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/ 21 November 2004

Straw ordered probe weeks before coup bid

The British government investigated the possibility that British firms were involved in a plot to overthrow the president of Equatorial Guinea several weeks before last March’s attempted coup. British officials in the region took the coup threat so seriously that they rewrote contingency plans to evacuate British nationals from the Central African state.

  • Phone links Thatcher to alleged plot
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    / 21 November 2004

    Red Cross condemns Iraq abuses

    The International Red Cross has made an unprecedented appeal for an end to human-rights abuses in Iraq, saying it is ”deeply concerned” at the impact of the fighting in the country and at apparent failures by all sides in the conflict to respect humanitarian laws. Saturday saw another day of violence in Fallujah and Baghdad.

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    / 21 November 2004

    Côte d’Ivoire ‘can explode at any time’

    Beneath the surface calm in Côte d’Ivoire, unresolved ethnic, regional, political and religious rivalries still roil after a week of unprecedented violence. The next burst of bloodletting in a country that was long a model of peace and prosperity in Africa is likely only a matter of time, diplomats and United Nations officials warn.
    <li><a class=’standardtextsmall’ href="http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?cg=BreakingNews-National&ao=125925">Mbeki positive on Côte d’Ivoire talks</a>

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    / 21 November 2004

    Scorpions sting far and wide

    When their trademark black cars rolled up at British socialite Mark Thatcher’s gates in Cape Town a few months ago, the members of South Africa’s elite Scorpions unit knew they were netting their biggest catch to date. But the Scorpions have also been ruffling feathers in many other quarters of South Africa.

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    / 21 November 2004

    Baloyi victory angers fans

    Pandemonium broke out inside the Big Top Arena at Carnival City when angry boxing fans protested the dubious verdict that favoured Cassius Baloyi over Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. Baloyi was completely outclassed by a hungrier, determined and superbly conditioned Ledwaba.

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    / 21 November 2004

    Valiant Wales pipped at the post

    Wales came close on Saturday to recording their first victory over New Zealand in 51 years but were ultimately thwarted 26-25 by a strong All Black defence and some individual brilliance by flying winger Joe Rokocoko. Defying their record of just three wins in their 21 previous encounters, it was all Wales in the early exchanges.

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    / 21 November 2004

    No complaints from White after Bok defeat

    South Africa coach Jake White said his side were ”boys” against England’s ”men” during their 32-16 defeat against the world champions in London at a rain-soaked Twickenham on Saturday. ”Now you know why England are the world champions,” White told reporters after the Tri-Nations champions’ defeat.

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    / 21 November 2004

    Chelsea, Arsenal held to draws

    Chelsea maintained their two-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premiership as the two title contenders were held to hard-fought draws by Bolton and West Brom. The Gunners briefly closed the gap on Jose Mourinho’s side with a 1-1 draw over the Baggies.