World Briefing.

(From Lloyds List)

Saddam back in court

BOMBS killed at least 30 people in Baghdad and wrecked the tomb of Saddam Hussein's father as the ousted leader was in court for the first time since days of sectarian violence pitched Iraq toward civil war.

Saddam's two lead defence counsels walked out within minutes of the trial restarting after a two-week pause when requests for a further adjournment and the removal of the requests for a further adjournment and the removal of the chief judge were rejected.

CHINESE President Hu Jintao accused Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian of provoking confrontation by scrapping a council on unification, and China warned the US not to offer Mr Chen any leeway.

IRANIAN Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Tehran would not give up its nuclear programme, but that continuing talks with Russia to jointly enrich uranium would ease international concerns over its nuclear ambitions.

MAOIST rebels set off a landmine under a truck in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, killing 55 people and wounding at least 20 who belonged to a government-backed anti-Maoist group, police said. The attack came on the eve of a visit to the country by US President George W Bush and was one of the worst acts of violence by Maoists in the past three decades.