Wikinews:Briefs/June 28, 2005

June 28, 2005

Norway and Denmark conducting observation flights over Belarus and Russia
In accordance with the Treaty on Open Skies, Norway and Denmark started conducting observation flights over Belarus and Russia yesterday. These flights are expected to last until July 1, with seven Belarussian and two Russian inspectors monitoring foreign planes.

Wal-Mart heir John Walton killed in plane crash
John Walton, son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and the 11th richest person in the world, has been killed in a plane crash on June 27 in Wyoming. He was 58 years old. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Jackson Hole Airport in Grand Teton National Park at about 1:20 p.m. CDT. Walton was the only person killed in the crash.

Lukashenko accuses foreign donators of ideological expansion
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, accused foreign funds and donators of ideological expansion in Belarus during his meeting with talented youth today.

"In recent years, activities of foreign donators, who were carrying out ideological expansion on Belarus disguised as humanitarian aid, and really stealing State's intellectual possession, was curbed," Lukashenko said.

France secures site for 10 billion euro nuclear fusion research project
France has won a years-long battle to host ITER, the 'next step' in nuclear fusion research. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers our sun, and could potentially lead to almost unlimited energy available on Earth.

Under the terms of the agreement reached today, France will pay 50% of the construction costs of the 10 billion euro (£6.6bn) program costs, while Japan will gain 20% of the 200 research jobs that will be part of the project, but pay only 10% of the costs.