Briefly world

One of two US sailors missing in Afghanistan since last week has been confirmed dead and his body recovered,a NATO spokesman.

NATO confirms body of missing US sailor recovered

KABUL: One of two US sailors missing in Afghanistan since last week has been confirmed dead and his body recovered,a NATO spokesman said Tuesday. The search continues for the other missing sailor,said Lt Col Todd Breasseale,a spokesman for NATO and US forces in Afghanistan. The two Navy personnel went missing Friday in the eastern province of Logar,after an armoured sport utility vehicle was seen driving into a Taliban area.

Dutch sailor,14,gets nod for solo world trip

MIDDELBURG: A Dutch court has cleared the way for 14-year-old Laura Dekker to set sail on a risky solo voyage around the world. Judges at Middelburgs family court have lifted a guardianship order imposed on Dekker last year after she said she wanted to set sail alone around the world. Dekker was not in court for Tuesdays decision. Her lawyer,Peter de Lange,said she was on her boat,Guppy,and would be delighted.

Zawahri condemns France veil ban move

DUBAI: Al Qaedas No. 2 leader Ayman al-Zawahri condemned the French move to ban face veils and urged Yemeni clerics to call for jihad against an alleged US intervention in Yemen,in an Internet message posted Tuesday. He said in the audio recording that a Bill passed by French lawmakers which could fine women for appearing in public with face-covering veils was an attack on Islam.

Russia: EU sanctions on Iran unacceptable

MOSCOW: Russia condemned new EU sanctions on Iran on Tuesday. EU foreign ministers on Monday approved a range of extra restrictions on Iran that went well beyond UN sanctions agreed last month. This not only undermines our joint efforts to seek a political and diplomatic settlement around Irans nuclear programme,but also shows disdain for the carefully calibrated and coordinated provisions of the UN Security Council resolutions, the Russian foreign ministry said.

Students plead guilty in South Africa racism case

BLOEMFONTEIN: Court officials say four white students have pleaded guilty to charges regarding a video they made showing black university employees forced to consume food and drinks that appeared to be tainted with urine. The students pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of deliberately injuring another persons dignity. The video emerged in 2007 from the University of the Free State had triggered major protests.

Cargo plane crashes in Saudi Arabia,2 injured

RIYADH: A Lufthansa cargo plane crashed while landing in Riyadh on Tuesday. Airport official Fahd al-Hamoud said the plane caught fire and crashed on landing and split in two. He said the pilot and co-pilot were injured. AGENCIES