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| High Iran poll turnout claimed Voter turnout in Iran's controversial election may have been higher than expected, according to early estimates. First results from outlying areas showed wins for conservative candidates but moderate reformists are standing in some of the larger constituencies so it may be some time before a clear picture of the voting emerges. The final results are not expected until next week. A top election official, Ahmad Azimzadeh, says more than 30 percent of voters went to the polls in the Tehran area on Friday. A pre-election government survey suggests the turnout would be as low as 10 percent in the large cities, though it predicted 30 percent participation nationwide. Reformists claim a victory for hardliners is inevitable after about 2,500 pro-reform candidates were disqualified by the conservative Council of Guardians, an unelected 12-member body which vets elections. Clashes spread to Haiti capital At least 20 people were injured during a march in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on Saturday when militants loyal to the president attacked protesters. About 500 students demonstrating against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide were set upon by gangs armed with guns and machetes. In the capital Port-au-Prince, groups with guns and machetes attacked the students who were carrying banners condemning Mr Aristide, whom opponents say cheated in past elections and may do so again. Two journalists were among those injured in Friday's clashes in Port-au-Prince. It was the latest outbreak of violence that has flared in recent months but which has its roots in disputed elections held in 2000. The United Nations has warned of a looming humanitarian crisis, particularly in the north of Haiti where armed anti-government guerrillas are in control of large areas. Food and medical supplies have not been able to reach the rebel-held areas, including the city of Gonaives and more than 50 people have been killed in the unrest sparked by opponents of Mr Aristide. Japan put on terror attack alert Japan has tightened security at airports, nuclear power plants and government offices amid fears of a possible terrorist attack. The move follows the deployment of about 100 Japanese troops on a humanitarian mission in southern Iraq. Japan plans to send a total of 1,000 air, sea and ground forces to support the US in Iraq - Japan's largest military deployment since World War II. The move is highly controversial in Japan, which has a pacifist constitution. A police official in Tokyo terms it the highest level of security since the US-led invasion of Iraq last March. Another police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, says security is being tightened at 650 vital facilities around the country, including the Prime Minister's residence and the US embassy. UN praises East Timor progress The United Nations Security Council has been discussing the future of its involvement in East Timor. Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for the mandate of the UN mission to be extended for another year in the young state. He has also suggested keeping a reduced peacekeeping mission in the country of just over 300 military personnel along with military liaison officers and advisers. A formal vote is not expected for at least another month. The UN took over the running of the former Indonesian province in 1999 and a UN mission has remained there to help after it gained independence. There was widespread praise at the United Nations for the progress made by East Timor's government since independence less than two years ago. VOVNews/BBC/Reuters |
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