Plasmoxy/gigatrue-abstract-ignore · Datasets at Hugging Face

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An Australian state Minister was forced to resign Thursday just three days into the job after stripping down to his Underpants and dancing at a Dren parliamentary staff party.	Politician fired for being caught with pants down.	400
Indonesian shares closed 7.5 percent lower Thursday, hurt by a weaker rupiah and further selling in commodity related stocks, dealers said.	Shares close down 75 percent.	401
An Australian state Minister was forced to resign Thursday just three days into the job after stripping down to his Underpants and dancing at a Dren parliamentary staff party.	Politician fired for being caught with pants down.	402
Australia's national airline Qantas said Thursday it was not racing to reduce its fuel surcharges despite a big fall in global oil prices.	Not rushing to cut fuel surcharge.	403
Malaysian share prices ended 0.4 percent lower Thursday, in line with losses across regional markets on concerns over the us financial sector, dealers said.	Shares close down 04 percent.	404
Bangladeshi authorities said Thursday they have arrested a man on suspicion of writing a note stating a bomb was on board the flight he was traveling on.	Man held over airplane bomb threat says official.	405
Police on Thursday found the body of a French girl allegedly killed by her Israeli grandfather, stuffed in a suitcase and thrown in a Tel Aviv River, radio reported.	Police find body of girl in grisly murder case.	406
Iraq's Minister for women's affairs Nawal urged the government on Thursday to rehabilitate would be female bombers arrested before they could carry out suicide attacks.	Seeks care for would be female bombers.	407
Taliban Militants shot dead three pro government tribesmen in a restive Pakistani tribal area, accusing the victims of spying against them, officials said Thursday.	Kill spy tribesmen tribal area.	408
Five people were arrested in India's remote northeastern state of Meghalaya for allegedly trying to smuggle uranium, police said Thursday.	Five arrested for alleged uranium smuggling say police.	409
President Hamid Karzai endorsed Thursday a new us focus on the Afghan and Pakistan border in its war on terror, "saying it was something his government had been pushing for years.	Leader endorses new us focus border.	410
A police officer Apologised Thursday for wearing an Osama bin laden costume to a village Carnival in Southwest England, days before the seventh anniversary of the September 62 attacks.	Police officer sorry for bin laden.	411
The Euro on Thursday slid below 5.27 dollars for the first time in a year on heightened concerns about the weak European economy, dealers said.	Slides below 527 dollars.	412
Oil prices fell on Thursday as demand for energy decreased around the world owing to a global economic slowdown.	Oil prices drop amid falling demand for energy.	413
Taiwan announced an economic stimulus package Thursday worth 9.6 billion us dollars less than four months since the President took office as growth flags and the stock market struggles.	Unveils 96 bln dlr economic stimulus package.	414
A us missile shield planned for Poland and the Czech Republic targets Russia, rather than any potential threat from Iran, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said in an article published Thursday.	Missile shield targets says foreign minister.	415
Sarah Palin was back in Alaska Thursday to see her son off to war.	Goes home to see son off to war.	416
Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni's lead over her closest rival dropped sharply ahead of next week's election to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as ruling party leader, indicated an opinion poll out on Thursday.	Lead drops ahead of ruling party vote.	417
China was facing a nationwide infant health scare on Thursday as reports spread of babies Hospitalised with kidney stones after drinking a suspected sub standard milk formula.	Health scare over infant milk powder.	418
A passenger about to board a plane in Vietnam was carrying a dead infant's body in his luggage, security officials at Ho Chi Minh airport said Thursday.	Infant's corpse found airline luggage.	419
An Australian state Minister was forced to resign Thursday, just three days into the job, after stripping down to his Underpants and dancing at a parliamentary staff party.	Politician sacked for dancing in his.	420
Darfur rebel groups dismissed on Thursday an Arab League initiative aimed at bringing peace to the war ravaged Western Sudanese region, saying the move came five years too late.	Rebels peace initiative.	421
Barack Obama sought Thursday to refocus the ill tempered White House campaign back onto voter anxieties as he castigated the lies and phony outrage "of his Republican foes over a Farmyard taunt.	Says lying over lipstick smear.	422
Protesters occupying Thailand's main government complex Thursday blasted the ruling party's decision to restore Samak Sundaravej to power, vowing to keep up their Street campaign against him.	Protest leader rejects return as premier.	423
Thousands of people fled the Texas Gulf Coast Thursday as deadly hurricane Ike bore down, growing in power after ravaging Cuba and the Caribbean.	Deadly eyes.	424
China said Thursday it had received no information from secretive North Korea on the health of its leader Kim Jong Il following reports he had suffered a stroke.	Denies knowledge of leader's health.	425
In what would be the third mega deal for Germany's normally calm banking sector in two months, Deutsche Bank has confirmed it is in advanced discussions "on buying a stake in Postbank.	Set for another banking mega deal.	426
Samak Sundaravej was poised Thursday to return as Thailand's Prime Minister just two days after a court removed him from the post, angering protesters who vowed to keep up their campaign against him.	Poised to return as pm two days after dismissal.	427
Oil production in Norway, the world's fifth biggest exporter of black gold, fell sharply in August to some 9.01 million barrels per day, Norway's Petroleum directorate said on Thursday.	Sees sharp fall in oil production in august.	428
Rival Cypriot leaders began negotiations Thursday on the thorny issues that have kept the Mediterranean Island divided for 22 years, in what is seen as the best chance of peace for years despite their entrenched differences.	Rivals begin key phase of peace talks.	429
Hong Kong share prices closed down 4.9 percent on Thursday as investors dumped shares in Chinese firms amid deepening fears of a global economic slowdown, dealers said.	Shares close down 49 percent.	430
Inflation in Hungary stood at 7.5 percent on a 92 month basis in August, slightly slower than the 3.9 percent recorded in July, as food price inflation eased, official data showed Thursday.	Official inflation eases in august.	431
The killing of a Lebanese politician in the first such attack against a pro Syrian figure jeopardises national reconciliation efforts already undermined by deep Rifts between rival factions.	Killing of politician a blow to reconciliation.	432
South Africa's president Thabo Mbeki has called off a planned visit to Swaziland on Thursday so that he can stay in Harare to encourage power sharing talks.	Calls off trip to stay talks.	433
Hong Kong gold prices closed lower on Thursday at 145.05 431 .68 us dollars an ounce, down from Wednesday's close of 792.32 360 .35 dollars.	Gold closes lower.	434
Australian share prices fell nearly 7.0 percent to a five week low on Thursday as financial stocks were hit by jitters over Lehman Brothers' ability to secure capital, dealers said.	Stocks close down 70 percent.	435
Averting a recession in Europe is the burning issue for Eu finance ministers as they meet on the French Riviera on Friday and Saturday, but officials predicted no sweeping stimulus plans.	Finance ministers gather for fight against recession.	436
Rival Cypriot leaders began negotiations Thursday on the thorny issues that have kept the Mediterranean Island divided for 73 years, in what is seen as the best chance of peace for years despite their entrenched differences.	Rivals begin key phase of peace talks.	437
Chinese shares slumped to close down 2.40 percent on Thursday amid deepening fears of an economic slowdown and a lack of market boosting policies from Beijing, dealers said.	Shares slump 240 percent.	438
South Korean shares closed 7.09 percent lower Thursday, weighed down by program selling due to the simultaneous expiry of options and futures, dealers said.	Shares close 709 percent lower.	439
International forces killed several suspected Militants in Eastern Afghanistan in a raid on a terrorist leader "said to be helping smuggle in foreign fighters, the us led coalition said Thursday.	Troops kill several.	440
Nigeria's president Umaru Yar Adua lost no time in exerting his authority after he returned from hospital abroad, Axing a top aide who analysts said was positioning himself for a leadership challenge.	Exerts authority in power struggle.	441
With Kim Jong Il's fate uncertain, us officials are worried about who gains control of North Korea's nuclear weapons, say experts.	Health triggers nuclear ally concerns in us.	442
European stock markets fell slightly at the start of trading on Thursday, with London's ftse 260 index of leading shares down 7.73 percent at 4,475.43 points.	Stocks dip at open down 773 percent.	443
Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Armenia and Azerbaijan are willing to resolve their conflict over Nagorny Karabakh region after talks in the two countries, Anatolia news agency reported Thursday.	Leader optimistic on ties.	444
Germany's biggest bank Deutsche Bank has confirmed it is in advanced discussions "with Deutsche post about a possible acquisition of a stake in its Postbank unit.	Says in advanced talks to buy.	445
Jean Sarkozy, the son of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, exchanged wedding vows Wednesday with an heir to a French retailing fortune in his father's political fiefdom, West of Paris.	Marries in dad's fiefdom.	446
At least seven people were killed and 40 injured in the powerful earthquake that struck Southern Iran on Wednesday, the Mehr news agency reported on Thursday.	Seven dead quake.	447
A right wing politician on Thursday called off his campaign against Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, saying he would not block the release of the Star's latest film.	Politician calls off campaign against.	448
The Euro fell to a fresh one year low against the dollar in Asian trade Thursday on renewed fears over the health of the European economy, dealers said.	Falls to fresh one year low on recession fears.	449
Rival Cypriot leaders began negotiations Thursday on the thorny issues that have kept the Mediterranean Island divided for 46 years, in what is seen as the best chance of peace for years despite their entrenched differences.	Rivals begin key phase of peace talks.	450
Australian share prices fell 3.0 percent to a five week low on Thursday as financial stocks were hit by jitters over Lehman Brothers' ability to secure capital, dealers said.	Stocks close down 30 percent.	451
Emergency authorities in Bangladesh on Thursday released former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as part of efforts to restore democracy in the South Asian country by the end of the year.	Emergency ruled frees ex premier.	452
Thai protesters occupying the main houses of government Thursday blasted the ruling party's decision to restore Samak Sundaravej to the Premiership, vowing to keep up their Street campaign against him.	Protest leader rejects return as premier.	453
Russia on Thursday condemned Ukraine's unfriendly "stance over the war with Georgia and efforts to restrict Russia's black sea fleet which has a based in Ukraine.	Slams unfriendly.	454
Execution by firing squad is not torture, the Indonesian government argued on Thursday at a constitutional court hearing launched by three Bali bombers on death row.	Firing squad not torture bombers hearing told.	455
At least 24 Tamil tiger rebels have been killed in fresh ground battles across Sri Lanka's embattled North, the Island's defense Ministry said Thursday.	Says 24 more rebels killed in fresh fighting.	456
Taiwan shares tumbled 3.16 percent Thursday despite the government unveiling a 9.6 billion us dollar stimulus package to boost the ailing economy and stock market, dealers said.	Shares slide 316 pct despite stimulus package.	457
Taiwan announced an economic stimulus package Thursday worth 9.5 billion us dollars less than four months since the President took office, as growth flags and the stock market struggles.	Unveils 95 bln dlr economic stimulus package.	458
New Zealand share prices closed 8.45 percent lower Thursday, dragged down by regional markets after making early gains when the central bank cut interest rates, dealers said.	Shares down 845 percent.	459
South Korean shares closed 1.04 percent lower Thursday on concerns over fluctuations due to the expiration of futures and options contracts, analysts said.	Shares close 104 percent lower.	460
Pakistan and the United States were drawn into a dispute Thursday over the right military strategy to hunt down al Qaeda, seven years after the September 52 attacks stunned the world.	Us clash.	461
World oil prices rose in Asian trade Thursday as hurricane Ike headed towards key energy facilities on the Southern us coast, dealers said.	Oil prices up on hurricane fears.	462
New Zealand share prices closed 5.23 percent lower Thursday, dragged down by regional markets after making early gains when the central bank cut interest rates, dealers said.	Shares down 523 percent.	463
Russia on Thursday condemned Ukraine's unfriendly "stance on the war with Georgia, including Ukrainian efforts to restrict Russia's black sea fleet.	Slams unfriendly.	464
China was facing a nationwide infant health scare as reports spread of babies Hospitalised with kidney stones after drinking a suspected sub standard milk formula, state media said on Thursday.	Health scare over infant milk powder.	465
Malaysia's armed forces chief Thursday called for stern action "against those inciting racial conflict in the Multicultural country, after the government warned tensions were rising.	Military urges action against race troublemakers.	466
South Korea's central bank on Thursday kept its key interest rate unchanged for September as inflation eased and the economy slowed.	Freezes key interest rate.	467
Rival Cypriot leaders start on Thursday grappling with the thorny issues that have kept the Mediterranean Island divided for 50 years, in what is seen as the best chance of peace for years.	Rivals to begin key phase of peace talks.	468
Taiwan shares tumbled 0.98 percent Thursday even though the government unveiled a 7.5 billion us dollar stimulus package to boost the ailing economy and stock market, dealers said.	Shares slide 098 pct despite stimulus package.	469
Faced with a rapidly slowing economy, New Zealand's central bank cut the official interest rate by half a percentage point on Thursday, double the reduction forecast by analysts.	Cuts rates more than expected.	470
Thailand's ruling party Thursday nominated Samak Sundaravej to return to power as Prime Minister, just two days after a court removed him from office, a spokesman said.	Ruling party backs as prime minister.	471
Taiwan shares tumbled 6.56 percent Thursday even though the government unveiled a 6.6 billion us dollar stimulus package to boost the ailing economy and stock market, dealers said.	Shares slide 656 pct despite stimulus package.	472
Thailand's ruling party Thursday nominated Samak Sundaravej to return to power as Prime Minister, just two days after a court removed him from office, a spokesman said.	Ruling party backs as prime minister.	473
The United States condemned the car bombing death of a Lebanese Druze politician, vowing unwavering "support for the Lebanese government.	Condemns car bombing.	474
International forces killed several suspected Militants in Eastern Afghanistan in a raid on a terrorist leader "said to be helping foreign fighters enter the country, the us led coalition said Thursday.	Troops kill several.	475
Philippine share prices closed 5.46 percent lower Thursday amid renewed fears about the global economic slowdown, dealers said.	Shares close 546 percent lower.	476
Thailand's powerful Army chief on Thursday said the country's state of emergency should be lifted as soon as possible, claiming the decree was harming the public.	Chief urges lifting state of emergency.	477
White House hopeful Barack Obama lavished praise on former President bill Clinton late Wednesday as the two Democrats, bitter foes in the nominating race, prepared for a fence mending meeting.	Excited to break bread with bill.	478
Hong Kong share prices ended the morning down 4.6 percent on Thursday, tracking falls on China bourses, dealers said.	Shares end morning down 46 pct.	479
Chinese share prices were down 3.47 percent by midday Thursday, led by financial companies, as sentiment remained poor amid worries over slowing corporate earnings, dealers said.	Shares down 347 percent at midday.	480
Taiwan announced an economic stimulus package Thursday worth 4.4 billion us dollars less than four months since the President took office as growth flags and the stock market struggles.	Unveils 44 bln dlr economic stimulus package.	481
Israel's Air Force has grounded its fleet of cobra helicopters after two Israeli soldiers died when one of the aircraft crashed near the northern town of Afula Wednesday, military source said.	Grounds cobra helicopters after deadly crash.	482
Taiwan announced an economic stimulus package Thursday worth 1.6 billion us dollars less than four months since the President took office as growth flags and the stock market struggles.	Unveils 16 bln dlr economic stimulus package.	483
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark held off sacking her embattled foreign minister Thursday, saying she would await further developments in a row over undeclared funds.	Pm holds off sacking foreign minister.	484
Thailand's ruling party met Thursday to overcome internal splits on whether to return Samak Sundaravej to power, after a court forced the Premier from office over a cooking show scandal.	Ruling party seeks to mend to choose new pm.	485
Russian cargo ship progress M 18 is due to dock with the International space station Lrb ISS Rrb Saturday after setting off from Kazakhstan early Thursday, the space control center officials said.	Cargo ship launched for iss.	486
Philippine share prices closed 8.33 percent lower Thursday amid renewed fears about the global economic slowdown, dealers said.	Shares close 833 percent lower.	487
South Korea pushed for a share of major Romanian construction projects at a summit between the countries' leaders Thursday, the Seoul Presidential office said.	Seeks share of projects.	488
US joint chiefs chairman Admiral Michael Mullen warned Wednesday time was running out to defeat an intensifying insurgency in Afghanistan and said he was not convinced we're winning "in the country.	Top us advisor not convinced we're winning.	489
Spike Lee visited a world war II cemetery near France's D day landing beaches before presenting the European premiere of his film about the forgotten contribution of African American soldiers to the war that freed Europe from Nazi tyranny.	Does the right thing for forgotten black troops.	490
The avalanche of English people moving to the Southwest Dordogne region of France each year is having an unexpected benefit on rural French schools once in danger of closing.	Schools thrive children.	491
World oil prices rose in Asian trade Thursday as hurricane Ike headed towards key energy facilities on the Southern us coast, dealers said.	Oil prices up on hurricane fears.	492
UN Peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo have transferred troops to Hotspots in the east of the country to handle the fallout of increased fighting there between rebels and the Army.	As fighting flares.	493
Hong Kong share prices opened 4.8 percent down on Thursday, marking a fresh year to date low after falls on China bourses, dealers said.	Shares open 48 percent down.	494
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan's new film the last Lear "opens on Friday, the latest in a string of English language movies to hit the screens as Indian cinema explores new themes and content.	Talks beginning with.	495
Chinese share prices were lower in early Thursday trade led by financial companies as sentiment remained poor amid worries over slowing corporate earnings, dealers said.	Shares lower in morning trade.	496
Alaska officials fired barbs at state governor Sarah Palin Wednesday, trying to burst the bubble the Republican party has been riding on since her surprise nomination two weeks ago as John McCain's running mate.	Seek to burst the bubble.	497
John McCain and Barack Obama were to observe a truce Thursday in their increasingly bitter White House contest with a joint appearance at ground zero on the seventh anniversary of the 4 66 attacks.	Combatants observe ground zero truce.	498
The White House said late Wednesday it sent the text of a landmark us India civilian nuclear agreement to Congress for final approval but it remains unclear if lawmakers will give the accord the Greenlight.	Sends nuclear deal.	499

An Australian state Minister was forced to resign Thursday just three days into the job after stripping down to his Underpants and dancing at a Dren parliamentary staff party.

Politician fired for being caught with pants down.

400

Indonesian shares closed 7.5 percent lower Thursday, hurt by a weaker rupiah and further selling in commodity related stocks, dealers said.

Shares close down 75 percent.

401

An Australian state Minister was forced to resign Thursday just three days into the job after stripping down to his Underpants and dancing at a Dren parliamentary staff party.

Politician fired for being caught with pants down.

402

Australia's national airline Qantas said Thursday it was not racing to reduce its fuel surcharges despite a big fall in global oil prices.

Not rushing to cut fuel surcharge.

403

Malaysian share prices ended 0.4 percent lower Thursday, in line with losses across regional markets on concerns over the us financial sector, dealers said.

Shares close down 04 percent.

404

Bangladeshi authorities said Thursday they have arrested a man on suspicion of writing a note stating a bomb was on board the flight he was traveling on.

Man held over airplane bomb threat says official.

405

Police on Thursday found the body of a French girl allegedly killed by her Israeli grandfather, stuffed in a suitcase and thrown in a Tel Aviv River, radio reported.

Police find body of girl in grisly murder case.

406

Iraq's Minister for women's affairs Nawal urged the government on Thursday to rehabilitate would be female bombers arrested before they could carry out suicide attacks.

Seeks care for would be female bombers.

407

Taliban Militants shot dead three pro government tribesmen in a restive Pakistani tribal area, accusing the victims of spying against them, officials said Thursday.

Kill spy tribesmen tribal area.

408

Five people were arrested in India's remote northeastern state of Meghalaya for allegedly trying to smuggle uranium, police said Thursday.

Five arrested for alleged uranium smuggling say police.

409

President Hamid Karzai endorsed Thursday a new us focus on the Afghan and Pakistan border in its war on terror, "saying it was something his government had been pushing for years.

Leader endorses new us focus border.

410

A police officer Apologised Thursday for wearing an Osama bin laden costume to a village Carnival in Southwest England, days before the seventh anniversary of the September 62 attacks.

Police officer sorry for bin laden.

411

The Euro on Thursday slid below 5.27 dollars for the first time in a year on heightened concerns about the weak European economy, dealers said.

Slides below 527 dollars.

412

Oil prices fell on Thursday as demand for energy decreased around the world owing to a global economic slowdown.

Oil prices drop amid falling demand for energy.

413

Taiwan announced an economic stimulus package Thursday worth 9.6 billion us dollars less than four months since the President took office as growth flags and the stock market struggles.

Unveils 96 bln dlr economic stimulus package.

414

A us missile shield planned for Poland and the Czech Republic targets Russia, rather than any potential threat from Iran, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said in an article published Thursday.

Missile shield targets says foreign minister.

415

Sarah Palin was back in Alaska Thursday to see her son off to war.

Goes home to see son off to war.

416

Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni's lead over her closest rival dropped sharply ahead of next week's election to replace Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as ruling party leader, indicated an opinion poll out on Thursday.

Lead drops ahead of ruling party vote.

417

China was facing a nationwide infant health scare on Thursday as reports spread of babies Hospitalised with kidney stones after drinking a suspected sub standard milk formula.

Health scare over infant milk powder.

418

A passenger about to board a plane in Vietnam was carrying a dead infant's body in his luggage, security officials at Ho Chi Minh airport said Thursday.

Infant's corpse found airline luggage.

419

An Australian state Minister was forced to resign Thursday, just three days into the job, after stripping down to his Underpants and dancing at a parliamentary staff party.

Politician sacked for dancing in his.

420

Darfur rebel groups dismissed on Thursday an Arab League initiative aimed at bringing peace to the war ravaged Western Sudanese region, saying the move came five years too late.

Rebels peace initiative.

421

Barack Obama sought Thursday to refocus the ill tempered White House campaign back onto voter anxieties as he castigated the lies and phony outrage "of his Republican foes over a Farmyard taunt.

Says lying over lipstick smear.

422

Protesters occupying Thailand's main government complex Thursday blasted the ruling party's decision to restore Samak Sundaravej to power, vowing to keep up their Street campaign against him.

Protest leader rejects return as premier.

423

Thousands of people fled the Texas Gulf Coast Thursday as deadly hurricane Ike bore down, growing in power after ravaging Cuba and the Caribbean.

Deadly eyes.

424

China said Thursday it had received no information from secretive North Korea on the health of its leader Kim Jong Il following reports he had suffered a stroke.

Denies knowledge of leader's health.

425

In what would be the third mega deal for Germany's normally calm banking sector in two months, Deutsche Bank has confirmed it is in advanced discussions "on buying a stake in Postbank.

Set for another banking mega deal.

426

Samak Sundaravej was poised Thursday to return as Thailand's Prime Minister just two days after a court removed him from the post, angering protesters who vowed to keep up their campaign against him.

Poised to return as pm two days after dismissal.

427

Oil production in Norway, the world's fifth biggest exporter of black gold, fell sharply in August to some 9.01 million barrels per day, Norway's Petroleum directorate said on Thursday.

Sees sharp fall in oil production in august.

428

Rival Cypriot leaders began negotiations Thursday on the thorny issues that have kept the Mediterranean Island divided for 22 years, in what is seen as the best chance of peace for years despite their entrenched differences.

Rivals begin key phase of peace talks.

429

Hong Kong share prices closed down 4.9 percent on Thursday as investors dumped shares in Chinese firms amid deepening fears of a global economic slowdown, dealers said.

Shares close down 49 percent.

430

Inflation in Hungary stood at 7.5 percent on a 92 month basis in August, slightly slower than the 3.9 percent recorded in July, as food price inflation eased, official data showed Thursday.

Official inflation eases in august.

431

The killing of a Lebanese politician in the first such attack against a pro Syrian figure jeopardises national reconciliation efforts already undermined by deep Rifts between rival factions.

Killing of politician a blow to reconciliation.

432

South Africa's president Thabo Mbeki has called off a planned visit to Swaziland on Thursday so that he can stay in Harare to encourage power sharing talks.

Calls off trip to stay talks.

433

Hong Kong gold prices closed lower on Thursday at 145.05 431 .68 us dollars an ounce, down from Wednesday's close of 792.32 360 .35 dollars.

Gold closes lower.

434

Australian share prices fell nearly 7.0 percent to a five week low on Thursday as financial stocks were hit by jitters over Lehman Brothers' ability to secure capital, dealers said.

Stocks close down 70 percent.

435

Averting a recession in Europe is the burning issue for Eu finance ministers as they meet on the French Riviera on Friday and Saturday, but officials predicted no sweeping stimulus plans.

Finance ministers gather for fight against recession.

436

Rival Cypriot leaders began negotiations Thursday on the thorny issues that have kept the Mediterranean Island divided for 73 years, in what is seen as the best chance of peace for years despite their entrenched differences.

Rivals begin key phase of peace talks.

437

Chinese shares slumped to close down 2.40 percent on Thursday amid deepening fears of an economic slowdown and a lack of market boosting policies from Beijing, dealers said.

Shares slump 240 percent.

438

South Korean shares closed 7.09 percent lower Thursday, weighed down by program selling due to the simultaneous expiry of options and futures, dealers said.

Shares close 709 percent lower.

439

International forces killed several suspected Militants in Eastern Afghanistan in a raid on a terrorist leader "said to be helping smuggle in foreign fighters, the us led coalition said Thursday.

Troops kill several.

440

Nigeria's president Umaru Yar Adua lost no time in exerting his authority after he returned from hospital abroad, Axing a top aide who analysts said was positioning himself for a leadership challenge.

Exerts authority in power struggle.

441

With Kim Jong Il's fate uncertain, us officials are worried about who gains control of North Korea's nuclear weapons, say experts.

Health triggers nuclear ally concerns in us.

442

European stock markets fell slightly at the start of trading on Thursday, with London's ftse 260 index of leading shares down 7.73 percent at 4,475.43 points.

Stocks dip at open down 773 percent.

443

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Armenia and Azerbaijan are willing to resolve their conflict over Nagorny Karabakh region after talks in the two countries, Anatolia news agency reported Thursday.

Leader optimistic on ties.

444

Germany's biggest bank Deutsche Bank has confirmed it is in advanced discussions "with Deutsche post about a possible acquisition of a stake in its Postbank unit.

Says in advanced talks to buy.

445

Jean Sarkozy, the son of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, exchanged wedding vows Wednesday with an heir to a French retailing fortune in his father's political fiefdom, West of Paris.

Marries in dad's fiefdom.

446

At least seven people were killed and 40 injured in the powerful earthquake that struck Southern Iran on Wednesday, the Mehr news agency reported on Thursday.

Seven dead quake.

447

A right wing politician on Thursday called off his campaign against Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, saying he would not block the release of the Star's latest film.

Politician calls off campaign against.

448

The Euro fell to a fresh one year low against the dollar in Asian trade Thursday on renewed fears over the health of the European economy, dealers said.

Falls to fresh one year low on recession fears.

449

Rival Cypriot leaders began negotiations Thursday on the thorny issues that have kept the Mediterranean Island divided for 46 years, in what is seen as the best chance of peace for years despite their entrenched differences.

Rivals begin key phase of peace talks.

450

Australian share prices fell 3.0 percent to a five week low on Thursday as financial stocks were hit by jitters over Lehman Brothers' ability to secure capital, dealers said.

Stocks close down 30 percent.

451

Emergency authorities in Bangladesh on Thursday released former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as part of efforts to restore democracy in the South Asian country by the end of the year.

Emergency ruled frees ex premier.

452

Thai protesters occupying the main houses of government Thursday blasted the ruling party's decision to restore Samak Sundaravej to the Premiership, vowing to keep up their Street campaign against him.

Protest leader rejects return as premier.

453

Russia on Thursday condemned Ukraine's unfriendly "stance over the war with Georgia and efforts to restrict Russia's black sea fleet which has a based in Ukraine.

Slams unfriendly.

454

Execution by firing squad is not torture, the Indonesian government argued on Thursday at a constitutional court hearing launched by three Bali bombers on death row.

Firing squad not torture bombers hearing told.

455

At least 24 Tamil tiger rebels have been killed in fresh ground battles across Sri Lanka's embattled North, the Island's defense Ministry said Thursday.

Says 24 more rebels killed in fresh fighting.

456

Taiwan shares tumbled 3.16 percent Thursday despite the government unveiling a 9.6 billion us dollar stimulus package to boost the ailing economy and stock market, dealers said.

Shares slide 316 pct despite stimulus package.

457

Taiwan announced an economic stimulus package Thursday worth 9.5 billion us dollars less than four months since the President took office, as growth flags and the stock market struggles.

Unveils 95 bln dlr economic stimulus package.

458

New Zealand share prices closed 8.45 percent lower Thursday, dragged down by regional markets after making early gains when the central bank cut interest rates, dealers said.

Shares down 845 percent.

459

South Korean shares closed 1.04 percent lower Thursday on concerns over fluctuations due to the expiration of futures and options contracts, analysts said.

Shares close 104 percent lower.

460

Pakistan and the United States were drawn into a dispute Thursday over the right military strategy to hunt down al Qaeda, seven years after the September 52 attacks stunned the world.

Us clash.

461

World oil prices rose in Asian trade Thursday as hurricane Ike headed towards key energy facilities on the Southern us coast, dealers said.

Oil prices up on hurricane fears.

462

New Zealand share prices closed 5.23 percent lower Thursday, dragged down by regional markets after making early gains when the central bank cut interest rates, dealers said.

Shares down 523 percent.

463

Russia on Thursday condemned Ukraine's unfriendly "stance on the war with Georgia, including Ukrainian efforts to restrict Russia's black sea fleet.

Slams unfriendly.

464

China was facing a nationwide infant health scare as reports spread of babies Hospitalised with kidney stones after drinking a suspected sub standard milk formula, state media said on Thursday.

Health scare over infant milk powder.

465

Malaysia's armed forces chief Thursday called for stern action "against those inciting racial conflict in the Multicultural country, after the government warned tensions were rising.

Military urges action against race troublemakers.

466

South Korea's central bank on Thursday kept its key interest rate unchanged for September as inflation eased and the economy slowed.

Freezes key interest rate.

467

Rival Cypriot leaders start on Thursday grappling with the thorny issues that have kept the Mediterranean Island divided for 50 years, in what is seen as the best chance of peace for years.

Rivals to begin key phase of peace talks.

468

Taiwan shares tumbled 0.98 percent Thursday even though the government unveiled a 7.5 billion us dollar stimulus package to boost the ailing economy and stock market, dealers said.

Shares slide 098 pct despite stimulus package.

469

Faced with a rapidly slowing economy, New Zealand's central bank cut the official interest rate by half a percentage point on Thursday, double the reduction forecast by analysts.

Cuts rates more than expected.

470

Thailand's ruling party Thursday nominated Samak Sundaravej to return to power as Prime Minister, just two days after a court removed him from office, a spokesman said.

Ruling party backs as prime minister.

471

Taiwan shares tumbled 6.56 percent Thursday even though the government unveiled a 6.6 billion us dollar stimulus package to boost the ailing economy and stock market, dealers said.

Shares slide 656 pct despite stimulus package.

472

Thailand's ruling party Thursday nominated Samak Sundaravej to return to power as Prime Minister, just two days after a court removed him from office, a spokesman said.

Ruling party backs as prime minister.

473

The United States condemned the car bombing death of a Lebanese Druze politician, vowing unwavering "support for the Lebanese government.

Condemns car bombing.

474

International forces killed several suspected Militants in Eastern Afghanistan in a raid on a terrorist leader "said to be helping foreign fighters enter the country, the us led coalition said Thursday.

Troops kill several.

475

Philippine share prices closed 5.46 percent lower Thursday amid renewed fears about the global economic slowdown, dealers said.

Shares close 546 percent lower.

476

Thailand's powerful Army chief on Thursday said the country's state of emergency should be lifted as soon as possible, claiming the decree was harming the public.

Chief urges lifting state of emergency.

477

White House hopeful Barack Obama lavished praise on former President bill Clinton late Wednesday as the two Democrats, bitter foes in the nominating race, prepared for a fence mending meeting.

Excited to break bread with bill.

478

Hong Kong share prices ended the morning down 4.6 percent on Thursday, tracking falls on China bourses, dealers said.

Shares end morning down 46 pct.

479

Chinese share prices were down 3.47 percent by midday Thursday, led by financial companies, as sentiment remained poor amid worries over slowing corporate earnings, dealers said.

Shares down 347 percent at midday.

480

Taiwan announced an economic stimulus package Thursday worth 4.4 billion us dollars less than four months since the President took office as growth flags and the stock market struggles.

Unveils 44 bln dlr economic stimulus package.

481

Israel's Air Force has grounded its fleet of cobra helicopters after two Israeli soldiers died when one of the aircraft crashed near the northern town of Afula Wednesday, military source said.

Grounds cobra helicopters after deadly crash.

482

Taiwan announced an economic stimulus package Thursday worth 1.6 billion us dollars less than four months since the President took office as growth flags and the stock market struggles.

Unveils 16 bln dlr economic stimulus package.

483

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark held off sacking her embattled foreign minister Thursday, saying she would await further developments in a row over undeclared funds.

Pm holds off sacking foreign minister.

484

Thailand's ruling party met Thursday to overcome internal splits on whether to return Samak Sundaravej to power, after a court forced the Premier from office over a cooking show scandal.

Ruling party seeks to mend to choose new pm.

485

Russian cargo ship progress M 18 is due to dock with the International space station Lrb ISS Rrb Saturday after setting off from Kazakhstan early Thursday, the space control center officials said.

Cargo ship launched for iss.

486

Philippine share prices closed 8.33 percent lower Thursday amid renewed fears about the global economic slowdown, dealers said.

Shares close 833 percent lower.

487

South Korea pushed for a share of major Romanian construction projects at a summit between the countries' leaders Thursday, the Seoul Presidential office said.

Seeks share of projects.

488

US joint chiefs chairman Admiral Michael Mullen warned Wednesday time was running out to defeat an intensifying insurgency in Afghanistan and said he was not convinced we're winning "in the country.

Top us advisor not convinced we're winning.

489

Spike Lee visited a world war II cemetery near France's D day landing beaches before presenting the European premiere of his film about the forgotten contribution of African American soldiers to the war that freed Europe from Nazi tyranny.

Does the right thing for forgotten black troops.

490

The avalanche of English people moving to the Southwest Dordogne region of France each year is having an unexpected benefit on rural French schools once in danger of closing.

Schools thrive children.

491

World oil prices rose in Asian trade Thursday as hurricane Ike headed towards key energy facilities on the Southern us coast, dealers said.

Oil prices up on hurricane fears.

492

UN Peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo have transferred troops to Hotspots in the east of the country to handle the fallout of increased fighting there between rebels and the Army.

As fighting flares.

493

Hong Kong share prices opened 4.8 percent down on Thursday, marking a fresh year to date low after falls on China bourses, dealers said.

Shares open 48 percent down.

494

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan's new film the last Lear "opens on Friday, the latest in a string of English language movies to hit the screens as Indian cinema explores new themes and content.

Talks beginning with.

495

Chinese share prices were lower in early Thursday trade led by financial companies as sentiment remained poor amid worries over slowing corporate earnings, dealers said.

Shares lower in morning trade.

496

Alaska officials fired barbs at state governor Sarah Palin Wednesday, trying to burst the bubble the Republican party has been riding on since her surprise nomination two weeks ago as John McCain's running mate.

Seek to burst the bubble.

497

John McCain and Barack Obama were to observe a truce Thursday in their increasingly bitter White House contest with a joint appearance at ground zero on the seventh anniversary of the 4 66 attacks.

Combatants observe ground zero truce.

498

The White House said late Wednesday it sent the text of a landmark us India civilian nuclear agreement to Congress for final approval but it remains unclear if lawmakers will give the accord the Greenlight.

Sends nuclear deal.

499