World briefs 8/6/05

European negotiators offer Iran long-term support

LONDON -- European negotiators on Friday offered Iran long-term support for its civilian nuclear program, including access to nuclear fuel, in exchange for a binding commitment not to develop atomic weapons. Britain, France and Germany -- which are spearheading diplomatic efforts on behalf of the European Union -- hope the offers of greater economic, political and security cooperation will end a deadlock over Tehran's nuclear program after months of negotiations. In Washington, a State Department spokesman said the United States supported the European proposal.

U.N. appeals for $80 million for Niger

GARIN GOUBLI, Niger -- The United Nations appealed Friday for $80 million to fight a food crisis threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands in this impoverished West African nation. Some $25.4 million has already been contributed or committed by donors, U.N. deputy emergency relief coordinator Margareta Wahlstrom said. The Niger crisis, blamed on drought and a locust invasion, has sparked sharp questions about the way the world responds to disasters.

Delegation pays respects to new Saudi king

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- A U.S. delegation led by Vice President Dick Cheney paid respects Friday to King Abdullah, a visit intended to show the importance Washington attaches to close ties with oil power Saudi Arabia. Cheney, former President Bush and former Secretary of State Colin Powell offered condolences on the death Monday of the new monarch's half brother, King Fahd. The official Saudi Press Agency said the two sides discussed Iraq, bilateral relations, and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

-- From wire reports