Eight countries halt French poultry imports

PARIS • Eight countries including Japan and Morocco have suspended imports of French poultry after the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus was detected in south-western France, home to many foie gras and poultry producers, the Agriculture Ministry said.

The virus killed 22 chickens out of 32 kept in a family backyard in the Perigord region, officials said on Nov 25. South Korea, China, Thailand, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia were the other countries to curb imports.

REUTERS

Court revokes permit for giant telescope

HONOLULU • The Hawaii Supreme Court has revoked a permit that would have allowed the construction of one of the world's largest telescopes on a dormant volcano considered an ideal location to view stars.

Issuing the permit to construct a US$1.4 billion (S$2 billion) astronomical observatory on the Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island did not comply with case law, statutes or the state Constitution.

REUTERS

France issues terror attack survival guide

PARIS • France's government published a guide on how to survive a terrorist attack yesterday, coupled with a warning from the prime minister that people must learn to live with the risk.

Advice in cartoon-strip form, to appear on posters in public places like train stations and available online, recommends three key responses: flee, hide and raise the alarm. The guide offers basic advice to first of all flee the scene of danger.

REUTERS