Security forces, militias clash in Basra

BAGHDAD – Iraqi forces clashed with Shiite militias in the southern oil port of Basra yesterday as a security plan to clamp down on violence between rival militia factions in the region began.

US Navy confirms Suez shooting * CAIRO – An American cargo ship under contract to the US Navy opened fire on a small Egyptian boat while moving through the Suez Canal, the Navy said yesterday. Egyptian authorities said at least one man was killed.Sarkozy due in Britain today * LONDON – French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives in Britain today for a two-day state visit that will combine pomp with politics as he seeks to boost his ratings with a more statesmanlike image.Guatemala adoption lawyers charged * GUATEMALA CITY – Two Guatemalan lawyers retained by an adoption agency that has sent scores of children to the United States have been charged with fraud and human trafficking, their attorneys said on Monday.Afghan aid pledges $10 b short * KABUL – Western countries have failed to deliver 10 billion dollars, or 40 per cent, of promised aid to Afghanistan and two-thirds of what does arrive by-passes the Afghan government, aid agencies said yesterday East Timor extends state of emergency * DILI – East Timor extended by one month a state of emergency imposed after last month’s assassination attempts on the president and prime minister.Egyptian authorities said at least one man was killed.Sarkozy due in Britain today * LONDON – French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives in Britain today for a two-day state visit that will combine pomp with politics as he seeks to boost his ratings with a more statesmanlike image.Guatemala adoption lawyers charged * GUATEMALA CITY – Two Guatemalan lawyers retained by an adoption agency that has sent scores of children to the United States have been charged with fraud and human trafficking, their attorneys said on Monday.Afghan aid pledges $10 b short * KABUL – Western countries have failed to deliver 10 billion dollars, or 40 per cent, of promised aid to Afghanistan and two-thirds of what does arrive by-passes the Afghan government, aid agencies said yesterday East Timor extends state of emergency * DILI – East Timor extended by one month a state of emergency imposed after last month’s assassination attempts on the president and prime minister.