Briefly World

Interpol has joined the Dubai task force investigating the murder of Hamas official Mahmoud al-Mabhouh and has issued a further 16 so-called Red Notices to assist in arrests,the global police body said on Monday.

Interpol joins search for Dubai killers

PARIS: Interpol has joined the Dubai task force investigating the murder of Hamas official Mahmoud al-Mabhouh and has issued a further 16 so-called Red Notices to assist in arrests,the global police body said on Monday. Interpol said the move brought the number of Red Notices in the case to 27,highlighting the suspected international links and scale of the assassination plot,which Dubai police have blamed on Israel. It said Dubai police had established clear links between the 27 suspects in the case,based on evidence including passport records,video surveillance and DNA analysis.

Afghan President to host April peace conference

KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Monday that an action plan to reintegrate low- to mid-level insurgent fighters into society and negotiate with the Talibans top echelon will be crafted next month at a peace conference aimed at ending the war. He is finalising details of a plan to offer jobs,vocational training and other economic incentives to Taliban foot soldiers willing to switch sides.

CEO sorry for comparing Michelle with chimp

NEW YORK: A CEO of a Tennessee firm has publicly apologised after he came under fire for sending an offensive email,comparing Michelle Obama to Cheeta,a chimp in Tarzan movies. Walt Baker,the CEO of Tennessee Hospitality Association,had sent emails containing the picture of the Michelle giving a speech and comparing it to Cheeta 8211; Tarzans sidekick chimp. I did not consider its implications,other than that it was political humour. I am saddened that anyone misinterpreted the sentiments behind the e-mail, Baker said.

Womens day observed in Swat after three years

Peshawar: Residents of restive Swat valley in northwest Pakistan on Monday celebrated International Womens Day after a break of three years following the eviction of Taliban fighters from the region. Rights activists said the celebration of the event marked the beginning of a new era guaranteeing the rights of women.

Fonseka to continue fast,says wife

COLOMBO: Sri Lankas former Army Chief Gen Sarath Fonseka,currently under military custody,has decided to continue his fast despite being provided a telephone to speak to his daughters. Daily Mirror quoted Fonsekas wife Anoma as saying: He is continuing his fast. He will withdraw the fast only if he is allowed to speak to our children through my mobile phone. He does not trust anyone, it said.

Israel okays new West Bank settler homes

Jerusalem: Israel has given the green light for the building of 112 new homes in a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank despite a partial moratorium on such construction,a minister said on Monday. The expansion came to light as US Vice-President Joe Biden arrived in the region a day after the Palestinians agreed to indirect talks with Israel while warning that further settlement growth threatened the peace process.