Mexico: Two workers die in clash

Police and striking steel workers clashed in central Mexico on Thursday, leaving at least two workers dead and more than 30 injured, a government official said. The confrontation erupted as hundreds of officers stormed the plant to remove workers who had taken over the Sicartsa steel plant in the port city of Lazaro Cardenas, about 215 miles southwest of Mexico City. Workers remained in control of the plant despite the clash, city and plant officials said. The steel facility employs about 2,100 unionized workers.

Thailand: USS Lincoln arrives

The USS Abraham Lincoln is the first aircraft carrier to dock at Laem Chabang port in Thailand, one of the few ports in Asia able to berth the nuclear-powered warship. The Bangkok Post reported today that the warship arrived at the port Thursday. Its crew of almost 6,000 will be allowed a five-day break. Laem Chabang dock is now equipped to handle such warships, which previously anchored offshore so crew had to be ferried ashore. The Post said the Lincoln will remain in Thailand until Monday, when it is due to leave for Singapore.

South Korea: Dispute spurs talks

Japanese and South Korean negotiators raced Thursday to avert a clash over disputed islets as Seoul accused Tokyo of imperialistic ambitions and warned of a possible confrontation at sea. About 20 South Korean gunboats have been dispatched to the area in anticipation of the arrival of Japanese survey ships. The gunboats were scheduled to conduct high seas seizure drills Thursday, but delayed the exercises because of bad weather. In Tokyo, an official said there had been “unofficial” contact between the two sides but Japan still planned to go ahead with the survey.

From Herald news services