News

June 18, 2009

International News brief

Russia and China urged North Korea on Wednesday to return to the negotiating table on the fate of its rogue nuclear programs — an unusual joint appeal from two Security Council members who have resisted more punitive U.S. measures against Pyongyang.

The appeal, which also expressed “serious concern” about tensions on Korean peninsula, came just hours after North Korea warned of a “thousand-fold” military retaliation against the U.S. and its allies if provoked. The United States, meanwhile, called on Pyongyang to stop its saber-rattling and negotiate.

CASTLETON, Vt.

Farrow’s brother kills self

Mia Farrow’s brother, a sculptor and local fixture in this college town, killed himself at his art gallery, state police and a spokeswoman for the actress said Wednesday.

Patrick Farrow, 66, died of a single gunshot wound to the head late Monday night in his studio, a converted church, authorities said.

Police had initially classified Farrow’s death as suspicious, but later said the medical examiner’s ruling of suicide was consistent with evidence found at the scene.

Patrick and Mia Farrow are the children of director John Farrow and actress Maureen O’Sullivan. Mia Farrow’s movie credits include “Rosemary’s Baby,” “Hannah and Her Sisters” and “Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

NEW DELHI

India extends peace offer

India’s prime minister said Wednesday that his country is again ready to talk peace with Pakistan following a six-month freeze between the nuclear-armed rivals in the wake of last year’s terror attack in Mumbai.

But Prime Minister Manmohan Singh cautioned that relations between the neighbors remain “under considerable stress” and progress would be slow — with each step forward dependent on Islamabad’s willingness to take on anti-India militants.

India and Pakistan have been adversaries for decades. They have fought three wars, two over the disputed territory of Kashmir, since gaining independence from Britain in 1947.

GUANGZHOU, China

One house, one pooch

Mrs. Chen can’t imagine abandoning one of her two best friends: her scruffy terrier mutt and a white fluffy Pekingese mix with buggy eyes.

But that’s what the government in this southern Chinese city wants the middle-aged housewife to do when a one-dog policy takes effect in Guangzhou.

Beginning July 1, each household can raise only one pooch.

The regulation appears to be part of an effort to control stray dogs in Guangzhou, once known as Canton. An hour north of Hong Kong by train, it is one of the richest cities in China and has a rapidly growing middle class that can afford to own dogs.

Many of the first-time pet owners don’t bother to spay or neuter their animals and are new to the burdens of keeping an animal. The canines often end up on the street when their owners grow tired of raising a cute puppy that grew up into a big mutt and constantly demands care.

Many other Chinese cities, including Beijing, have long had one-dog policies.

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