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By | Sunday, August 10, 2008

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MEXICO

Border city fines American drivers

MEXICO CITY | A Mexican border city has begun fining American drivers who cross the border to fill extra drums, tanks or barrels with government-subsidized fuel.

The city of Ciudad Acuna, across the border from Del Rio, Texas, said Friday that it fined four U.S. residents for carrying extra diesel and would impound their cars until they pay. The fines equal 70 percent of the value of the diesel confiscated.

American drivers can fill up their own vehicles, but carrying extra fuel containers back across the border violates customs regulations and possibly safety rules, a report from the city said.

Mexico, one of the world's top 10 oil producers, sells diesel fuel domestically at subsidized prices of about $2.25 per gallon, about half the U.S. price.

MAURITANIA

Deposed president held for 'security'

NOUAKCHOTT | The leader of Mauritania's coup said the democratically elected president he deposed would not be released because of "security concerns," a London-based Arabic newspaper reported Saturday.

Ousted President Sidi Cheikh Ould Abdallahi, overthrown Wednesday, is in good health, junta leader Gen. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was quoted as saying by the pan-Arab, Saudi-funded newspaper Asharq Awsat.