WORLD IN BRIEF

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Britain

Conservative Anglicans Plan Separate Meeting

Anglican conservatives angered by the liberal drift of the U.S. Episcopal Church are planning their own world meeting on the future of the global Anglican Communion.

The meeting is set for July 15-22, shortly before the Lambeth Conference, a once-a-decade gathering of world Anglican leaders that has become a focus of tension within the fellowship of churches.

Theological conservatives and liberals have threatened to boycott the Lambeth Conference because of who was and wasn't invited. Organizers of the conservative meeting insist their gathering is not an alternative to Lambeth.

The Episcopal Church, the Anglican body in the United States, caused an uproar in 2003 by consecrating the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. Anglicans are now on the brink of schism.

north korea

Nuclear Shutdown Could Be Slowed

North Korea indicated Wednesday that it would slow the disablement of its nuclear facilities because of what it said was a delay in receiving economic aid under an international deal.

The United States, South Korea, Japan, China and Russia have pledged economic compensation to the North in return for its disabling of its nuclear facilities by the end of 2007.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said that he was not aware of a slowdown in aid and that "we expect further heavy fuel oil shipments and other energy assistance to move forward in the near future."

iran

Russia Plans to Supply Air Defense System

Russia is preparing to equip Iran with a powerful new air defense system that would dramatically increase its ability to repel an attack, Iran's defense minister said Wednesday.

The S-300 antiaircraft missile defense system is capable of shooting down aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missile warheads at ranges of over 90 miles and at altitudes of about 90,000 feet.

Russian military officials boast that its capabilities outstrip the U.S. Patriot missile system.

indonesia

Rains, Flooding Trigger Landslides, Killing 78

Soldiers, police and volunteers dug for survivors of landslides that killed as many as 78 people Wednesday in western Indonesia, including dozens who were celebrating the cleanup of a mud-covered home, a rescue official said.

Blocked roads were hampering rescue efforts.

Days of torrential rain triggered the landslides as well as floods that inundated thousands of houses elsewhere in the country.

Serbia

Lawmakers Denounce Kosovo Independence

Serbian lawmakers of all major parties lined up Wednesday behind a resolution implicitly rejecting membership in the European Union and NATO if the West recognizes the independence of Kosovo.

It was backed by President Boris Tadic and Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, leaders of the two main ruling coalition parties, and supported by ultranationalist Radicals and Socialists of the opposition.

finland

Russian Violation Of Airspace Alleged

Finland's border guard is investigating why a Russian aircraft crossed into Finnish airspace Wednesday, the second such incident this year, Finland's Defense Ministry said. A Russian Tu-154 entered 500 yards into the Finnish airspace, southwest of Porvoo on Finland's southern coast, the ministry said in a statement.

Russia's air force said its Tu-154 had been making a flight near Finland on Wednesday but had not violated Finland's airspace.

colombia

Flight to Retrieve Hostages Is Approved

Colombia agreed Wednesday to allow Venezuelan planes and helicopters to land in the country and pick up three hostages held for years by Marxist guerrillas, including a child born in captivity.

The plan was proposed earlier by Venezuelan President Hugo Ch¿vez, who has been negotiating with Colombia's guerrilla leaders and is authorized by them to receive the captives.

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Churches in India Attacked

Hindu extremists attacked Christians celebrating Christmas in eastern India, ransacking and burning at least six village churches, officials said. One person was killed in the violence.

Nigeria Pipeline Blast Kills 34

A ruptured gasoline pipeline exploded in flames, killing at least 34 people near Nigeria's main city of Lagos as they tried to scoop fuel from the gushing leak, police said.

From News Services