U.N atomic watchdogs debates censure of Iran

VIENNA, Austria -- U.N. nuclear agency members were deadlocked Thursday over how harshly to censure Tehran for failing to fully expose its nuclear activities. Informal meetings ended with no agreement, after the nonaligned bloc at the 35-nation board of governors watered down a draft resolution backed by the United States, Canada, Australia and European countries. Those Western nation then rejected the altered resolution as being too gentle on Iran. The deadlock left Canadian and Australian diplomats shuttling between U.S. and nonaligned representatives in a reflection of how far apart the two sides were before the informal meetings were adjourned for the night with no agreement. Consultations were set to resume today.

Haitian protest sparks shootout involving police

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- A shootout between police and protesters killed two men and injured seven during a demonstration in support of Jean-Bertrand Aristide Thursday as the exiled Haitian president planned a return to the Caribbean. The violence erupted as hundreds of protesters marched through the Belair neighborhood of Port-au-Prince yelling "Aristide has to come back! We don't want Bush as president!" Shots were fired and some protesters pulled out pistols. Police fired tear gas, and a shootout between protesters and police ensued, witnesses said.

U.S. diplomats press Israel on Gaza exit

JERUSALEM -- Visiting American diplomats pressed Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Thursday for more details of his proposed withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, as his top security advisers recommended Israel also dismantle as many as 24 settlements in the West Bank. The proposed pullout from much of Gaza and parts of the West Bank is part of Sharon's plan to impose a boundary on the Palestinians, at least temporarily, if peace efforts remain frozen. The prime minister has given few details, raising concerns in Washington and with the Palestinians that he may abandon the U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan.

-- From wire reports