World News

Madagascar political rivals reach government deal

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Madagascar's political rivals have agreed on posts within a transitional government that will hold power until next year's elections.

Madagascar rivals agree power-sharing deal

By Alain Iloniaina

Zimbabwe proposes local ownership of foreign firms

By Nelson Banya

Russian military plane crashes, killing 11

MOSCOW (AFP) - - A Russian military plane crashed into the sea during a training exercise in Russia's Far East region, leaving all 11 crew members missing and presumed dead, officials said on Saturday.

Chanel in court accused of counterfeiting

PARIS (AFP) - - French fashion giant Chanel was accused in court Friday of stealing a supplier's design in a case that could have a bearing on the rights of skilled artisans toiling in the luxury industry.

Families of Spanish hostages urge negotiations with pirates

MADRID (AFP) - - Families of the crew of a Spanish tuna trawler being held by Somali pirates appealed to Spain's government on Friday to negotiate with the kidnappers, who have threatened to kill the hostages.

Paraguay president explains military shake-up

ASUNCION, Paraguay - Paraguay needed a military shake-up to create opportunities for young officers with a proven commitment to democracy, President Fernando Lugo said Friday in his first explanation for removing his top commanders this week.

Vatican official seeks more access to Cuban media

HAVANA - A senior Vatican official said Friday he has asked Cuba's government to allow the Roman Catholic Church more access to mass media, saying Cubans are a religious people and should be given broadcast access to their pastors.

Honduras crisis deepens after collapse of deal

TEGUCIGALPA (AFP) - - Honduras sunk into further disarray after President Manuel Zelaya, ousted in a military-backed coup, said a US-brokered deal to end the nation's four-month crisis had collapsed.

Iran: 109 detained at opposition rally

TEHRAN, Iran - Iranian police have detained 109 people for "disturbing public order" during an opposition rally this week, the official IRNA news agency reported Saturday.

Iran lawmakers: No shipment of uranium abroad

TEHRAN, Iran - Senior Iranian lawmakers rejected on Saturday any possibility of Tehran shipping uranium abroad for further enrichment, intensifying pressures on the government to reject the U.N.-backed plan altogether.

Lebanon's Hariri set to announce unity government

By Laila Bassam

Obama praises those who ended Fort Hood violence

Both sides set to vote on Philly transit contract

PHILADELPHIA - Members of Philadelphia's largest transit union and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority are set to vote on a contract to end the strike that has idled buses, subways and trolleys for five days.

Navy ship built with WTC steel to go into service

NEW YORK - The Navy is commissioning its newest battleship with a bow forged from steel that once held up the World Trade Center.