30 September 2004 Thursday 14 Shaban 1425 UK began 'invasion plans' in 2002 LONDON, Sept 29: Britain started to plan the invasion of Iraq months before the conflict, even as Prime Minister Tony Blair was denying he was on a course for war, according to a report Wednesday quoting a leaked Pentagon document. ... US judge rules against Patriot Act provision NEW YORK, Sept 29: A key part of the Patriot Act, a central plank of the Bush Administration's "war on terror", was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge on Wednesday, in the latest blow to US security policies. ... Pentagon accused of cover up over downing of UK plane PARIS, Sept 29: The Pentagon has covered up major flaws in the US Army's Patriot missile system that prompted a battery to shoot down a British Tornado during the Iraq invasion last year, a top US scientist says. ... First Bush, Kerry debate today WASHINGTON, Sept 29: US President George W. Bush's ability to stick to a scripted defense of his policies on Iraq and terrorism should give him an edge over Democratic rival Sen. John Kerry in Thursday's presidential debate, analysts say. ... Europeans to be fingerprinted: US WASHINGTON, Sept 29: Europeans who are allowed to travel to the United States without a visa will from Thursday have to give fingerprints and have a photo taken when they arrive at US airports and ports. ... Other nations' response disappointing: Powell: Sudan killings WASHINGTON, Sept 29: US Secretary of State Colin Powell lamented in remarks released on Wednesday that other nations have not joined the United States in declaring that genocide is underway in Sudan's troubled western region of Darfur. ... Afghan polls: donkeys and helicopters FAIZABAD: When John Simeon worked on the 1994 election in Mozambique he used roads, but here in Afghanistan he is juggling helicopters, donkeys and satellite phones to get ballot boxes to and from polling sites. ... Arms for Iran: US slaps curbs on 14 firms WASHINGTON, Sept 29: The United States on Wednesday slapped sanctions on seven Chinese firms, two Indian men, and companies from Belarus, North Korea, Russia, Spain and Ukraine for selling weapons ... Palestinian uprising should end: Powell DUBAI, Sept 29: US Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Wednesday that Palestinians should end the four-year-old uprising revolt because it was "spreading terrorism" and hindering the creation of an independent Palestinian state. ... India admits helping US against Maoists: 16 killed in Nepal strike NEW DELHI, Sept 29: India admitted on Wednesday that it was actively collaborating with the United States to fight Maoist rebels in Nepal, an admission that could be controversial for ties with China ... Airline to link four Saarc nations NEW DELHI: In a step that could be a precursor to greater economic cooperation among the seven countries under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) umbrella ... India-Lanka canal plan BANGALORE: The ambitious Sethusamudram ship canal project between India and Sri Lanka will get under way after the union cabinet vets it next month and ecological concerns are addressed, says Shipping Minister T.R. Baalu. ... Private rocket ship goes to space MOJAVE, Sept 29: The world's first privately manned rocket ship blasted through the Earth's atmosphere into space on Wednesday after a hair-raising corkscrew ascent on a flight aimed at capturing a 10-million-dollar prize. ... Norwegian pilots attacked during flight OSLO, Sept 29: An Algerian-born man attacked two pilots and a passenger with an axe on a domestic Norwegian flight on Wednesday in an unexplained assault that police said could be linked to his asylum status. ... Camera cell phones termed un-Islamic RIYADH, Sept 29: Saudi Arabia's grand mufti has prohibited as un-Islamic trading in camera-equipped mobile phones which can take "illicit" pictures, a local newspaper reported on Wednesday. ... Putin seeks religious leaders' help MOSCOW, Sept 29: Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the nation's religious leaders on Wednesday to join the government in its anti-terror efforts following the Beslan school hostage taking. ... Suffering that knows no end DHAKA: In a baking hot courtyard with more than 100 other village women, Helena Chaudhury waits to collect the roughly wrapped bundle which will help protect her family ... BD court imposes temporary injunction on mass arrests DHAKA: The High Court on Wednesday imposed "temporary injunction" on mass arrests by police on mere suspicion until October 3 - the date of the hearing of a writ petition, seeking injunction on the police drive that began on September 23. ...

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