World briefs 1/19/06

Europe, U.S. reject request for nuclear program talks

PARIS -- Europe, backed by the United States, on Wednesday rejected Iran's request for talks on its nuclear program, cranking up international pressure on Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said "there's not much to talk about" until Iran halts nuclear activity. But Iran's president accused the West of acting like the "lord of the world" in denying his country the peaceful use of the atom. The quick dismissal of Iran's request for a ministerial-level meeting with French, British and German negotiators focused attention on the next step: the U.S. and European push to refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council, which could impose economic and political sanctions.

U.N. resumes relief flights to Pakistani quake victims

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- The United Nations resumed relief flights to earthquake-devastated areas of Pakistan on Wednesday, but the race to save hungry and freezing victims was stymied by new landslides. Helicopters flew again after being grounded for three days by the harsh Himalayan winter. But key roads to quake-wracked areas have been blocked by landslides and avalanches triggered by heavy rain and snow.

-- From wire reports

Sharon had surgery to replace breathing tube, remains in critical condition

JERUSALEM -- Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had surgery overnight to replace his breathing tube, the hospital where he is being treated said in a statement Wednesday. Sharon, who has been in a coma since suffering a stroke Jan. 4, remains in critical but stable condition, the statement from Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital said. "The breathing tube was changed overnight due to a technical problem. The successful procedure was conducted in the operating room. The prime minister was taken back to his room in the morning," the statement said. The 77-year-old Israeli leader, who has been on a respirator, underwent a tracheotomy Sunday to help him breathe better. He has been taken off sedatives. Outside experts have said his failure to regain consciousness in recent days bodes poorly for his recovery.

Pope says his first encyclical to be published Jan. 25

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday he will publish his first encyclical on the different aspects of God's love next week, adding it was "providential" the text would be released after a period of prayer for unifying all Christians. Benedict announced the Jan. 25 publication date of "God is Love" during his weekly general audience. He told pilgrims and tourists the release, first planned for Dec. 8, had been delayed but was now ready. He said he hoped it would "illuminate and help our Christian life." The pope said the encyclical -- a pontiff's most authoritative declaration -- demonstrates the concept of love in its various dimensions, from the love between man and woman to the love that the Roman Catholic Church has for others in its expression of charity.