MOSCOW

Slain American was probing reporter killings

In the weeks before Paul Klebnikov was shot to death on a Moscow street, the American journalist had begun investigating the 1995 killing of a Russian TV reporter, a publisher said Friday, while a newspaper said he might also have been looking into a second slaying.

The new information indicated Klebnikov might have been vigorously inquiring into one of Russia’s most sensitive issues. The Committee to Protect Journalists has listed Russia as one of the world’s 10 most hazardous countries for reporters.

Valery Streletsky, head of a publishing house that issued two books by Klebnikov in Russian, said Friday the American was investigating the shooting death of TV journalist Vladislav Listyev with the aim of possibly publishing a book on the case.

Sudan

Rebels want promises fulfilled before talks

Sudanese rebel groups insisted Friday the government fulfill a list of previous commitments before beginning new peace talks to end fighting in Sudan’s western Darfur region, deemed the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Experts said the negotiations were doomed to fail without concerted diplomatic and military pressure.

Chief among the rebels’ demands was a timeline for Sudan to make good on its promise to disarm the Arab militias accused of killing tens of thousands of black Africans.

The rebels also sought commitments by the government to release prisoners and to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid in the region. Both conditions are part of a widely ignored cease-fire signed April 8.

ROME

Crew from German aid ship released from jail

Three crew members from a German relief agency ship were released from jail Friday, four days after being arrested for allegedly aiding illegal immigration by bringing 37 African asylum seekers to Italy.

The head of Germany’s Cap Anamur relief agency, the captain of a ship operated by the group, and his Russian first mate were arrested Monday after docking in Sicily.

A judge ruled Friday that the three should be released, but he also upheld the charges against them, said attorney Antonella Bona.

Ireland

Church says Pope plans visit ‘in principle’

Pope John Paul II has accepted “in principle” an invitation to visit both parts of Ireland, although a trip this year appears unlikely, Catholic leaders announced Friday.

Catholic bishops last month invited the pope to come to Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of his first visit to the country in 1979. But this visit would include the British territory of Northern Ireland.

“Our invitation request has been placed before the Holy Father and a reply has been received from the Vatican’s secretariat of state indicating that the proposed visit has, in principle, been accepted,” said Archbishop Sean Brady.