A plane crashed near Balad, 50 miles north of Baghdad, while trying to land in heavy fog Tuesday on a flight from Turkey, and officials said 34 people died. Most were Turkish construction workers, and only one survivor was reported. A Turkish Foreign Ministry official said reports indicated the aircraft went down because of bad weather. An Iraqi security official said it wasn’t known if the plane was shot down or had mechanical problems.
Britain: Petition opposes gay rights
Christian activists submitted a petition to Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday protesting a gay rights law that they contend will force them to promote and condone gay sex. The law bans businesses from discriminating against gay people in the provision of goods and services. The activists, who said such laws violate Biblical teaching, held a candlelit vigil outside Parliament as the House of Lords debated the new law Tuesday night. The body voted 199-68 against a motion calling for the regulation to be scrapped.
Gaza Strip: Captured soldier
After six months of silence, Palestinian militants holding a captured Israeli soldier released the first details of the serviceman’s condition Tuesday, saying he is in “good health” and being treated according to “Islamic standards.” However, the militants said they are prepared to keep the soldier, Cpl. Gilad Shalit, until Israel meets their demand for the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. The impasse has held up peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians.
From Herald news services
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