10 killed in Moscow concert blast
MOSCOW, July 5 (UPI) -- Two or perhaps three explosions at a rock concert in Moscow killed at least 10 people, the BBC reported Saturday.
The blasts occurred at Tushino airfield outside the capital, with at least one of them blamed on a woman suicide bomber who detonated a belt carrying explosives.
One blast occurred near the entrance to the airfield, the other near a market, according to Interior Ministry officials.
About 20 people were, ministry officials told Interfax. Other reports told of even more fatalities and more injured.
Law enforcement officials told Interfax that a suspicious woman blew up a suicide bomber belt after she was detained by security officers near the entrance to the airfield.
Medical officials said that according to preliminary data, the woman was wounded, but survived.
Another report said there were three explosions in rapid succession.
The mayor of Moscow said he had been told as many as 20 may have been killed and 30 injured.
Pentagon seeks more access to Africa
WASHINGTON, July 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. military is seeking new basing agreements in northern Africa and sub-Saharan Africa to combat the growing threat of terrorism in the area.
The New York Times reported that on the Pentagon wish list are better military ties with Morocco and Tunisia and long-term access to bases in Mali and Algeria. From these bases U.S. forces could train periodically or strike terrorists.
The Pentagon also aims to enhance aircraft refueling agreements in countries including Senegal and Uganda, two countries on President Bush's five-nation visit to Africa that begins Tuesday.
According to the Times, Defense Department officials said there are no plans to build permanent American bases in Africa.
Military initiatives are already under way in Africa. For example, close to 2,000 members of the U.S. military have been placed in the small east African nation of Djibouti to conduct counterterrorism operations.
70's crooner Barry White dies
LOS ANGELES, July 4 (UPI) -- Baritone singer Barry White, whose 1970's disco music is remembered as musical foreplay, died Friday. He was 58.
White died of kidney failure due to chronic high blood pressure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he has been since September for dialysis.
He was born Sept. 12, 1944 in Galveston, Texas, but lived most of his life in south Los Angeles.
He married a childhood sweetheart, identified only as Mary in his autobiography, and fathered four children with her before they separated in 1969 and later divorced, CBS News reported.
In 1974, his album "Can't Get Enough" climbed to the top of the pop charts on the strength of the signature hits "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" and "You're the First, the Last, My Everything."
That year he also married Glodean James, and the couple went on to have four children.
White is survived by eight children, grandchildren, and his companion Catherine Denton.
Hong Kong chief amends protested bill
HONG KONG, July 5 (UPI) -- Hong Kong's leader, Tung Chee-hwa, said the controversial anti-subversion bill unveiled in September will be amended.
Tung's announcement Saturday follows a massive demonstration in Hong Kong protesting the law, known as Article 23. Opponents said the bill, if unchanged before taking effect, would restrict personal rights and freedom.
Tung said the bill would be modified to scrap a provision allowing some groups to be banned, add protection for journalists who publish classified information, and delete a provision that would let police conduct searches without warrants, the British Broadcasting Corp. reported.
"After repeated and detailed discussions, we have decided to make amendments to further allay people's fears," Tung said at a news conference.
The legislature is scheduled to vote on the bill next week. The legislation had renewed fears that China would impose controls that are taken for granted on the mainland but which would violate Hong Kong's longstanding tradition of free speech.
