In brief: U.S. Embassy reopens in Tripoli

Tripoli, Libya – The U.S. ambassador to Libya expressed confidence in the country’s new rulers Thursday as the American Embassy reopened in the capital months after it closed down during the fighting to oust Moammar Gadhafi.

Ambassador Gene Cretz acknowledged the North African nation faces many challenges as Gadhafi remains on the run and fighting with his loyalists continues on three fronts.

“The next few months will be critical as Libyans lay the groundwork for a pluralistic democracy that respects the rights of all of its citizens,” he said in remarks before the flag was raised in front of his residence in Tripoli, which will serve as the interim embassy. “The United States and the international community are ready to help in any way we can.”

Irish economy beats forecast

Dublin – Amid tanking stocks, fears of a Greek default and the risk of another global recession, a small beacon of hope shone out from a quiet corner of Europe on Thursday: Bailed-out Ireland is showing promising signs of a comeback.

The Irish economy grew by a stronger-than-expected 1.6 percent in the second quarter this year, easily surpassing European heavyweights such as Germany and France. The news fueled hopes that a modest recovery is under way after three painful years of economic contraction.

It was the second consecutive quarter of growth for the Irish economy, which, despite the real-estate crash that killed the so-called “Celtic Tiger,” continues to be a magnet for dynamic multinational companies such as Microsoft and Google.

Pacific hurricane now Category 4

Miami – Hurricane Hilary strengthened into a small but powerful Category 4 storm in the Pacific on Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported.

Hilary’s maximum sustained winds were near 135 mph late Thursday. The hurricane was not forecast to make landfall, though officials said it was expected to rake Mexico’s coast with wind, rain and heavy surf.

Hilary was centered about 85 miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico, and was moving west-northwest.