10/03/07
Bush faces hostile reception in Brazil
US President Bush arrival in Sao Paulo has been greeted by protests and
demonstrations. Police fired tear gas and beat demonstrators in Brazil's
largest city as thousands marched in protest against a visit by the US President
aimed at winning friends in the region where his administration is extremely
unpopular.
In an otherwise peaceful rally, at least 20 people, 16 of whom are reportedly
policemen, were hurt in clashes between demonstrators and riot police
when some 10,000 people gathered at the main business avenue of the city,
banging drums, waving red flags and carrying Graffiti reading "Bush
Go Home".
Bush will meet Brazil's President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva to sign an
ethanol energy alliance. The two countries produce 70 percent of the world's
ethanol. After Brazil, he will travel to Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala
and Mexico.
The US sees Brazil as a potential counterbalance to the influence of Venezuela's
President Hugo Chavez who very often criticises Bush for his handling
of the Iraq war and US trade and immigration policies.
Democrats set Iraq pullout agenda:
Democrats in the US Congress have unveiled legislation requiring the
withdrawal of all US troops to leave Iraq by August next year.
Key hearings begins at Guantanamo:
The alleged Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed or one of 13 other
terror suspects are set to face hearings at the US Guantanamo Bay camp.
Plame to testify to Congress:
Valerie Plame, the former covert CIA agent exposed after her husband
criticized President Bush's march to war, will testify next week before
a congressional committee next week.
Entertainment
Rocker Eddie Van Halen enters rehab:
Rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen has confirmed he is going into rehab, which
may delay his band Van Halen's planned reunion tour.
Comedy actor Inman dies aged 71:
John Inman, who rose to stardom with his portrayal of Mr Humphries in
the 1970s TV comedy, Are you Being Served died overnight in London at
the age of 71.
Business
Vonage to Pay Verizon $58 million:
Internet phone provider Vonage Holdings Corp must pay Verizon Communications
Inc $58 million in damages for infringing on three of the phone giant's
technology patents, a federal jury ruled on Thursday.
Ford workers will get bonuses:
Despite a $12.7-billion loss last year Ford Motor Co. tried will give
performance bonuses to its U.S. and Canadian salaried and hourly employees.
Sports
US duo clinches Liverpool takeover
American tycoons Tom Hicks and George Gillett have clinched unconditional
control of Liverpool.
Manu sparks Spurs to 11th straight win:
Manu Ginobili scored 31 points, including five three-pointers, to help
the San Antonio Spurs to their 11th straight win, a 100-93 victory over
the Kings in Sacramento, Calif.
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