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AFGHANISTAN

Rivals demand president step down

KABUL -- A dozen challengers to Afghan President Hamid Karzai in the country's first presidential election threatened yesterday to boycott the vote unless he resigns, giving up an office they say gives him an unfair advantage.

Former Education Minister Yunus Qanooni, regarded as the strongest of the 17 candidates challenging Mr. Karzai in the Oct. 9 election, was among those demanding the president step down to create a more level playing field.

An interim council should be set up to run the country until an elected government can be formed, said fellow candidate Latif Pedram. Mr. Karzai's rivals charged that he enjoys strong international backing because of his close association with the Bush administration.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Accused mercenaries tried in failed coup

MALABO -- Fourteen suspected mercenaries went on trial in Equatorial Guinea yesterday, accused of plotting to topple the oil-rich nation's president with the help of 70 men detained in Zimbabwe, officials said.

The eight South Africans and six Armenians were arrested in March and stand accused of going to Equatorial Guinea's capital, Malabo, as an advance party to prepare the ground for the arrival of a plane with the second group of men and weapons.