The British ambassador to the United Nations has been summoned to a meeting on Thursday with the United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, to discuss allegations that his office had been bugged by British intelligence, according to UN sources.

Pakistan on Wednesday offered to share military assistance, including ”nuclear power” with Nigeria, in defiance of President George Bush’s new counter-proliferation initiative.

United States forces were on Wednesday night interrogating 15 men suspected of involvement in the devastating bombings in Kerbala as Iraq’s political and religious leaders renewed calls for calm amid fears that the coordinated strikes on Shia holy sites could spark sectarian strife.

South African politics are clearly maturing as the country grapples with consolidating democracy. Compared with the political violence that racked the country in 1994 and the acrimonious relations between parties in 1999, there are positive signs that things are changing for the better. Interparty relations are much more tension-free and there is no apprehension that the 2004 election is under threat.

South African batsman Gary Kirsten has set his sights on reaching a century of Tests as the tourists seek to bounce back against New Zealand next week. ”My biggest goal is 100 Tests, which hopefully I’ll do on this tour,” said Kirsten, who already has a South African record 98 appearances under his belt. ”That’ll certainly be a major highlight for me.”

Santos consolidated their position on the top of the PSL log when they thrashed Moroka Swallows 5-1 at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night after leading 1-0 at half-time. And the difference could have been even bigger if Santos had not wasted three easy opportunities in the first half.

The Canterbury Crusaders are looking to former All Black flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens to stop the rot as the four-time Super 12 champions chase their first win of the season against the Queensland Reds. Mehrtens is still smarting from being axed by the All Blacks for last year’s World Cup.

Rubens Barrichello, who was a major element in teammate Michael Schumacher’s record sixth world drivers’ championship last year, wants more personal success at Ferrari this season. Team player Barrichello has been rewarded for his dependability and growing stature with a new contract locking him to Ferrari until 2006.

English giants Liverpool gave embattled manager Gerard Houllier reason to smile on Wednesday as they eased into the fourth round of the Uefa Cup after a 4-2 victory in their third-round second-leg match with Levski Sofia to win 6-2 overall. The victory maintained Liverpool’s proud record under Houllier in away legs in the Uefa Cup.

Pierre Uys for Hendrik Gerber at flank is the only change to the Stormers side for Saturday’s Super 12 showdown with the Hurricanes at Newlands. Gerber was concussed after a collision with teammate Quinton Davids in the first minute of last week’s 46-25 win over the Highlanders.