World news briefs
India tests long-range missile
New Delhi India on Sunday test-launched a nuclear-capable missile able to carry a one-ton warhead, the defense ministry said.
The weapon has a range of up to 1,560 miles — easily within striking distance of any of India’s near neighbors — and is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
The Agni II was launched at India’s test range on the coast of eastern Orissa state, Defense Ministry spokesman Amitabh Chakravorty said.
Iraqi peace message carried to Iran
Tehran, Iran Iraq’s deputy prime minister visited Tehran on Sunday in what appeared to be an attempt at fence-mending between the former enemies whose relations have been bruised by growing Iraqi allegations that Iran is supporting the insurgency in Iraq.
Barhem Saleh arrived with the interior and transportation ministers on the first direct flight between Baghdad and Tehran in 25 years. Saleh is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi.
“I am carrying the friendship message of the Iraqi government and nation for the Iranian government and people,” the official Islamic Republic News Agency quoted Saleh as saying.
Tension has been rising between Iraq and former foe Iran. Iraqi Defense Minister Hazem Shaalan went so far as to describe Iran as Iraq’s “first enemy.”
Balcony collapse kills six in nightclub
Sao Paulo, Brazil An overcrowded balcony collapsed early Sunday inside a popular Sao Paulo nightclub that featured male strippers, killing six people and injuring at least 117, police said.
The interior balcony at the Ladies First nightclub buckled under the weight of customers shortly before 2 a.m., crushing people below.
“The balcony had many more people than the structure of the place would support,” said municipal guard Luciano da Zaparoli.
Authorities were investigating details of the incident at the nightclub in the Guarulhos neighborhood, near Sao Paulo’s international airport.