Iran said on Monday a United States threat to form an independent coalition to impose sanctions if the United Nations Security Council failed to act over Tehran’s nuclear programme was an insult to the council’s work. Iran has so far shown no sign it will halt enrichment, a process which can make fuel for nuclear power plants or material for nuclear bombs.
United States Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Sunday warned North Korea may pose a threat as a weapons seller to terrorists and that the US would consider taking the nuclear warheads off intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) so they could be used against terrorists.
Iran has for the first time given the green light for the breeding and slaughter of crocodiles — as long as they are killed in line with Islamic rules, a newspaper reported on Monday. But it’s unlikely the fearsome beasts will be killed to make handbags, belts or shoes.
The build-up of Sudanese troops in the war-torn western Darfur region could lead to a human-rights catastrophe unless United Nations peacekeeping troops are sent to the region soon, Amnesty International warned on Monday. Witnesses in el-Fasher in North Darfur said that Sudanese military flights have been flying in troops and arms to the region.
Two-time defending champion Chelsea beat Blackburn 2-0 on Sunday in the English Premier League, winning on Frank Lampard’s 50th-minute penalty and a late goal from substitute Didier Drogba. Unlike the Blues of the last two seasons, Chelsea looked unconvincing — particularly in the first half.
Felipe Massa of Ferrari won the Turkish grand prix on Sunday from the pole position, his first Formula One victory in his 67th race. ”It’s like a dream come true,” he said, choking back tears after an emotional win. Renault’s Fernando Alonso held off Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher in a duel over the last dozen laps to take second and increase his lead slightly over the German in the standings.
No one seemed happy with the outcome as Kaizer Chiefs drew 2-2 with old nemesis SuperSport United in their opening Premier League game of the season at Loftus on Sunday afternoon. The respective coaches, Ernst Middendorp of Chiefs and Pitso Mosimane of SuperSport, were at each other’s throats like a couple of rottweilers after a tense, turbulent game.
The Department of Trade and Industry has unveiled its long-awaited metals sector development strategy to representatives of major industrial associations and companies. Among the aims of the development strategy is to create 45 000 new and sustainable jobs.
Hurricane Ernesto weakened to a tropical storm after killing at least one person in Haiti on Sunday and forecasters said it could regain hurricane strength as it barreled toward south-eastern Cuba and the Florida Keys. Florida declared a state of emergency and ordered tourists out of the vulnerable Keys as Ernesto brought a reminder of the perils of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Hezbollah on Sunday night admitted it would not have captured the two Israeli soldiers last month had it known a war would follow. The leader of the militia said that talks were going on to return the two in exchange for Lebanese prisoners held by Israel.