Briefly World

The three largest political parties in Nepal failed to reach a consensus to resolve the political turmoil that has spilled on to the streets...

No end to standoff,Nepal Maoists continue strike

Kathmandu: The three largest political parties in Nepal failed to reach a consensus to resolve the political turmoil that has spilled on to the streets,but they agreed to resume talks on a power-sharing deal on Monday,even as the Maoists general strike paralysed the capital for a second day. The Unified CPN-Maoist,Nepali Congress and CPN-UML failed to arrive at a power sharing agreement on Sunday evening,with both the Maoists and the ruling coalition sticking to their stands. The Maoists,meanwhile,continued their indefinite general strike for the second day on Monday to press for their demand for the formation of a Maoist-led government. Schools and colleges were closed,shops and factories were shut and transport services halted for the second consecutive day.

Thai PM proposes Nov 14 election in peace plan

BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva proposed on Monday to hold an election on November 14 under a reconciliation plan aimed at ending a two-month political crisis that has paralysed Bangkok. It was unclear whether thousands of Red Shirt protesters would agree to the compromise offer. Weng Tojirakarn,a protest leader,said the protesters would discuss the proposal on Tuesday.

UK Conservatives could secure tiny majority: Poll

LONDON: Britains Opposition Conservative party is gaining ground in pivotal parliamentary seats and could secure a narrow but outright win in Thursdays general election,a poll published on Monday showed. The final Reuters/Ipsos MORI marginals poll,shows support for the parties in these seats is neck and neck. That represents a 7 per cent switch in support to the Conservatives from Labour compared to the 2005 election and could be just enough to put them into power in the 650-seat British Parliament.

BP says it will pay for US oil spills cleanup

VENICE: BP said on Monday that it will pay for all the cleanup costs from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that could continue spewing crude for at least another week. Meanwhile,chief executive Tony Hayward said on Monday that chemical dispersants have worked to some degree to keep oil from flowing to the surface. The company posted a fact sheet on its website saying it took responsibility for the response to the Deepwater Horizon spill and would pay compensation for legitimate claims for property damage,personal injury and commercial losses.

Kevin Rudd following porn via Twitter: Report

Melbourne: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was left red-faced after reports emerged that he followed porn sites through his official Twitter account. A spokesman for Rudd admitted an automated programme made his account auto-follow those who followed him. A bare-breasted woman in handcuffs,an online adult superstore and a pornographic blog were among dozens of dodgy accounts followed by the Prime Minister.

Actor Lynn Redgrave dies in Connecticut at 67

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NEW YORK: Lynn Redgrave,the British film and stage actor who hailed from a well-known theatrical family,has died after a battle with breast cancer,her publicist said. She was 67. Redgrave died on Sunday night at her home in Connecticut,publicist Rick Miramontez said.