World Briefly
Published 9:00 pm Sunday, March 6, 2005
Canada: Quake shakes Quebec
A moderate earthquake shook Quebec early Sunday, jolting some people awake. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damages, authorities said. The epicenter of the 5.4-magnitude temblor was near Riviere-du-Loup, 250 miles northeast of Montreal, according to Sylvia Hayek of the Department of Natural Resources.
Bolivia: President offers to quit
Bolivian President Carlos Mesa announced Sunday he would offer his resignation today, saying in a televised address Sunday that recent protests were “blocking the country.” Mesa’s government has struggled with a growing push for greater political autonomy in Bolivia’s most prosperous region.
Israel: Handing over Tulkarem
Israel will hand over the West Bank town of Tulkarem to Palestinian control this week, a senior Palestinian commander said Sunday. Israeli and Palestinian commanders met Sunday for the first time since the Feb. 25 bombing in Tel Aviv that killed five Israelis. A senior Israeli official said government approval was necessary before the pullout could begin.
Mexico: Battling border violence
More than 700 soldiers and federal and state agents took to the streets of Nuevo Laredo on the Mexico-U.S. border Sunday to help local authorities control a wave of apparently drug-related violent crime. The influx of law enforcement came after four more killings over the weekend, bringing the total number of people killed in ambush-style shootings in Nuevo Laredo to 20 for this year.
Iran: Nuke secrecy explained
Iran on Sunday blamed American sanctions and European restrictions for denying Tehran access to advanced civilian nuclear technology, forcing it to keep the program secret in its early days and driving the country to the black market for needed materials. Despite the initial secrecy, Iran now openly admits that it has already achieved proficiency in the full range of activities involved in enriching uranium, a technology that can be used to produce fuel for nuclear reactors or atomic bombs.
Turkey: Police, protesters clash
Riot police in Istanbul on Sunday used truncheons and tear gas to break up a group of leftist demonstrators who refused to disperse during an unauthorized demonstration marking the upcoming World Women’s Day. Police were seen chasing and beating demonstrators with clubs, according to footage from APTN. One woman demonstrator was knocked to the ground by police officers, then kicked in the face by another officer. Policemen in gas masks could also be seen spraying tear gas directly onto demonstrators’ faces.
From Herald news services
