Katmandu suffers from rebels' blockade
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department Wednesday condemned violence by Nepal's Maoist rebels.
In a statement, it said the rebels' acts "only undermine Nepal's economic, political, and social development and demonstrate a clear disregard for the well-being of the Nepali people."
Rebels recently bombed the Soaltee Hotel in Katmandu and on Wednesday shut off two major highways leading into Nepal's capital, affecting the flow of food and supplies.
"These reprehensible acts only harm innocent Nepalis and weaken Nepal's fragile economy," the statement said.
The rebels have demanded large businesses close as a pressure tactic for negotiations over the release of detained rebels and an inquiry into the deaths of others. Their long-term goal is the abolition of the monarchy and establishment of a communist government.
About 9,000 people have died in violence between the rebels and security forces since 1996.
Sadr agrees to lay down arms
BAGHDAD, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Iraq's rebel Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr accepted a peace plan to lay down arms and join a Baghdad conference forming an interim national assembly.
The news, delivered to the conference late Wednesday from Sadr's Baghdad office, was greeted with applause by meeting participants.
The proposal calls for Sadr's Mehdi militia to lay down its weapons, leave mosques and shrines in the holy city of Najaf and transform itself into a political party.
Sadr's move followed a warning from Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi earlier Wednesday that the government will act to quell violence in Najaf.
Allawi also held Sadr responsible for the failure of mediation efforts to end the violence in Najaf. Sadr's Mehdi Army still controls the old part of the city where Imam Ali's mausoleum, the holiest Shiite shrine, is located.
Allawi's statement came hours after Iraqi Defense Minister Hazem Shaalan said Iraqi National Guards were prepared for an all-out offensive to oust Sadr's fighters out of holy site.
The U.S. State Department in Washington said it was not in a position to confirm the deal, but acknowledged its embassy in Baghdad reported Sadr's offer.
"Obviously we would welcome such a move," deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said.
Landslides trap cars, people
STIRLINGSHIRE, Scotland, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Heavy rains caused two landslides in Scotland Wednesday, trapping several cars and their occupants, Sky News reported.
At least 18 people had been rescued near the town of Stirlingshire but at least 30 more remained trapped, police said.
Police spokesman Gavin Thornton said rescuers were trying to get people evacuated as quickly as possible because of concerns of more landslides.
Authorities said the estimated 30 people were trapped in up to 14 vehicles.
An eye witness told Sky News: "There is water cascading everywhere. It's quite a frightening experience for everyone."
Flood warnings covering the entire country had earlier been issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.
U.S. trying to find missing journalist
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department Wednesday said it was "leaving no stone unturned" to find missing U.S. journalist Micah Garen in Iraq.
Garen, the French-born founder and head of Four Corners Media, which specializes in film, photo and written documentaries from offices in New York and Colorado, and his translator, disappeared Monday from Nasiriyah.
State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said U.S. officials were in touch with Garen's family and fiancée and the U.S. embassy in Baghdad was in touch with local authorities and forces on the ground to try to ascertain his whereabouts.
"We are leaving no stone unturned," he said.
Ereli was unable to confirm reports Garen was kidnapped.
