Other world stories in brief
Residents stranded after US storm
WOODINVILLE- As hurricane-force winds and a rain storm swept through Washington and Oregon yesterday emergency crews raced to rescue flood- stranded residents and mop up damage.
Washington governor Christine Gregoire reported three storm-related deaths, while Oregon and Washington remained under a state of emergency after gusting winds and pounding rain triggered landslides and floods and toppled power lines and trees. - (Reuters)
Father of Lubbock considers cash offer
LONDON- The father of the man found dead in a swimming pool owned by prominent entertainer Michael Barrymore was yesterday considering an offer of compensation as he vowed to continue seeking answers to his son's death.
Terry Lubbock said he had been offered £6,800 (€9,479) in criminal injuries compensation almost seven years after his son, Stuart, a meat factory worker, was found dead at Barrymore's Essex home after a party. Postmortem tests indicated that Mr Lubbock had drowned and an inquest recorded an open verdict on his death. - (Reuters)
Bush to make visit to Middle East
JERUSALEM- US president George Bush will visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the middle of January, Israeli media reported yesterday. The trip will be Mr Bush's first to the region as president.
A spokesman for Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert said he could not officially confirm Mr Bush's visit. The White House made no comment. - (Reuters)
Ashdown likely Afghan envoy
LONDON- US president George Bush and British prime minister Gordon Brown are expected in the next week to bring co-ordination to aid and military efforts in Afghanistan by appointing British politician-turned- international diplomat Lord (Paddy) Ashdown as super-envoy to the country.
Mr Brown is set to make the announcement to British MPs before the House of Commons rises for Christmas in what is seen as a statement of his foreign policy approach to the fight against terrorism. - (Guardian service)
Saintly images for mobile phones
ROME- If you are a Catholic looking for a saint in heaven to protect you, you no longer have to carry a small "holy card". You can get the image sent to your mobile phone.
A company in Italy started offering the service yesterday but ran into opposition from some Catholic Church leaders who think the idea is crass.
"We found a need and filled it," said Barbara Labate, who came up with the idea with her business partner.
Millions of Italians keep santini - small pictures of saints - in their wallets or handbags, or taped to the dashboards of vehicles.
"I think this will appeal to young people as well as grandmothers," Ms Labate said. - ( Reuters)