Wikinews:Briefs/August 6, 2006

The time is 19:00 (UTC) on August 6th, 2006, and this is Audio Wikinews News Briefs.

Lebanon fighting escalates as ceasefire looms
Lebanon

… fighting escalates as ceasefire looms.

Eleven Israelis were killed and 15 injured in an attack that saw 80 missiles hit towns in northern Israel Sunday. Later, at least seven rockets hit Haifa, Israel and the surrounding area killing one and injuring at least 20. Other missiles have hit the Ma'alot, Carmiel area, and Kiryat Shmona.

In Lebanon, 17 people were killed as Israeli warplanes and artillery struck southern Lebanon. Three Chinese UN peacekeepers were injured when a rocket landed near their post, according to the Xinhua news agency. Israeli jets also struck the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Syrian minister rejects proposed U.N. resolution
Syria

Syria has rejected a proposed United Nations resolution, backed by both the United States and France, for a cease fire in the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict. Syria's foreign minister has said that the resolution is "a recipe for the continuation of the war," and "adopted Israel's point of view only."

British soldier killed in southern Afghanistan
Afghanistan

The British Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a British soldier has been killed in southern Afghanistan during a joint operation with Canadian-led Nato troops.

Canadian held in China faces execution
China

China is planning to execute a Canadian national next week according to his wife who is seeking help from the Canadian government to free the man.

Iran bans Shirin Ebadi-led human rights group
Iran

The government of Iran has banned the human rights group Defenders of Human Rights Center led by Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi.

I'm staying for at least a year: Blair
United Kingdom

Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister, intends to remain in power for "at least another year" despite calls for his resignation from within his own Labour Party.

Participant claims drug trial gave him cancer
A man who fell ill after participating in a drug trial at Northwick Park Hospital in north-west London earlier this year has revealed he has the early signs of an “aggressive” form of cancer.

Vaccine targets obesity in rats
United States

American scientists have successfully used a vaccine to slow down weight gain in an animal model, as reported in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Reuters retracts image; suspends employee due to threat
media

The Reuters news agency has retracted a photograph of Beirut, Lebanon, after finding out that it was altered. Reuters released a statement saying: "Photo editing software was improperly used on this image. A corrected version will immediately follow this advisory. We are sorry for any inconvience."

American cyclist Floyd Landis tested positive for excessive levels of testosterone in second test
sports - cycling

The second urine sample provided by the winner of this year's Tour de France, American cyclist Floyd Landis, has tested positive for excessive levels of testosterone. This confirms the results of the earlier test done after his victory in the Tour de France on 20 July.

Jenson Button wins 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix
sports – racing

Jenson Button has won the 2006 Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Day 1 report of Wikimania 2006
about us

Wikimania 2006 is the second annual Wikimedia conference. Hosted by the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at the Harvard Law School campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it began August 4 and will run until August 6.

Closing statements
We invite you to visit wikinews.org for up-to-date news and information. This has been Audio Wikinews Newsbriefs. Thank you for listening, and enjoy the rest of your day. This recording has been released under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.