24 July 2004 Saturday 06 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425 Dostum resigns to fight election KABUL, July 23: General Abdul Rashid Dostum tendered his resignation as military adviser to President Hamid Karzai to challenge him in October elections, an aide said on Friday. ... Nato hints at basing US forces in Greece BRUSSELS, July 23: US forces on standby in case of terrorist attacks during the Olympics may be based in Greece despite the host's public insistence that no foreign troops will be deployed on its soil, Nato diplomats said on Friday. ... Arroyo shrugs off US criticism over Iraq withdrawal MANILA, July 23: President Gloria Arroyo was defiant on Friday in the face of harsh US criticism of her decision to recall Philippines troops from Iraq to save a hostage's life, as the freed man arrived in his hometown to a hero's welcome. ... Fear grips foreign truck drivers after abductions in Iraq BAGHDAD: Dozens of foreign truck drivers entering Iraq after a treacherous journey from Kuwait or Jordan have been gripped by fear that they may be the next hostage to be taken by insurgents. ... Warlords dash Kurds' hopes for unity LONDON: Short of leaving Iraq altogether, the only chance of escaping Baghdad's overwhelming heat and the constant risk of suicide bombs is to drive to Kurdistan. ... US presents draft resolution at UN: Congress supports intervention in Sudan PARIS, July 23: The international community stepped up efforts this week to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan's western Darfur region, with Washington threatening sanctions against Khartoum if it does not bring Arab militias to heel. ... Indonesian court rules terror law unconstitutional JAKARTA, July 23: A top Indonesian court ruled on Friday that an anti-terror law used to convict the Bali bombers violated the constitution, a decision which could open the way for fresh appeals by jailed extremists. ... Why Bush fears Kerry John Kerry's political education is far deeper than that of senators who have merely legislated. He has journeyed to the heart of darkness many times and emerged to tell the tale. ... China asks US to stop Taiwan mly contacts BEIJING, July 23: Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Friday told the commander of US forces in the Pacific that military exchanges with Taiwan must stop, given the "seriousness" of the cross-strait standoff. ... FBI fears attack on convention BOSTON, July 23: The FBI said on Friday it was investigating 'unconfirmed information' about a possible attack on media vehicles during the Democratic National Convention which begins on Monday in Boston. ... Group gives 48-hour deadline for hostages DUBAI, July 23: A group in Iraq which has threatened to behead seven foreign hostages issued a new 48-hour deadline to their Kuwaiti employers on Friday and demanded Iraqi prisoners be freed from Kuwaiti and U.S. jails ... Food shortage in flood-hit areas] GUWAHATI, July 23: Authorities in India warned traders on Friday against hoarding as sweeping river waters disrupted food supplies in parts of the country. ... Lankan MPs part with subsidized meals COLOMBO, July 23: In response to bitter criticism by the people, parliamentarians of all Sri Lankan parties on Thursday agreed to pay market prices for subsidized luxury meals they get in the canteen. ... Indian film comedian Mehmood dies at 72 MUMBAI, July 23: Indian film comedian Mehmood Ali died on Friday in the United States, where he was being treated for a heart ailment. "He died at around 5.30 Indian Standard Time. ... Treachery, heroism mix in Bhopal case NEW DELHI: This week's judgment by India's Supreme Court, ordering further payment of compensation to the victims of the Bhopal disaster, highlights the continuing and abiding relevance of bringing justice ... Chinese remedy eases Sars: study HONG KONG: A study has found that a Chinese herbal remedy that includes extract of deer antler can ease the pain of people recovering from SARS, researchers at Hong Kong's Baptist University said on Friday. ...

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