Cyclone death toll

    THE death toll from cyclone Nargis in Myanmar rose by 4,218, bringing the total number to 38,491, state radio reported Wednesday evening. The report said altogether 27,838 people still remained missing and the number of injured had climbed to 1,403.

    Suicide bombs

    A SUICIDE bomber killed 15 people and wounded 22 when he blew himself up Thursday in a crowded market in western Afghanistan. Three policemen and 12 civilians were among the dead.

    On Wednesday, two suicide bombings, one involving a female attacker, left more than 50 people killed or injured in Iraq.

    Bush tour

    U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday vowed to continue support for Israel, which is “the strongest ally and friend” of the United States in the Middle East.

    Bush, who arrived in Israel earlier Wednesday on the occasion of the Jewish state’s 60th anniversary, made the remarks during a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres at the latter’s official residence in Jerusalem.

    UEFA Cup

    RUSSIAN champions Zenit St. Petersburg lifted its first European trophy after beating Scotland’s Glasgow Rangers 2-0 in the UEFA Cup final Wednesday.

    It was only the second Russian side to win a European trophy following CSKA Moscow’s UEFA cup triumph in 2005. But their victory ended Rangers’ dream of repeating their 1972 success.