Bus, train hit in Russia; 21 die
ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (AP) – A bus transporting workers after their shift at a local factory collided with a train Friday in southern Russia, killing at least 21 people, the Emergency Situations Ministry said.
Ministry spokesman Sergei Kozhemyaka said in Rostov-on-Don that all the victims were on the bus, which was carrying 27 people from the Kontsentrat factory. Six others were seriously injured, officials said.
The accident occurred at an unguarded train crossing near the village of Voronezhskaya under heavy fog and the engine car derailed, said another ministry spokesman, Viktor Beltsov. The bus was severely damaged, complicating rescue efforts.
Shooter of pope on lam again
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) – The Turkish gunman who shot Pope John Paul II failed to report to a police station Friday – the day after his release from prison – and authorities said the military could ask for his arrest for draft-dodging.
Mehmet Ali Agca was required to report daily to a police station to allow authorities to keep tabs on him until at least officials decide on whether he should serve his military service.
Istanbul Gov. Muammer Guler said Agca – whose whereabouts were unknown – had not reported to any police station by Friday evening. Guler said Agca was also required to report to a military hospital on Monday.
South Korea, U.S. reach agreement
GWACHEON, South Korea (AP) – South Korea and the United States agreed Friday on partially ending a two-year import ban on American beef triggered by mad cow disease, the South Korean government said.
South Korea shut its doors to U.S. beef imports in December 2003 after the first U.S. case of mad cow disease. At the time it was the third-largest foreign market for American beef, after Japan and Mexico.
South Korea said in a statement that it agreed to resume imports of U.S. meat from calves under 30 months old. Imports will resume by the end of March, though the agreement excludes the import of beef ribs, a key demand of the United States.
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