World briefs 6/29/04

Bird flu could threaten humans worldwide

WASHINGTON -- A strain of bird flu that scientists fear could lead to a worldwide pandemic in humans is becoming more infectious to mammals. Scientists say it is only a matter of time before the virus adapts to spread among humans. The flu already passed from birds to humans in Hong Kong in 1997, killing six of 18 infected people. Since then human cases also have been reported in Vietnam and Thailand. Now China-based researchers studying the H5N1 flu strain report that over the years it is changing to become more dangerous to mammals. Their research, based on tests in mice, is reported in Monday's issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Viruses constantly mutate, and this one could accumulate enough genetic changes to become good at passing between humans.

Canadian Liberal Party loses outright majority

OTTAWA -- The Liberal Party lost outright control of Parliament on Monday, ending an 11-year monopoly on power, but easily won the largest share of seats and will now try to lead Canada's first minority government since 1979. Though dogged by scandal, the Liberals of Prime Minister Paul Martin prevailed by largely holding their ground in Ontario, the pivotal battleground in the election. Most minority governments in Canada's past have proven unstable and short-lived. The Liberals may try to govern in an informal coalition with the left-wing New Democratic Party.

First Amendment support rebounds from Sept. 11

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Americans' support for First Amendment freedoms has returned to levels not seen since before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, an annual survey on the subject shows. The survey released Monday found that 65 percent of respondents disagreed with the statement "the First Amendment goes too far in the rights it guarantees." Thirty percent agreed with the statement. Two years ago the response to the question in the survey was evenly split at 49 percent to 49 percent. The First Amendment protects freedom of religion, speech and the press and Americans' right to assemble and petition the government. Gene Policinski, acting director of the First Amendment Center, said a current trend toward greater support for the First Amendment began last year.

Israel takes offensive in Gaza after rocket attack

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Israeli tanks rolled into northern Gaza and gunships fired missiles at two buildings early Tuesday in what the military called a major drive to prevent Palestinian rocket fire from hitting Israel's border towns. Troops, bulldozers and tanks began crossing over the border into Gaza. Security officials predicted a prolonged reoccupation of some Palestinian areas. The Israeli actions followed a Palestinian rocket attack in Sderot, an Israeli town near Gaza. The missile landed just yards from a pair of nursery schools, killing a 3-year-old boy and a 49-year-old man. It was the first time in nearly four years of fighting that Israelis were killed by rockets from Gaza.

-- From wire reports