Cable Briefs

Press, 5 November 1977, Page 9

Cable Briefs

Strike decision

International airline pilots have lifted the threat of a protest strike after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning aircraft hijacking and calling for tougher airline and airport security. — New York.

Bulgaria ’quake

A strong earthquake has rocked south-western Bulgaria and portions of neighbouring Yugoslavia and Greece causing damage to buildings and railway tracks but no casualties. — Sofia. Quebec stand

France has assured Quebec of its support, but refused to be drawn into the French-speaking Canadian province’s struggle with the Ottawa Government over independence. The French President (Mr Valery Giscard d’Estaing) told Quebec’s separatist Premier (Mr Rene Levesque) that while France would not remain aloof, “It is not up to the French Government to interfere.” — Paris.

Gandhi stoning

The former Indian Prime Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi, was slightly injured when her car was stoned during a demonstration against her in the south Indian state of Karnataka (formerly Mysir) yesterday, Samachar news agency reports. Mrs Gandhi suffered a cut under her right ear in the incident at Shimoga, about 300 km from Bangalore. — Bangalore. French poll

The French Government has announced dates for a General Election next year in which the ruling Right and Centre parties will face an apparently dwindling challenge from the squabbling Left. A spokesman for President Valery Giscard d’Estaing said polling for the National Assembly would take place on March 12 and 19. Under France’s two-tier voting system, a second ballot is held in constituencies where no clear victor emerges from the first round. — Paris.

8.8. C. black-out

British Broadcasting Corporation technicians pressed their wage claims by blacking television and radio coverage of the State opening of Parliament. Widespread black-outs continue as power workers continue a work-to-rule. — London.

Ferry hijacked

A Japanese couple yesterday hijacked a sea ferry with 65 people aboard and forced it to stop at the northern Japan port of Hakodote for their sick dog to receive medical attention. The couple who held two officers at knifepoint for five hours, were arrested when coastguards stormed the 8190-tonne Shirayuri. None of the 31 crew and 34 passengers was injured. — Tokyo.