Calls for Olmert’s resignation mount
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert suffered another blow Thursday when a key rival for power in his political party suggested the embattled leader should be replaced because of a widening corruption investigation.
With the comments from Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Olmert now encounters an open rebellion in his Kadima party, making it increasingly unlikely he can survive the public uproar that has gripped the country since a key witness described illicit cash payments to the luxury-loving Israeli leader.
Livni, one of Israel’s most popular politicians, suggested a change of leadership was required to maintain the party’s dignity, becoming the first senior party member to openly come out against Olmert.
“I think the reality has changed since yesterday and Kadima has to make decisions,” Livni told reporters. “I suspect that Kadima needs to start right away acting for every eventuality, including elections.”
Panama City, Panama
Copter crash kills Chile’s police chief
Chile’s national police chief and 10 others were killed Thursday when the aging Panamanian government helicopter they were riding in crashed into a three-story building in Panama City.
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet rushed to Santiago from northern Chile when she learned of the death of Gen. Jose Alejandro Bernales, 59. He was on an official visit to Panama with his wife, Teresa Bianchini.
It was not immediately clear what caused the crash.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Evacuations follow strong earthquake
A strong earthquake shook southern Iceland on Thursday, injuring at least 15 people as it rocked buildings in the capital, touched off landslides and forced evacuations in outlying towns, officials and local media said.
Government officials reported that 15 to 30 people were injured, none of them seriously, when the quake hit near Selfoss, 30 miles southeast of the capital of Reykjavik. They were taken to a local health center for treatment.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 6.2 and hit at 3:46 p.m.
Sharp aftershocks were feared over the next few hours in the southwest of the country, and police traveled around the nearby town of Hveragerdi, 28 miles east of Reykjavik, with a bullhorn, advising residents to stay outdoors.
An Associated Press Television News cameraman in Hveragerdi reported at least two aftershocks, and said residents were beginning to pitch tents outside because they were not allowed to return home.