Iraq officials, U.N. inspectors have talks
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- International arms inspectors, led by Hans Blix, and Iraqi officials Tuesday had a second round of talks ahead of the resumption of searches for Iraq's suspected weapons of mass destruction. Additional talks were scheduled for later Tuesday but a scheduled meeting between Blix and Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri was postponed with no reason given. Blix, after the first round of talks, said tangible progress was achieved despite the difficult and sensitive negotiations. Lt. Gen. Amer al-Saidi, who is in charge of the file of Iraq's suspected weapons of mass destruction, headed the Iraqi delegation in the talks with Blix.
Oil tanker off Spain 'major eco-threat'
LONDON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The World Wildlife Fund warned Tuesday an oil tanker that broke in half and was sinking off the coast of Spain could trigger an ecological disaster far worse than the one Exxon Valdez caused in Alaska 13 years ago. Radio and television reports said the Greek-owned, Bahamian-registered tanker Prestige, which left Latvia loaded with 77,000 tons of heavy fuel oil, snapped in half Tuesday morning about 150 miles off the northwest coast of Spain and the rear section immediately plunged to the ocean floor.
Euro deputies welcome candidates
PARIS, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The European Parliament in Strasbourg Tuesday welcomed lawmakers from the 10 EU candidate states, along with three others hoping to be part of the expanding body in the coming years. More than 200 parliamentarians from the candidate countries, along with those from future hopefuls Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania joined European deputies for Tuesday's ceremony, which was marked more by symbolism than substance. Nonetheless, Strasbourg gathering offers a dress rehearsal of sorts for a December summit in Denmark, where the European Union is expected to officially invite 10 new countries to join by 2004.
Actor James Coburn dies at age 74
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Tough guy actor James Coburn has died at the age of 74. He was pronounced dead Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Jane Hong said. Coburn received an Oscar as best supporting actor for the 1998 movie "Affliction." In "Affliction," directed by Paul Schrader, Coburn portrayed the abusive father of a son played by Nick Nolte. Coburn, who was born on Aug. 31, 1928, in Laurel, Neb., appeared in more than 80 films, including "The Magnificent Seven" (1960) and "Our Man Flint" (1966).
Feds order new tire labeling
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced new standards for tire labeling to prevent the kind of confusion that occurred during the Firestone tire recalls. The Department of Transportation rule requires tire makers to provide additional consumer information on labels that is easier to find and easier to read. Under the standards beginning next September, the tire identification number, which can help identify a tire that is subject to a recall, would have to appear on both sides of a tire in larger type at least a quarter-inch high.
What recession? Holiday spending to rise
CHICAGO, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Despite unemployment, fears over terrorist attacks that could tank the economy and rising costs for essentials like health care, Americans apparently are planning to boost their holiday spending this year. Surveys by Deloitte & Touche and American Express predict an estimated 3-percent to 5-percent increase in holiday spending. Those who said they intended to spend less cited the economy, high personal debt, loss of income and job insecurity.
Trade gap narrows
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The Commerce Department reported Tuesday the U.S. trade deficit during September narrowed to a seasonally adjusted $38 billion from a record $38.3 billion in August. Wall Street economists expected the trade gap to narrow to $37.5 billion during the month from the government's originally reported August gap of $38.5 billion. The report showed imports fell 0.5 percent during the month to $120.2 billion. Exports declined 0.4 percent to $82.2 billion.
Stocks mixed on Home Depot comments
NEW YORK, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Stock prices on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market were mixed in moderate trading Tuesday, pressured by a poor outlook from Home Depot. The blue-chip Dow Jones industrial average, which lost 92.52 points Monday, was up 0.89 points at 8,487.46. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index, which fell 17.45 points in the previous session, was down 13.03 points at 1,380.66.
Tea Room purchase by PGA completed
FAR HILLS, N.J., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The United States Golf Association has completed the purchase of the former Russian Tea Room in New York, the future home of a museum and history center. The USGA bought the Manhattan landmark, which is located next to Carnegie Hall, for $16 million from U.S. Bankruptcy Court after submitting an initial bid on Sept. 13. The offer was accepted on Oct. 29. The USGA has maintained its headquarters in Far Hills, N.J., since 1972. The current USGA museum welcomes approximately 25,000 visitors each year. It features historical artifacts and exhibits, including collections from Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan.
