Global News In Brief: Israel To Try Captured Hamas Ministers
Compiled by Scoop co-editor, Selwyn Manning
Israel: Hamas Members Will Be Tried
Israel intends to try the Hamas activists, government ministers and parliament members captured during an early-morning
incursion into the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Defense Forces said June 29. The Palestinians will be tried for involvement
with terrorist activities.
Israeli troops took 64 Hamas officials into custody during early morning raids in the Palestinian territories on
wednesday. The detainees include seven members of the Hamas Cabinet and 20 parliamentarians. Israeli officials say the
detainees will be questioned and eventually indicted on charges stemming from the June 25 abduction of Israeli Cpl.
Gilad Shalit in Gaza.
U.K.: Iran Could Threaten U.K. Interests
Militants sponsored by Iran could increasingly pose a threat to British interests if progress is not made regarding
Iran's nuclear program, Britain's Intelligence Security Committee (ISC) reported June 29. The ISC comprises lawmakers
from both houses of Parliament, and has access to highly classified material.
Russia: Joining Turkey's 'Black Sea Harmony'
Russia will join Black Sea Harmony, a Turkish security initiative to fight terrorism and nuclear proliferation in the
region, Russian President Vladimir Putin said June 29.
Kuwait: Polls Close
Kuwait's first elections in which women could vote ended at 8 p.m. local time June 29. Voter turnout exceeded 80 percent
in many of Kuwait's 25 constituencies, state-run Kuwait TV said. Final results are expected by early June 30. Women make
up 57 percent of the Kuwaiti electorate.
NORTH KOREA/CHINA:
The Chinese Foreign Ministry summons North Korea's ambassador to convey Beijing's fears over Pyongyang's possible
ballistic missile launch, the Kyodo news agency reports. The ministry declines to comment on the report.
G-8 and Iran:
Persuading Iran to accept a package of incentives and settle concerns over its nuclear program is expected to dominate
the agenda at the meeting of G-8 foreign ministers in Moscow, Russia. The five permanent U.N. Security Council members
and Germany hope Iran will accept their offer by the G-8 leaders' summit, which will be held July 15-17.
SPAIN: The Spanish government will begin peace negotiations with the Basque separatist group ETA, Spanish Prime Minister Jose
Luis Rodriguez Zapatero says. Zapatero adds that the talks will be long and difficult, and the victims of ETA's 30-year
armed campaign will be remembered during the process. ETA had earlier announced a permanent cease-fire with the Spanish
government.
ENDS