13 killed in Baghdad bomb blast

Baghdad: A suicide car bomber targeted an Iraqi minister during rush hour on Thursday in Baghdad, killing at least 13 people and wounding more than 20, officials said. The blast underscored the continued dangers facing Iraqis despite a sharp decline in violence over the 2007 as insurgents defy security improvements. Militants have frequently targeted Iraqi government officials.

The attacker rammed the car into the labour and social affairs ministry convoy as it passed through the central Bab al-Sharji area, a ministry spokesman said.

—AP

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China activist wins EU top rights prize

Strasbourg, France: Chinese dissident Hu Jia won the European Union’s top human rights prize on Thursday despite a warning from Beijing that his selection would seriously harm relations. "Hu Jia is one of the real defenders of human rights in the People’s Republic of China," said European Parliament president Hans-Gert Poettering.

"The European Parlia-ment is sending out a signal of clear support to all those who support human rights in China." Mr Hu was selected by members of the European Parliament from a shortlist of three that also included candidates from Belarus and Congo for the Sakharov Prize. —AP

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23 killed in Honduras heavy rains

Tegucigalpa, Honduras: Flooding and mudslides fuelled by heavy rains have claimed at least 23 lives in Honduras since last week, officials said on Wednesday.

Eight other people are missing. Rain has destroyed about 24,000 houses and damaged 79,000 acres planted with grains and coffee, emergency services official Randolfo Funez said. More than 19,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. More rain is expected in eastern Honduras in coming days.

—AP

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Family of 5 found dead in Israel

Jerusalem: The police says a couple, their newborn girl and their three-year-old daughter have been found shot dead in their home in central Israel.

They suspect one of the parents killed the other three before committing suicide. The police say both of the parents were police officers. The killing took place on Thursday in the town of Hod Hasharon. No further details were immediately available. —AP

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Camel milk chocolate in Dubai

Dubai: Al Nassma, which is being claimed as the world’s first camel-milk chocolate, was officially launched in Dubai. Al Nassma the Arabic word for a cool desert breeze is being viewed as a significant development for the UAE’s camel milk industry.

"We want to create a brand which has international importance. I believe this product has the power to become the sweet ambassador of Arabia born in Dubai," Mr Johann George Hochleitner, the man behind the idea, was quoted as saying by Abu Dhabi’s the National.

—PTI