In brief: Deal could avert Iraq executions

Baghdad – The controversial executions of some members of Saddam Hussein’s former regime could be put on hold indefinitely, according to a deal taking shape between Iraqi political parties working to avert yet another political crisis.

The move would be a significant shift from an announcement by the Justice Ministry last week that execution orders could be signed in days.

The six former regime officials to be executed include former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and five others handed over by the U.S. military last week.

There is little quarrel among most Iraqis with hanging Saddam Hussein’s half brothers, Watban Ibrahim Hassan and Sabawi Ibrahim al-Tikriti, who were considered an integral part of the regime.

But the planned execution of former defense minister Sultan Hashim has threatened to widen political and sectarian rifts. Hashim has widespread support among many Iraqis who see him as a nationalist rather than as a part of Saddam’s regime.

Heavy fighting in eastern Libya

Ajdabiya, Libya – Fighting intensified Tuesday around Port Brega in eastern Libya as rebel fighters struggled to dislodge government forces from the strategic coastal city and its petrochemical complex.

Rebel fighters described a rocket barrage by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi that ripped through a rebel unit trying to advance into the city. The advance halted as rebels treated and evacuated casualties.

The insurgents said government forces have flown rebel flags from some rocket launchers and vehicles as a ploy to close in on rebel units.

The day’s fighting left at least eight insurgents dead and 45 wounded.

Autopsy confirms Allende killed self

Santiago, Chile – A scientific autopsy has confirmed that Chilean President Salvador Allende committed suicide during the 1973 coup that toppled his socialist government, court officials announced on Tuesday.

British ballistics expert David Prayer said Allende died of two shots fired from an assault rifle that was held between his legs and under his chin and was set to fire automatically. The bullets blew out the top of his head and killed him instantly.

Prayer said there were two bullets fired, two casings recovered and that there is no evidence a second person was involved in Allende’s death. That ruled out theories that Allende, the first socialist in the Americas to come to power at the ballot box, was killed by the military as troops stormed the presidential palace during the coup led by Gen. Augusto Pinochet.