Briefly World

Dozens of Iranian lawmakers have signed a petition seeking to make Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the first President to be summoned for questioning

Lawmakers challenge Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN: Dozens of Iranian lawmakers have signed a petition seeking to make Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the first President to be summoned for questioning since the Islamic Revolution 32 years ago. However the challenge looks unlikely to succeed at least one-fourth of the 290 Parliament members are required to sign for the President to be questioned. Lawmakers,including conservatives,have complained about being sidelined in key decisions.

Germany tests 70 cargo carriers

BERLIN: German authorities said they have revoked licenses of three companies deemed incapable of meeting the countrys air cargo security standards in the wake of a thwarted terror plot on two cargo planes. German Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer said Wednesday the nation has tightened checks and controls on the nations cargo chain. Ramsauer said 20 firms were issued warnings to improve among 70 checked.

Myanmar: 82 AIDS victims to be evicted

YANGON: Myanmars Health Ministry has ordered the eviction of 82 HIV/AIDS patients from a shelter run by supporters of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi because the center is not hygienic,state media said Wednesday. The patients have refused to move by Thursday deadline. Authorities last week ordered HIV/AIDS victims to leave after a visit by Suu Kyi.

Bridge collapse fear caused stampede

PHNOM PENH: As a suspension bridge in the Cambodian capital swayed with weight of thousands of revellers,some began shouting that the structure was collapsing. The stampede that ensued ended in the deaths of over 350 people,the police said.

Court upholds Assange arrest order

STOCKHOLM: Swedish Svea Appeals court Wednesday upheld a court order to detain WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for questioning over allegations of rape and sexual molestation. Assange had appealed a lower court ruling allowing him to be arrested. The court found sufficient grounds to detain him.