World briefs 12/12/03

Hamburg al-Qaida suspect freed from custody

HAMBURG, Germany -- A German court Thursday freed a Moroccan accused of supporting the Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida cell in Hamburg, saying there was new evidence he did not know about the plot. The decision also cast doubt on the only conviction so far in the suicide attacks in the United States. The new evidence suggested that those involved in the terrorist plot were only the three Hamburg-based suicide hijackers and their alleged al-Qaida liaison.

Scientists report progress in treating Ebola virus

LONDON -- The first treatment to show any promise against the deadly Ebola virus has cured one-third of the monkeys it was tested on -- raising hopes that a lifesaving therapy for people may be on the horizon. Experts said the results represent the biggest advance yet in the quest for a drug against Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, one of the most feared diseases. World Health Organization doctors said they plan to try the drug on humans during the next outbreak. In the study, scientists used a protein that blocks blood coagulation, considered to be a major problem in the disease. Experts say any treatment would need to be used in conjunction with a rapid diagnostic test to catch the disease early.

Britain restructuring forces for war on terror

LONDON -- Britain announced a major restructuring of its armed forces Thursday, with plans to make them lighter, quicker and more technologically advanced. The announcement coincided with a separate government report that criticized the preparedness of British troops for the war in Iraq. Presenting the government's plans, Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon said that over time the military would cut its number of heavy weapons such as tanks and artillery, downgrade one of its three armored brigades and keep under review the number of combat aircraft it deploys.

U.S.-backed nuclear plan delivered to North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea -- South Korea tried to bolster hopes for a breakthrough in the North Korean nuclear crisis on Thursday, as China confirmed delivery of a pivotal U.S.-backed plan for easing tensions to North Korea. The United States, Japan and South Korea presented a blueprint for ending the standoff to China, which is playing the role of mediator, earlier this week but a report Wednesday said Beijing found the plan unacceptable and didn't relay it. However on Thursday a spokesman said the proposal was delivered to Pyongyang.

Law protecting U.S. food supply takes effect today

REYNOSA, Mexico -- Indian pigeon peas, Mexican cilantro, Turkish laurel leaves -- any food headed for the American market -- will be more closely examined starting today under new rules to thwart bioterrorists. Under the Bioterrorism Act, the U.S. government requires 400,000 food handling companies -- at home and abroad -- to register all products with the Food and Drug Administration. The law requires those exporting food to the United States to give American inspectors advance notice before shipments arrive.

-- From wire reports