Briefly World

France speaks of resolve after threat.

France speaks of resolve after threat

PARIS: In response to an audio message attributed to Osama bin Laden warning that the fate of French hostages held by Islamic militants would hinge on the withdrawal of French forces from Afghanistan,the French government promptly reaffirmed its commitment to the military mission there. We are determined to pursue our action in favor of the Afghan people,with our allies, said Bernard Valero,the Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Irish PM resigns as party leader

DUBLIN: Irelands Prime Minister Brian Cowen bowed to pressure from members of Fianna Fail on Saturday and resigned as the partys leader,but said he would continue to serve as premier until a March 11 election.

Baby Doc offers regret to Haitians

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PORT-AU-PRINCE: Former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier,in his first public statement since his surprise return from exile,offered his sympathies on Friday to those who suffered abuses under his rule. But Duvalier,59,who faces charges of corruption and crimes against humanity filed since his unexpected reappearance on Sunday,stopped short of making a clear apology for the killings and torture that occurred during his 15 years in power.

2 killed,8 hurt in Russian mall fire

MOSCOW: Two people,died and eight were hurt Saturday in a massive fire at a shopping mall in central Russia,officials said. The bodies of a man and a woman were found in the mall in the Volga River city of Ufa,Emergency Ministry spokesman Vasily Khisamutdinov said.

Veena Malik slams cleric for criticism

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani actress Veena Malik,castigated for appearing to cuddle with Indian actor Ashmit Patel on a reality show,lashed out at a Muslim cleric who had criticised her during a widely watched television exchange this week.