World briefs 8/29/04

U.N. ends Darfur mission, reports improvement

AL-FASHER, Sudan -- Security has improved inside camps in Sudan's violence-torn Darfur region, but displaced villagers still face attacks and abuse when leave the camps, a U.N. team said Saturday, wrapping up a mission that could determine whether Sudan is hit with international sanctions. Darfur rebels, meanwhile, said government forces and Arab militiamen continue to bomb and torch villages and kill civilians -- with attacks on six villages in the past three days, including one that killed 64 people. An estimated 30,000 have been killed in the violence, which began in February 2003.

U.S., Afghan troops arrest 22 during sweep

KABUL, Afghanistan -- U.S. and Afghan troops killed a Taliban commander and detained 22 suspected Taliban fighters during a major search operation after a gunbattle in a southern Afghan mountain range, officials said Saturday. Also, a renegade warlord was taken into custody weeks after a clash with a powerful rival in the west of the country, as authorities struggle to improve security for October elections. Mullah Rozi Khan, a Taliban commander in Zabul province, was killed after troops surrounded a group of rebels in Ghazoi village Friday evening, said Asadullah Khan, governor of neighboring Ghazni province. Some 18,000 American-led troops are in Afghanistan to hunt down al-Qaida and Taliban fighters.

'Friendly' killer whale damaging boats

GOLD RIVER, British Columbia -- A "playful" killer whale who likes to frolic alongside fishermen has damaged three boats in separate incidents in recent weeks. Luna, described by fishermen as a friendly 5-year-old whale, has made frequent contact with people and boats in waters off Vancouver Island. Now Canadian officials and an Indian group are working on a plan to protect both Luna and humans. Officials hope to eventually reunite him with his pod of U.S. relatives. Witnesses said that for hours after damaging the boats, Luna bumped and nudged the vessels, apparently seeking social contact.

Khatami to 'guarantee' Iran won't make nukes

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran said in a news conference Saturday it would continue its nuclear program but provide "guarantees" not to build atomic weapons, and warned Washington it cannot stabilize neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan without Tehran's help. Washington claims Iran's nuclear program is aimed at building atomic weapons, but Tehran says is directed at generating electricity. "We are ready to do everything necessary to give guarantees that we won't seek nuclear weapons," Khatami said.

-- From wire reports