AP - The verbal attacks Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez launched against President Bush should not affect diplomatic relations between the countries, the U.S. ambassador said Monday.

AP - Islamic militia in the seaport of Kismayo opened fire Monday on thousands protesting the fundamentalists' takeover of the southern town, and witnesses said a teenager was killed. A top Islamic leader said the presence of Ethiopian troops in western Somalia was tantamount to "a declaration of war."

AFP - Honda Motor plans to launch a new hydorgen powered fuel-cell vehicle in Japan and the United States in 2008 as the battle for the "green" car market intensifies, a report has said.

AFP - Belgian biopharmaceutical group UCB has announced a friendly takeover bid of 4.4 billion euros (5.6 billion dollars) for German company Schwarz Pharma, aimed at strengthening its position in the neurology sector.