World briefs 3/14/05

Kyrgyz voters cast ballots for parliament runoffs

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan -- Voters in Kyrgyzstan cast ballots on Sunday in elections amid accusations of fraud and opposition concerns that the longtime leader of the former Soviet republic might seek to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said the first round of voting for the 75-member parliament fell short of international standards, noting instances of vote buying, questionable disqualification of candidates and interference with the media. The government has dismissed those charges.

Kurds, Shiites work to form Iraqi government

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Kurdish leaders said they were near a final agreement Sunday with the majority Shiites to form a coalition government when Iraq's first democratically elected parliament in modern history convenes later this week. Further talks are slated in Baghdad today. The deal calls for Jalal Talabani, a Kurdish leader, to be named president. Conservative Islamic Dawa party leader Ibrahim al-Jaafari, of the Shiite majority, would become prime minister. Two American security contractors were killed and a third was wounded in a roadside bombing south of Baghdad.

Iran says Europe is too slow on nuke talks

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran described progress on nuclear talks with Europe as unsatisfactory and too slow, with Tehran's chief negotiator warning Sunday that it soon may walk away from the discussion. Iran has made such threats before, accusing Europe of wasting time and not making proposals that conform to the Iranian bottom line -- that it will develop peaceful nuclear technology. Europe seeks to ensure it does not use the technology to build bombs.