World Scene

IRAN

Draft ‘deplores’ Tehran on nukes

VIENNA, Austria — European powers yesterday presented a draft resolution that takes Iran to task for lagging cooperation with a U.N. atomic agency probe into its suspect nuclear activities.

The draft “deplores” the fact that Iran’s “cooperation has not been complete, timely and proactive,” but “acknowledges Iranian cooperation” in granting agency inspectors access to sites and locations in their investigation, said diplomats who have seen the text.

The draft was circulated informally among delegations representing the 35-nation board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency ahead of a board meeting that starts Monday.

ISRAEL

Cabinet minister quits over Gaza plan

JERUSALEM — The leader of a pro-settler party resigned from the Cabinet yesterday, dealing a further blow to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s shaky ruling coalition after the approval of his Gaza withdrawal plan.

With the exit of Housing Minister Effie Eitam, leader of the National Religious Party, Mr. Sharon no longer commands a majority in parliament, but his opponents don’t appear to have enough votes to bring him down.

Last week, Mr. Sharon fired two ministers from the pro-settler National Union party, helping him win Cabinet approval for the Gaza plan.

AFGHANISTAN

U.S., Afghan forces kill 21 militants

KANDAHAR — U.S.-led troops backed by jet fighters and helicopters killed 21 Taliban militants yesterday, after rebels attacked a convoy in the mountains of southern Afghanistan, an Afghan commander said.

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