Canadian soldiers killed by bomb
A roadside bomb killed four Canadian soldiers Saturday in the deadliest attack on that nation’s troops since they deployed in Afghanistan four years ago; commanders blamed loyalists of the former Taliban regime.
The blast came as Afghan President Hamid Karzai said “foreigners” are fomenting his country’s insurgency. He didn’t name any countries or groups.
Canadian officers said the bomb destroyed one of four armored vehicles in a convoy and killed its four occupants in Gomboth, a village about 25 miles north of the southern city of Kandahar, a former Taliban stronghold.
A 2,200-soldier Canadian contingent moved into southern Afghanistan to relieve U.S. troops. Canada has had forces in the country since the U.S.-led offensive that toppled the Taliban at the end of 2001. At least 16 Canadians have been killed.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Saudis, Chinese sign agreements
Oil-rich Saudi Arabia and energy-starved China signed defense, security and trade agreements Saturday on the first day of Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit, a trip both sides expect will enhance relations.
Hu also visited the headquarters of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, the Middle East’s largest non-oil industrial company, where he discussed a $5.3-billion petrochemical project in China in which the Saudis are interested in investing.
Earlier, the Chinese leader and King Abdullah oversaw the signing of security, defense, health and trade agreements, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. It did not give details on the deals.
China has been aggressively seeking to strengthen relationships with major oil suppliers as it grows more reliant on imports. Saudi Arabia accounts for about 17 percent of China’s imported oil.
Vatican City
Pope tells Jesuits to remember vows
Pope Benedict XVI reminded members of the Jesuit religious order Saturday of their vow of obedience to the pontiff and said their main job was to interact with modern culture.
Benedict made the comments following a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in honor of the Jesuits, who are marking several anniversaries surrounding the founder of the order, St. Ignatius Loyola, and other prominent members.
Benedict told the prelates that Loyola was a faithful servant of the church.
“And it was from this desire to serve the church in the most useful and efficient way that the vow of special obedience to the pope was born,” Benedict said.
The Jesuits are renowned for their intellectual rigor and excellent teachers, scholars and scientists.
Caracas, Venezuela
Anti-crime protest draws opposition
Thousands of Venezuelans lay in the outlines of bodies chalked on a main avenue Saturday to protest against President Hugo Chavez’s handling of violent crime, while supporters held a separate demonstration backing his social policies.
Violent robberies, kidnappings and murders have long been frequent in Venezuela, but a series of particularly heinous killings have sparked protests by largely middle- and upper-class crowds demanding immediate action to make the streets safer.
The opposition group filled a main avenue in a wealthy Caracas neighborhood, lying face-up for about 15 minutes on the pavement in chalk outlines resembling those drawn by police at crime scenes. Some held photos of crime victims.
“We want to live without fear, to go out in the streets without being afraid,” said Yen Diazo, a 21-year-old student.