30 July 2004 Friday 12 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425 4 Jordanians, Somali taken hostage in Iraq BAGHDAD, July 29: Iraq's hostage crisis escalated on Thursday amid chilling death threats and the killing of two Pakistanis. The Pakistanis' deaths are the first confirmed killings of foreign hostages since the headless body of a Bulgarian hostage was hauled out of the Tigris river last week. ... Conference postponed BAGHDAD, July 29: A major political conference to chart Iraq's path to democracy has been postponed until Aug 15 under pressure from the UN, raising concerns that elections planned for early next year might also be delayed. The decision to postpone the event, billed as a crucial step ahead of the January polls ... Arab Americans complain of bias WASHINGTON, July 29: Fifteen per cent of Arab Americans in the Detroit area say they have experienced harassment or intimidation since 9/11. The Detroit area has the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States. ... US has given undertaking on Israel's N-capability: Sharon TEL AVIV, July 29: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Thursday Israel would only reconsider the need for its "deterrent capability" when there is peace across the Middle East and its neighbours abandon weapons of mass destruction. ... Iran N-arms issue likely to be sent to UN: Powell KUWAIT, July 29: US Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Thursday it was more and more likely the matter of Iran's nuclear programmes would have to be referred to the UN Security Council, which could impose sanctions. ... Democrats nominate Kerry for presidency BOSTON, July 29: The Democratic Party on Wednesday nominated John Kerry to challenge President George Bush for the White House after running mate John Edwards took centre-stage to introduce himself to Americans with the promise that "hope is on the way". ... Bush govt record on minorities deplored NEW YORK, July 29: Departing from the carefully scripted Democratic convention, Rev Al Sharpton on Wednesday attacked the Bush administration for its record on civil rights and the voting rights of the minorities. ... Israel is pivotal to US: Kerry BOSTON, July 29: John Kerry will try to re-energize the Middle East peace process but there is no question of weakening the tight US relationship with Israel if he is elected, his campaign said on Wednesday. ... DNA discoverer Crick dies at 88 WASHINGTON, July 29: Francis Crick, who helped discover the double helix shape of DNA, has died at the age of 88, his family said on Thursday. Crick died at a hospital in San Diego after a long battle with colon cancer ... Moore to keep an eye on Florida polling MIAMI, July 29: Controversial US filmmaker Michael Moore plans to take his cameras to Florida on election day (Nov 2), amid continuing controversy over voting machines in the state known for its 2000 electoral debacle ... Indians told not to visit Iraq NEW DELHI, July 29: India advised its citizens on Thursday not to visit Iraq after kidnappers holding seven truck drivers, three of them Indians, hostage threatened to kill one of them on Friday if their demands were not met. ... Flood situation worsens in Dhaka DHAKA, July 29: The flood situation in Dhaka deteriorated further on Thursday, while the situation in the northern districts of Bangladesh improved further. ... Tigers' split derails peace process BATTICALOA: The recent split within the Tamil Tigers and the ensuing violence in the capital Colombo and in the eastern town of Batticaloa are seriously undermining the two- year ceasefire between the Sri Lankan government and the militants. ... Drilling for political influence in US THE oil and gas industry has pumped some $440 million into federal political campaigns and lobbying activities during the past six years, according to a new report released by the Center for Public Integrity. ...

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