U.N. talks could slide past deadline
WASHINGTON, March 13 (UPI) -- The White House said negotiations at the United Nations over a new Iraq resolution could continue next week despite President Bush's call for a vote by Friday. Should talks last until next week, Bush's Iraq disarmament deadline of Monday would also be jeopardized.
Saudis say no Western pressure for change
WASHINGTON, March 13 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabian and other Arab officials say they seek to modernize education with no Western pressure to do so. A meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, also said teaching would remain in the framework of Muslim values and traditions.
DOD wants firefighting, oil field services
WASHINGTON, March 13 (UPI) -- The Pentagon is searching for private contractors to fight oil fires in Iraq and help restore the oil fields to working order in the event of a war with Iraq. Pentagon planners are concerned Iraq military forces will set fire to the two vast oil fields in the north and south both to slow down U.S. military forces in the event of a war and as a sheer act of terrorism, military officials said in January. Retreating Iraqi forces set fire to the oil fields in Kuwait in 1991. Officials said Wednesday they have intelligence suggesting such acts of sabotage are already being prepared as a war becomes ever more likely.
Anti-war protesters arrested at sit-in
CHICAGO, March 13 (UPI) -- Police arrested a group of anti-war protesters Thursday for blocking escalators and stairs in a 1960s-style sit-in at Boeing Co. world headquarters, one of the nation's largest defense contractors. As many as 20 protesters carrying a "No War in Iraq" banner took over the building's lobby about 7:40 a.m. Several shackled themselves together with their arms linked inside painted PVC pipe and prevented access to offices and businesses. Police tried to saw through the plastic pipe but were unable to remove all the demonstrators for nearly two hours. At least nine were arrested still chained together.
Senate bans partial birth abortions
WASHINGTON, March 13 (UPI) -- The Senate Thursday voted to outlaw so-called "partial birth" abortions 63-32 in a move likely to draw a court challenge. Opponents of the measure said by failing to properly protect the health rights of mothers, the bill was unconstitutional. The vote was one of the first victories for the new Republican Senate leadership, which has struggled to overcome Democratic opposition on several key issues. On three previous occasions, the Congress has approved similar bans on partial birth abortions -- which are generally described as late term abortions performed with the fetus partially outside the womb.
Accused Smart kidnappers await charges
SALT LAKE CITY, March 13 (UPI) -- Two drifters arrested in the Elizabeth Smart case were jailed Thursday on suspicion of kidnapping while prosecutors worked on formal charges. Police said they believe Brian "Emmanuel" Mitchell and Wanda Barzee took Elizabeth from her Salt Lake City home last summer for reasons that remain unclear. The Seattle Times said a self-appointed prophet may have kidnapped Elizabeth Smart because he thought God had chosen her as his next wife. The newspaper cited a police source in Salt Lake City as saying Brian Mitchell believed God had chosen the unsuspecting 14-year-old as his betrothed.
Son of Marine in Kuwait gets new heart
LOMA LINDA, Calif., March 13 (UPI) -- The infant son of a Marine officer in Kuwait was in stable condition Thursday after receiving a heart transplant in Southern California during the night. Maj. Hal Sellers deployed with his unit while his wife and 4-month-old Dillon waited at home for a new heart to become available.
U.S. shares gain after Europe stocks surge
NEW YORK, March 13 (UPI) -- The Dow Jones industrial average was up 136.01 points at 7,688.08, while Nasdaq was 32.14 points stronger at 1,311.38 points early Thursday afternoon. Stronger European markets, an apparent easing of geopolitical tension and some positive U.S. economic data attracted buyers. The broader New York Stock Exchange composite index was up 65.24 points at 4,551.94, while the Standard & Poor's 500 was 10.78 points stronger at 814.97.
