UNITED NATIONS

U.N. human rights chief named special envoy to Iraq

U.N. human rights chief Sergio Vieira de Mello has been chosen as the United Nations’ special representative to Iraq, diplomats said Friday.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan was expected to send a letter later Friday informing the Security Council of his choice, the diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The appointment will be four months long, diplomats said, because of the importance Annan places on Vieira de Mello’s post as the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Vieira de Mello — known for his work as U.N. troubleshooter in hotspots such as Bangladesh, Lebanon and East Timor — was the top choice of the United States, which lobbied quietly for his selection.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Congress approves tax cut

By the narrowest of margins, Congress on Friday sent President Bush the third tax cut of his presidency — a $330 billion package of rebates and lower rates for families and new breaks for businesses and investors.

Republicans said it would put people back to work. Democrats derided it as a gift to the wealthy.

Vice President Dick Cheney’s ballot broke a tie in the GOP-controlled Senate, which sent it to Bush on a 51-50 vote after the House passed it by a 231-200 margin earlier Friday.

President Bush, promising to sign it next week, said 136 million taxpayers would benefit directly. “Congress has taken a major step forward in the effort to boost economic growth and create jobs,” Bush said.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

FDA recalls Lipitor because pills are counterfeit

An estimated 100,000 bottles labeled as the cholesterol-lowering medicine Lipitor are being recalled because they contain counterfeit pills, the Food and Drug Administration warned Friday.

The FDA said the fake pills were discovered after some health complaints but would not elaborate because an investigation is under way.

Lipitor users should immediately check their bottles to see if they have the fake pills, which will not lower cholesterol, the FDA said.

To spot the fake version, look for the words “Repackaged by MED-PRO Inc., Lexington, Neb.,” on the lower left corner of bottles that bear the following lot numbers:

• 20722V, expiration 09-2004
• 04132V, expiration 01-2004
• 16942V, expiration 09-2004

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Kerry leads Dean in N.H. poll; but Gore would beat both

Democrat John Kerry holds a slight lead over rival Howard Dean in the latest poll of likely primary voters in New Hampshire. But a name from the past could best them both.

Al Gore, who lost in 2000 and announced in December that he would not seek the Democratic nomination, garnered 25 percent to Kerry’s 17 percent and Dean’s 16 percent if there were a draft campaign for the former vice president.

The American Research Group poll, released Friday, showed Kerry at 26 percent and Dean at 19 percent.

Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri and Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut both were at 12 percent, and the other candidates were in single digits.