Problems loom ahead of Sudan census

* KHARTOUM – Cash-flow problems and logistic headaches are blighting preparations for Sudan’s census, which is an essential element of the fragile peace agreement that ended the country’s civil war, as well as a key step towards landmark elections.

Zim screening foreign journalists * HARARE – The government is screening foreign journalists ahead of this month’s presidential election amid suspicion that some may be spying for hostile Western nations, the official media reported on Sunday. Darfur rebel group wants Annan to mediate * KHARTOUM – A rebel leader in Sudan’s war-torn western region of Darfur on Sunday called for one-on-one peace talks with the Khartoum government.Chad lifts state of emergency * NDJAMENA – Chad on Sunday lifted a state of emergency and night curfew imposed across the oil-rich central African nation after a failed rebel bid to seize the capital Ndjamena in February.Baghdad rocked as McCain, Cheney visit * BAGHDAD – Senator John McCain stressed the importance of a United States commitment to Iraq during talks with Iraq’s prime minister yesterday, and explosions struck Baghdad during twin visits by the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and Vice President Dick Cheney.Red Cross: Many Iraqis still lack basics * GENEVA – Five years after the US-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein, many Iraqis still lack access to basic health care, sanitation and clean water, the International Committee of the Red Cross said yesterday Crowds trace Jesus’ path on Palm Sunday * JERUSALEM – Thousands of Christians from around the world celebrated Palm Sunday by walking the path they believe Jesus rode on his donkey as he entered Jerusalem days before his crucifixion.4 Belgians freed in Guatemala AP * PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala – Four Belgian tourists held hostage by protesting farmers were released late on Saturday after security forces in boats and helicopters located the group in Guatemala’s eastern jungle, officials said.Castro: ‘stupid’ to link Cuba to rebels * HAVANA – Former President Fidel Castro said it is “stupid” to think Cubans were involved with Colombian rebels whose camp was bombed in a cross-border raid in Ecuador early this month.36 bodies found in Mexican backyard * MEXICO CITY – Mexican officials said on Saturday that 36 bodies were found buried in the backyard of a house in a city across the border from El Paso, Texas, and they believe that number represents the final tally.Venezuelan ex-leader to court * CARACAS – Venezuelan prosecutors have summoned former President Jaime Lusinchi to appear in court next month to face accusations in the 1986 killings of nine people.Sri Lanka says 49 killed in fighting * COLOMBO – At least 47 Tamil Tiger rebels and two security personnel were killed in weekend clashes in Sri Lanka’s north, the defence ministry said yesterdayDarfur rebel group wants Annan to mediate * KHARTOUM – A rebel leader in Sudan’s war-torn western region of Darfur on Sunday called for one-on-one peace talks with the Khartoum government.Chad lifts state of emergency * NDJAMENA – Chad on Sunday lifted a state of emergency and night curfew imposed across the oil-rich central African nation after a failed rebel bid to seize the capital Ndjamena in February.Baghdad rocked as McCain, Cheney visit * BAGHDAD – Senator John McCain stressed the importance of a United States commitment to Iraq during talks with Iraq’s prime minister yesterday, and explosions struck Baghdad during twin visits by the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and Vice President Dick Cheney.Red Cross: Many Iraqis still lack basics * GENEVA – Five years after the US-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein, many Iraqis still lack access to basic health care, sanitation and clean water, the International Committee of the Red Cross said yesterday Crowds trace Jesus’ path on Palm Sunday * JERUSALEM – Thousands of Christians from around the world celebrated Palm Sunday by walking the path they believe Jesus rode on his donkey as he entered Jerusalem days before his crucifixion.4 Belgians freed in Guatemala AP * PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala – Four Belgian tourists held hostage by protesting farmers were released late on Saturday after security forces in boats and helicopters located the group in Guatemala’s eastern jungle, officials said.Castro: ‘stupid’ to link Cuba to rebels * HAVANA – Former President Fidel Castro said it is “stupid” to think Cubans were involved with Colombian rebels whose camp was bombed in a cross-border raid in Ecuador early this month. 36 bodies found in Mexican backyard * MEXICO CITY – Mexican officials said on Saturday that 36 bodies were found buried in the backyard of a house in a city across the border from El Paso, Texas, and they believe that number represents the final tally. Venezuelan ex-leader to court * CARACAS – Venezuelan prosecutors have summoned former President Jaime Lusinchi to appear in court next month to face accusations in the 1986 killings of nine people.Sri Lanka says 49 killed in fighting * COLOMBO – At least 47 Tamil Tiger rebels and two security personnel were killed in weekend clashes in Sri Lanka’s north, the defence ministry said yesterday