Cable briefs

Press, 9 January 1986, Page 6

Cable briefs

Policeman found dead A conscript Egyptian policeman sentenced to life imprisonment for killing seven Israelis last October has been found hanged in a prison hospital. Defence Ministry sources said first evidence indicated that 25-year-old Suliman Khater, aged 25, had committed suicide, but his brother said he suspected murder. — Cairo, Secretary resigns The United States Agriculture Secretary, John Block, who has presided over one of the most troubled periods in United States agricultural history, has resigned. Mr Block, aged 50, a large-scale farmer, was one of the few remaining original members of Mr Reagan’s Cabinet. He has been attacked in Congress over the cost of farm programmes. — Washington. Furry fright An animal cruelty campaigner has sent horrific photographs of dying animals to the Princess of Wales, hoping to shock her out of wearing fur. — London. Doctors strike Italian hospitals provided only emergency services yesterday after about 100,000 doctors, complaining that they were the worst paid in Europe, began a three-day strike to demand higher salaries and a better status. — Rome. Rumours denied Prince Andrew’s new girlfriend, Sarah Ferguson, has scoffed at marriage rumours. The redhead, aged 26, laughed at journalists asking about a possible engagement announcement. — London.

Parkinson cleared A former British Conservative Cabinet Minister, Cecil Parkinson, has been cleared of divulging any State secrets in conversations with his former mistress, Sara Keays. A Scotland Yard investigation, prompted by revelations in a recent book by Miss Keays, found no evidence that Mr Parkinson had violated the Official Secrets Act. — London. M.P.s remanded Four Mauritian members of Parliament charged with trying to smuggle SIM ofheroin into the Netherlands, have been remanded in custody. They were arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport on December 27 after Customs officers alleged they found 20kg of heroin in their luggage. — Haarlem. Dental dodge A Hong. Kong man has admitted robbing his dentist at knife point after having his tooth pulled. Sun Waiman, aged 17, pleaded guilty to tying up the dentist at a clinic last month and fleeing with SUS3OOO ($6000), court officials said. Sentencing was deferred. — Hong Kong. Fatal slips At least 19 people were killed when their homes were buried by landslides caused by continuing heavy rain in Sri Lanka’s central province, Government officials said. — Colombo. Deputy dies Gerhard Weiss, aged 66, the deputy Prime Minister of East Germany, has died after a long illness. — Berlin.