World Scene

RUSSIA

Overhaul is ordered for security services

MOSCOW — Russia will revamp its security forces and seek international cooperation to hunt down militants in the wake of a school siege in which more than 300 people were killed ten days ago, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said yesterday.

Mr. Ivanov said the overhaul will require a change of attitude among the Russian people and international support to succeed in a fight against Chechen militants.

Mr. Ivanov did not outline specific reforms, but his comments coincide with opinion polls showing that Russians have little faith in their corrupt security services and accuse the system of failing to prevent terrorist attacks.

ISRAEL

Route faces review for completed barrier

JERUSALEM — Israel is reviewing a 125-mile section of its West Bank barrier that has been completed in response to a High Court ruling, officials said yesterday.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s government had promised changes to the route of uncompleted sections of the barrier, but had not previously suggested that it could shift any of the portion that already had been built.

A Justice Ministry official revealed that the completed section of the fence “is being reviewed” after a new court petition filed yesterday by an Israeli human rights group on behalf of Palestinian villagers who have been cut off.

MEXICO

Drug chief, 7 others killed in gunbattles

MEXICO CITY — Gunmen killed a boss of one of Mexico’s main drug cartels and two other persons in an ambush at a theater complex, prosecutors said yesterday.

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