19 October 2004 Tuesday 04 Ramazan 1425 Low supplies in Iraq threatened army's ability: Sanchez complained in Dec WASHINGTON, Oct 18: The commander of US forces in Iraq complained to the Army's brass in December that spare parts for tanks and other gear were in such low supply that it was threatening his forces ability to sustain combat operations ... Judge's sacking fans HR concerns BAGHDAD, Oct 18: One of Iraq's leading judicial champions of the rule of law was sacked on Monday, fanning concerns the US-backed government is adopting strong-arm tactics reminiscent of the old government. ... Anti-Israel remarks lead to resignation PARIS, Oct 18: Alain Menargues, head of news at the state-owned Radio France International, resigned from his post on Monday after he was accused of anti-Israeli bias. ... Kerry seizes on vaccine shortage to slam Bush WASHINGTON, Oct 18: With huge lines forming for rare supplies of influenza vaccines, US authorities are battling growing public concern while Democratic presidential contender John Kerry has turned the crisis into an election issue. ... Muslims should reject Bush: Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18: Former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad has appealed to Muslims in the United States to vote President George Bush out of office in the presidential election because he was the "cause of the tragedies" across the Muslim world. ... US terms Belarus elections flawed WASHINGTON, Oct 18: The United States on Monday denounced what it said was rampant "electoral misconduct" in Belarus' weekend polls, calling the vote to allow the country's authoritarian president to stand for a third term "seriously flawed." ... Troops felt superiors 'ignored plight' WASHINGTON, Oct 18: US soldiers who staged a mutiny and refused to go on a convoy in Iraq felt commanders ignored their plight when they complained about the safety and condition of their vehicles, their relatives said on Monday. ... Tension in Nigeria after police secretly bury 11 bodies KANO, Oct 18: Troops were deployed in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna on Monday, where tension has risen since police secretly buried 11 bodies in a local cemetery, witnesses and officials said. ... Film on Prophet to be released in US NEW YORK, Oct 18: The first animated film on the life of The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is set to be released in North America on Nov 14 to mark the end of Ramazan. ... 'Iceman' finder missing VIENNA, Oct 18: The man who 13 years ago found the frozen remains of a prehistoric iceman in an Alpine glacier has disappeared in the snow-covered Alps with little hope of being found, Austrian rescue authorities said on Monday. ... US hints at support to Italy over UN seat: Row with Germany WASHINGTON, Oct 18: US Secretary of State Colin Powell has hinted strongly that the United States will side with Italy in a row with Germany over the possible enlargement of the UN Security Council ... US warns against 'visa war' with EU BRUSSELS, Oct 18: The United States does not want a "visa war" with Europe, US officials said on Monday as they reaffirmed plans to further open access to EU travellers not currently covered by a US visa-free program. ... 9/11 widows slam Bush's anti-terror record WASHINGTON, Oct 18: A group of widows of September 11 victims on Monday slammed President George W. Bush's record against terrorism, accusing the US leader of making the United States less safe and of bringing terrorism to Iraq. ... Jewish student apologizes for spitting at priest JERUSALEM, Oct 18: A Jewish religious student who spat at an Armenian archbishop during a religious procession in Jerusalem's Old City last week has apologized for his behaviour, a police spokesman said on Monday. ... Likud presses Sharon for referendum JERUSALEM, Oct 18: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon held a stormy two-hour meeting with members of his right-wing Likud party on Monday in a bid to dissuade them from pushing for a referendum on his Gaza pullout plan. ... US releases intelligence on China under Mao WASHINGTON, Oct 18: The United States on Monday released 70 national intelligence estimates on China that date from 1948 to 1976, from the end of the civil war through the turbulent rule of Mao Tse-tung. ... UN seeks access to Brazilian N-plant RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 18: Three UN nuclear experts on Monday discussed terms with Brazilian officials for the inspection of a nuclear facility to which Brazil has refused access for fear of revealing trade secrets. ... Afghanistan is awash with weapons KAPISA: Most people in Kareza, a dusty village two hours north of Kabul, keep animals tethered outside their mud-walled houses. Commander Mafouz keeps two Soviet tanks. ...

© The DAWN Group of Newspapers, 2004