INEFFECTUAL: The party whip was furious at the pan-blue camp's goal of 'paralyzing' the executive, while the GIO minister suffered the unkindest cut of all -- to his salary
By Ko Shu-ling
The opposition-dominated legislature yesterday voted down the NT$10.9 billion (US$338 million) budget earmarked for Patriot missile batteries and a NT$272.62 million outlay preparing for the purchase of items remaining in the special arms procurement package.

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Thousands of Muslim pilgrims rushing to complete a symbolic stoning ritual during the hajj tripped over luggage yesterday, causing a crush in which at least 345 people were killed, the Interior Ministry said.

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The British, French and German foreign ministers were to discuss their response yesterday after Iran veered closer to UN action by pledging to continue sensitive nuclear research.

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A former aide to Osama bin Laden on Wednesday made a defiant appearance before a US military court as the Guantanamo "war on terror" camp marked the fourth anniversary of its operation.

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Japan plans to deploy imported unmanned spy planes in the fiscal year from April 2007, its defense chief was quoted as saying yesterday, amid growing concern over China and North Korea.

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