 1982 in west Beirut, slaughtering hundreds. An Israeli military post was next to the camps.
The militia was allied with Israel, and an Israeli commission found that then-defense minister Ariel Sharon now Israel's prime minister was indirectly responsible for the killings.
BEIJING
China cools rhetoric toward Taiwan's rulers
A top Chinese official Thursday tempered Beijing's hostility toward the ruling party in Taiwan, blaming only a small minority for pushing Taiwanese independence and extending a tentative welcome to the majority, a shift that could ease tensions in one of the world's hot spots.
"We believe there is a difference between the majority of Democratic Progressive Party members and the extremely small number of diehard 'Taiwan independence' elements," state media quoted Vice Premier Qian Qichen as saying.
The remarks by Qian could lead to greater dialogue and cooperation, although Qian reiterated that Taiwan must recognize that it belongs to China before any formal political negotiations between the archrivals can be revived.
London
Lab plans move to U.S.; activists claim victory
A British research laboratory long targeted by animal rights activists canceled trading of its shares in London on Thursday as part of a plan to transfer its financial operations to the United States. Protesters called the move a "huge moral victory."
Huntingdon Life Sciences Group PLC, which does testing on rodents, primates and dogs, said it took the action to provide its shareholders with more privacy and trading opportunities, and not because of the protests.
Huntingdon has struggled to attract financial backing since complaints about alleged mistreatment of beagles at its British facilities flared into a high-profile, often violent, campaign against company staff, investors and creditors.
Colombia
U.S. helicopter ruined to prevent seizure
Colombia's military destroyed a U.S. government helicopter to keep it from falling into the hands of guerrillas who forced it down during an anti-drug mission, Colombian and American officials said Thursday.
Five Colombian police officers died protecting the downed UH-1N helicopter aircraft, and three Colombian soldiers were wounded. There were no Americans aboard the State Department helicopter when it was hit by ground fire last week.
Havana
Governor, businesses denounce Cuba embargo
Encouraged by signs Cuba may be ready to buy more U.S. products, the head of American agricultural giant Cargill said Thursday his company was willing to sell the communist country as much food as it wanted.
Illinois Gov. George Ryan arrived here Thursday with drug company representatives keen to do business with Cuba.
"The embargo robs us in Illinois and in the United States of a vast consumer market of 11 million people," Ryan said, referring to four-decade old U.S. sanctions against Cuba. "It's time to end the embargo and welcome Cuba into the international marketplace."
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