Briefly World: Drowning,drugs killed Houston

Russia warns US over missile defence

MOSCOW: A US-led NATO missile defence plan that Washington says is aimed at deflecting potential Iranian threats will break existing nuclear parity with Russia and prompt it to retaliate,President Dmitry Medvedev warned Friday. Moscow rejects Washington’s claim and has voiced fears that the plan will undermine Russia’s nuclear deterrent.

Bloomberg to launch $200-mn campaign

New York: New York’s billionaire mayor Michael Bloomberg has pledged over USD 200 million for his campaign against tobacco use across the world,with efforts targeted at countries like India,China and Russia. He will commit the money over the next four years to reduce the toll of tobacco in low and middle-income countries.

AU to launch Kony hunt on Saturday

ENTEBBE: The African Union will launch a 5,000-strong military force on Saturday in Juba,Southern Sudan,to hunt down fugitive warlord Joseph Kony. The force,which Uganda said it would lead and the AU authorised on Friday,brings together soldiers from South Sudan,the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic.

Yemen protesters demand Saleh trial

SANAA: Tens of thousands of protesters streamed into city centers across Yemen on Friday,demanding that their ex-president be stripped of immunity from prosecution and be put on trial for the deaths of demonstrators during the uprising. Ali Abdullah Saleh stepped down in a US-backed deal that gave him immunity.

Tibetans end hunger strike at UN HQ

New York: Three Tibetans,who have been sitting on a hunger strike outside the UN headquarters for the past one month,ended their protest after assurances that the UN will probe the situation in Tibet,a Tibetan leader said Friday. The hunger strike started on February 22 to draw the attention towards the suffering of Tibetans. The protests were called off after UN officials handed over a letter ‘approved’ by Ban Ki-moon.

Obama heckled during speech in Ohio

US President Barack Obama was interrupted by a heckler while making a speech on energy in Columbus,Ohio.

Being interrupted repeatedly,Obama appeared frustrated by the disturbances.

Stopping his speech mid-way Obama said: “Sir,I’m here to speak to these folks. You can hold your own

rally. You’re being rude. Sir,we’re trying to talk to these people.”

The individual was apparently holding a book for him. Obama,who is seeking re-election,directed his men to get the book from him and assured him that he would read the book.

“If you want to give me your book,I’ll be happy to read it. But don’t interrupt my conversation with these folks,all right? Show me some courtesy. I’ll be happy to take your book. But don’t interrupt everybody else. All right? Okay,” said Obama.

“Go ahead and get that book from him,guys. He wants to

give me a book.” The US President was on a four-State two-day tour explaining his energy policy to his fellow Americans.