World briefs 1/17/06

U.S. helicopter crashes in Iraq, killing two pilots

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A U.S. military helicopter crashed north of the Iraqi capital Monday -- the third American chopper to go down in 10 days -- killing the two crew members. A resident said he saw the smoke trail of a missile before the aircraft plunged to the ground. The military said the AH-64 Apache was conducting a combat air patrol when it went down in an area "known for terrorist activity." Officials said it was too early to determine the cause of the crash, and the names of the dead soldiers were not released. Apaches hold only a pilot and a co-pilot. Two militant groups claimed they shot down the helicopter. Neither claim could be verified.

Vice president Dick Cheney arrives in Cairo

CAIRO, Egypt -- Vice President Dick Cheney began a Mideast visit Monday to confer with the United States' top allies in the region -- Saudi Arabia and Egypt -- on the political process in Iraq and on the West's standoffs with Syria and Iran. Cheney, who arrived Monday in the Egyptian capital, meets today with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak before heading to Saudi Arabia for talks with King Abdullah. Cheney added a stop Wednesday in Kuwait to pay his respects after the death of the country's emir, Sheik Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah, over the weekend.

Reports: Sharon opens eyes at grandson's voice

JERUSALEM -- Prime Minister Ariel Sharon briefly opened his eyes Monday in response to a recording of his grandson's voice, relatives told doctors, though hospital officials warned there were no signs that the comatose Israeli leader was any closer to regaining consciousness. With Sharon still incapacitated 12 days after a massive stroke, Monday's media excitement over the reported eye movements showed how even the slightest change in his condition is capturing the nation's attention.

Dock workers protest EU parliament proposal

STRASBOURG, France -- Demonstrators fought with police and smashed windows at the European Parliament building Monday during a protest over a proposal to make port operations in the European Union more competitive. Strikes and work slowdowns also disrupted cargo handling at several ports as unions pressed their opposition to the plan even as EU legislators predicted it would be rejected. Police used water cannons and tear gas trying to keep thousands of protesters away from the EU legislature in this eastern French city. But the mob surged forward, hurling rocks, logs and metal fences to shatter windows along the building's front.

Rwandan gets 15 years for killing tourists in Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda -- A Rwandan rebel convicted of killing eight tourists and a Ugandan guide on a gorilla-watching trip was sentenced Monday to 15 years in prison. Jean-Paul Bizimana, who could have received the death penalty for the 1999 killings, appealed for lenient punishment, saying, "I have a family to look after." "Those you killed also had families," High Court Judge John Bosco Katutsi responded sharply. "The deceased came to Uganda for pleasure, and they went back in coffins." The judge nonetheless rejected prosecutors' request for the death sentence. Three other men arrested in the killings have been sent to the United States to stand trial in the deaths of the two Americans -- Rob Haubner and his wife, Susan Miller, of Portland, Ore. -- who were killed along with tourists from Britain and New Zealand.

-- From wire reports