More news in brief.
New governor of NY admits to affairs
NEW YORK - The new governor of New York yesterday admitted to past extramarital affairs and one by his wife, seeking to quash even more wild rumours and move past the tumult caused by his predecessor's resignation amid a sex scandal.
In a news conference in the state capital of Albany, David Paterson (53) and his wife, Michelle Paterson (46) fielded questions from reporters about their affairs a day after Mr Paterson was sworn into office.
Jealous after learning of his wife's infidelity several years ago, Mr Paterson said he began affairs of his own while a state senator, and he revealed the matter now in part to avoid being blackmailed by anyone threatening to reveal the secret. - (Reuters)
Kenyan assembly approves deal
NAIROBI - Kenya's parliament yesterday unanimously approved a powersharing deal designed to end the post-election crisis that killed at least 1,000 people in the east African country. Legislators passed the legal changes needed for a coalition government in which President Mwai Kibaki can bring in rival Raila Odinga as prime minister following an agreement reached last month. - (Reuters)
Support for Chávez drops
CARACAS - Support for Venezuela's leftist government has fallen to its lowest level since 2003, a new poll showed yesterday, reflecting damage from a stinging referendum vote defeat for the president, Hugo Chávez.
The government had 34 per cent support, the poll published in the El Nacional newspaper said, down from 43 per cent at the end of last year when Mr Chávez lost a referendum to extend his powers. - (Reuters)
Rivals pull out of Iraq conference
BAGHDAD - A conference to reconcile Iraq's rival political parties fell apart almost as soon as it began yesterday, with influential Sunni and Shia blocs pulling out in protest.
Hundreds of politicians gathered for the conference a day after US vice-president Dick Cheney, on a visit marking the fifth anniversary of the March 2003 US-led invasion, hailed what he called "phenomenal" political and security improvements.
- (Reuters)