Briefly world

Iraq: US hands over Tariq Aziz,others

BAGHDAD: The US this week handed over nearly 30 former members of Saddam Husseins inner circle,including the longtime international face of the regime,Tariq Aziz,officials said on Wednesday. Deputy Justice Minister Busho Ibrahim said 26 people were handed over on Monday and another 29 were handed over to the Iraqi government 10 months ago.

Beijing begins locking migrant villages

BEIJING: Chinas capital has started gating and locking some of its lower-income neighbourhoods overnight,with police or security checking identification papers around the clock,in a throwback to an older style of control. It is Beijings latest effort to reduce rising crime often blamed on the millions of rural Chinese migrating to cities.

26 killed,38 missing in Philippines typhoon

Manila: The first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year flooded parts of the capital,toppled power lines and killed at least 26 on Wednesday. Thirty-eight people were missing,mostly fishermen who were caught by the storms fury at sea.

Doctor in Toor killing to appear in court Aug 17

Boston: The Chinese doctor charged with killing Indian-American Yale physician Vajinder Toor will be produced in a Connecticut court on August 17. Lishan Wang has been in protective custody since the April 26 shooting of 34-year-old Toor outside the latters home in Brandford. Wang,44 is yet to enter a plea in the case.

Blair called Brown mad,bad,and dangerous: Book

London: The fraught nature of the relationship between former British Premier Tony Blair and his successor Gordon Brown has long been known. Now a new book has for the first time revealed the level of animosity between the two Labour leaders when they were at the helm of UK politics. According to the book,The Third Man,serialised in British newspaper The Times,Blair described Gordon mad,bad and dangerous as their relationship broke down over the contentious issue of the partys leadership.

UK town gears up for popular Indian fair

London: The East Midlands town of Leicester is gearing up to host the Belgrave Mela,a colourful celebration of Asian art and culture on July 18,where Bend It Like Beckham actress Preeya Kalidas will also launch her pop career. The fair is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors. Young people,schools,community groups and performers have been making art for display on the streets of the city for the 24th annual event. The main entertainment stage will host live performances from some of the biggest stars on the Asian music scene.

Penelope Cruz secretly marries Javier Bardem

Los Angeles: Oscar-winning actress Penelope Cruz has tied the knot with her actor boyfriend Javier Bardem in a secret ceremony. The Spanish couple had a quiet wedding in front of a small group of family members at a friends house in the Bahamas in the beginning of this month,Life amp; Style magazine reported. The 36-year-old actress wore a John Galliano dress for the ceremony. A representative for the couple have confirmed the marriage. Their romance began on the sets of Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2007.