World Scene

IRAQ

U.N. envoy arrives to assist transition

NEW YORK — A U.N. team led by senior adviser Lakhdar Brahimi arrived in Baghdad yesterday to guide Iraqis on an interim government after the U.S.-led occupation ends on June 30, the United Nations said.

“There, they will cooperate with the parties to assist them in the transitional process,” said a U.N. statement released in New York. The world body does not announce staff visits to Iraq in advance.

AUSTRALIA

Turbulence hospitalizes three on United flight

SYDNEY — Three persons were taken to the hospital with minor injuries today after a United Airlines flight carrying 234 passengers from Los Angeles to Sydney hit turbulence over the Pacific, the airline said.

Five ambulances met the flight at Sydney’s international airport to attend to hurt passengers and crew.

United Airlines said in a statement that the fasten-seat belt sign was on at the time of the incident. The aircraft was undamaged and would make the return flight to Los Angeles later today as scheduled, it said.

UNITED NATIONS

U.S. payment lags due to weak dollar

The United States is again struggling to pay its dues at the United Nations and to dozens of other international organizations. This time, it’s because of the weak dollar.

The State Department is asking Congress for almost $200 million to offset the shortfall in a proposed $31.5 billion budget for international affairs.

U.N. agencies and other international groups based overseas bill the United States for part or all of its dues.

RWANDA

Genocide death toll is put at 937,000

KIGALI — The 1994 Rwandan genocide claimed 937,000 victims according to a census the Rwandan government conducted in 2001, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.

Estimates of the genocide’s death toll long have conflicted, ranging from 500,000 to 1 million people killed. The U.N. International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda estimates about 800,000 Rwandans were killed between April and July 1994.

Robert Bayigamba, Rwanda’s minister for youth, culture and sports, said the figure could climb much higher after the completion of trials in which many defendants are expected to testify.