Washington, D.C.

U.S., Libya renew ties despite reports of plot

The United States resumed direct diplomatic ties with Libya on Monday after a 24-year break, even as the Bush administration pursued reports that Moammar Gadhafi had taken part in a plot to assassinate Saudi Arabia’s crown prince.

Assistant Secretary of State William Burns inaugurated a new U.S. liaison office in Tripoli in what was the latest move by the Bush administration to reciprocate for Gadhafi’s promise last December to dismantle his chemical, biological and nuclear weapons programs.

Burns said that he and J. Cofer Black, who heads the State Department’s office to counter terrorism, had discussed with Gadhafi “recent public allegations regarding Libya and Saudi Arabia.”

New Delhi

India, Pakistan aim for Kashmir agreement

India and Pakistan made progress toward ending five decades of enmity by agreeing Monday to notify each other before missile tests, open new consulates and try to end a deadly dispute about the Himalayan enclave of Kashmir.

The agreements by Pakistani Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar and Indian Foreign Secretary Shashank, who uses only one name, were part of a process begun last year with the goal of a summit this year by the leaders of India and Pakistan to resolve conflicting claims to Kashmir. The South Asian neighbors have fought two full-scale wars and a 1999 border clash over the Himalayan enclave.

Khokhar brought an invitation from Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf for new Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Gaza Strip

Israeli airstrike hits building after rocket attack kills two

Israeli helicopters firing missiles struck a Hamas-linked media center early today in a response to a pair of attacks by Palestinian militants — a rocket barrage that killed an Israeli toddler and a huge blast that ripped through an army outpost.

The aircraft fired three missiles into a 16-story building in Gaza City, hitting the third-floor offices of Al-Jeel, a media outlet run by the Islamic militant group, witnesses said. Two people were hurt.

Minutes later, helicopters also fired a missile at a building housing a metal workshop in the Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, witnesses said.

Canada

Liberal Party wins most seats in election

The Liberal Party lost its outright control of Parliament on Monday but easily won the largest share of seats, and it will now try to lead Canada’s first minority government in 25 years.

Projections by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. suggested the Liberals might win roughly 140 seats overall, short of the 155 need to single-handedly control the House of Commons, but far more than 90 to 100 seats the Conservatives were projected to win.

The results were a relief to Paul Martin, the 65-year-old Liberal leader who replaced Jean Chretien as prime minister last year. He had called the election five weeks ago, hoping for a solid mandate for his administration.