In Brief

* IRAN PRESSURE – Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said that the UN Security Council should not be used by “some countries” to put pressure on Iran in the standoff over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

“We believe the time of threats is over,” Mottaki said after meeting with Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht. * SANCTIONS CRISIS – The Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) faces a “serious financial crisis” after Israel slapped economic sanctions on the beleaguered body, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas told reporters.* FLU ADVANCE – Lethal bird flu continued its advance across Europe with more infected birds found in Germany and Italy, while in India seven people were under observation with symptoms of the disease.* MINERS TRAPPED – At least 65 miners were trapped inside a coal mine after an explosion in northern Mexico, authorities said, describing the situation as “critical”.* RICE ATTACKED – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez launched a new verbal attack against US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, bluntly warning her: “Don’t mess with me, girl.”* HOPE FADES – Rescuers picked through a sea of mud in search of survivors after a massive landslide buried 1 400 Philippine villagers, but officials conceded hope was all but lost.- Nampa-AFP* SANCTIONS CRISIS – The Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) faces a “serious financial crisis” after Israel slapped economic sanctions on the beleaguered body, Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas told reporters.* FLU ADVANCE – Lethal bird flu continued its advance across Europe with more infected birds found in Germany and Italy, while in India seven people were under observation with symptoms of the disease.* MINERS TRAPPED – At least 65 miners were trapped inside a coal mine after an explosion in northern Mexico, authorities said, describing the situation as “critical”.* RICE ATTACKED – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez launched a new verbal attack against US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, bluntly warning her: “Don’t mess with me, girl.”* HOPE FADES – Rescuers picked through a sea of mud in search of survivors after a massive landslide buried 1 400 Philippine villagers, but officials conceded hope was all but lost.- Nampa-AFP