An initiative that strengthens the legal system to better safeguard children’s rights was launched on Monday by the Mozambican government, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund. More than one million children aged under 14 in the country are subjected to exploitative labour.

An earthquake measuring 5,9 on the Richter scale struck northwest China’s Xinjiang region on Tuesday. The town hardest hit has a population of between 20 000 and 30 000.

President Thabo Mbeki has received a royal welcome in Malaysia ahead of talks with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad aimed partly at developing a common stand for upcoming world trade negotiations.

In a move that is certain to put pressure on other countries to follow suit, The Netherlands this week became the first country to legalise the medical use of cannabis, allowing doctors to prescribe the narcotic as a painkiller for those who are seriously ill.

Employees are willing to help combat crime, and can be recruited as allies in the war against fraud and corruption — as long as the correct approach and attitude is maintained by management.

Israeli helicopters have killed a Hamas activist and wounded about a dozen bystanders in a missile attack on Gaza City. The dead militant was named as Khader al-Huseri, a member of Hamas’s military wing.

Two Arabic television channels have broadcast what they said was a recorded message from Saddam Hussein, denying responsibility for last week’s devastating car bomb in Najaf.