A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
Church takes aim at Spain's Socialists
MADRID -The Catholic Church yesterday urged Spaniards to vote for political parties that do not negotiate with violent Basque separatists Eta - a direct swipe at the policies of the ruling Socialists.
The church also spoke out against the legalisation of gay marriage and the reduced importance of religion in the school curriculum, both reforms carried out by the Socialist government.
"Not all the parties and manifestos are equally compatible with the faith and Christian life," the church's governing body in Spain said in a statement aimed at encouraging people to vote "responsibly". - (Reuters)
Mexican farmers demand protection
MEXICO CITY -Thousands of Mexican farmers, some riding tractors and herding cows, flooded the capital yesterday to demand government protection against cheap US imports.
Trade barriers under the North American Free Trade Agreement, or Nafta, were lifted in January, opening Mexico for the first time to tariff-free US exports of traditional food such as corn and beans.
Farmers say the government of president Felipe Calderon is not doing enough to protect them against highly subsidised US goods. - (Reuters)
Britney Spears back in hospital
LOS ANGELES -Troubled pop star Britney Spears was in a Los Angeles hospital for the second time in a month yesterday after being taken from her home in the middle of the night by ambulance and a fleet of police.
Several celebrity media outlets reported that the singer was being held for a mental evaluation. Hospital officials declined to comment, citing patient confidentiality. - (Reuters)
Niger's rebels promise offensive
NIAMEY, Niger -A leader of Niger's Tuareg rebels yesterday promised an all-out offensive against the uranium industry, including attacks on foreign-run mines and mineral convoys.
Over the last 12 months, the Niger Justice Movement (MNJ) has attacked army convoys and bases, killing some 50 soldiers. - (Reuters)