October 3, 2004

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October 3, 2004

, which has left 125 insurgents and 70 civilians dead, U.S. and Iraq i government officials say they have secured 70 percent of the city. (AP) (BBC)

The Prime Minister of Slovenia , Anton Rop , concedes defeat in today's Parliamentary Election s. Early results suggest the opposition will make large gains at the expense of the current government. (BBC)

French Police announce that they have arrested Mikel Albizu Iriarte ("Mikel Antza") and Maria Soledad Iparraguirre , who are suspected of being important leaders in the Basque Separatist group ETA . Sixteen other people were detained. (BBC)

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

--- In interview with the CBC, UNRWA commissioner Peter Hansen says that he is sure that members of Hamas are also members of UNRWA. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, which has designated Hamas a Terrorist Organization said it "will immediately seek clarification from Mr. Hansen directly and from UN authorities". (CBC)

--- The United Nations Relief And Welfare Agency ( UNRWA ) demands an apology from Israel over claims that Gaza militants used a UN vehicle to transport a homemade Qassam Rocket . The UN body showed what it said was the Ambulance seen in footage released by the Israel Defense Forces and presented its driver and rescue workers to reporters. (Haaretz) (Jerusalem Post) (Israel Insider)

--- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan requests that Israel halt its current military operations in the Gaza Strip , saying that they have led to "the deaths of scores of Palestinian s, among them many Civilian s, including children". He also urges the Palestinian Authority to convince Hamas to halt the firing of rockets into Israel. (Jerusalem Post)

--- At least four Civilian s — a Deaf man and 3 children — were killed today during Israel i raids in the Gaza Strip town of Jabaliya . More than 60 Palestinian s, including civilians, have been killed during Israel's current offensive into Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says the Gaza operation will continue until Qassam Rocket attacks end. (BBC) (Toronto Star)

--- Two Palestinian s are killed by an Israel i Helicopter -launched missile moments after they launch a Qassam Rocket into Israel . (Reuters)

Pope John Paul II Beatifies five persons, including Anne Catherine Emmerich , a German nun, and Karl I , last emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire , in a ceremony in Rome . John Paul II has made a total of 1,340 beatifications (including today's), more than all previous popes combined. (Reuters)