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/ 22 November 2006

Israel approves more Gaza operations

Israel’s security Cabinet on Wednesday agreed to press on with military raids and ”targeted killings” in Gaza but did not order a large-scale assault in response to a wave of Palestinian rocket attacks. A government statement said the security forces had been told to prepare and present a plan for a broader operation.

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/ 22 November 2006

EU gives Mauritania elections thumbs up

European Union observers on Wednesday commended the good conduct of weekend parliamentary and municipal elections held in Mauritania after a military coup, saying there were no major irregularities. ”The elections were carried out in … a free, open and fair political environment,” said Marie-Anne Isler Beguin, head of the EU’s election observation mission.

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/ 22 November 2006

Aids march gives Manto rare backing

South Africa’s embattled health minister received a rare public boost on Wednesday when hundreds of traditional healers marched in Johannesburg to support her natural treatments for HIV/Aids. Several hundred healers, many wrapped in red cloaks and headscarves, praised Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.

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/ 22 November 2006

Floors excited about Bok debut

South Africa coach Jake White on Wednesday included uncapped flanker Kabamba Floors in his team to play England at Twickenham on Saturday. The Springboks are seeking to avoid an eighth successive defeat by England after last Saturday’s 23-21 first-Test loss but White’s selection was limited by a number of injuries.

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/ 22 November 2006

Nqakula downplays law-enforcement tensions

Conflict between law-enforcement agencies is ”not such a big thing”, Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula told the South African Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday. ”Now and then conflict that arises is as a result … of professional jealousy between such organisations … and it is not such a big thing.”

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/ 22 November 2006

Suckers for the sound bite

For once, Jacob Zuma was able to hit back at the media. It was when he spoke to the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) earlier this week, and referred — repeatedly and with relish — to the now-infamous blapse around the ”generally corrupt relationship”.

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/ 22 November 2006

Pakistan launch fightback against Windies

Half centuries from Imran Farhat, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf inspired a strong fightback by Pakistan to save the second Test after Brian Lara had hit his ninth double hundred to put West Indies in control on Wednesday. Farhat (70 not out) shared substantial partnerships with Younis (56) and Yousuf (56 not out) to steer Pakistan to a comfortable 213-2 at the close.

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/ 22 November 2006

Blair warns Sudan of ‘tougher measures’

British Prime Minister Tony Blair warned on Wednesday that Sudan will face ”tougher measures” if it fails to act on an agreement calling for a United Nations-African peacekeeping force for war-torn Darfur. ”The only solution is to make sure that the agreement … is implemented,” Blair told the House of Commons during his weekly question-and-answer session.