Around the World

Egypt ambassador recalled from Israel

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - An angry and frustrated Egypt, blaming Israel for escalating violence, recalled its ambassador to Israel yesterday, but said it is not abandoning efforts to achieve peace.

Jordan, the only other Arab country that has a peace treaty with Israel, announced it was holding up accreditation of its new ambassador to Israel until the Jewish state halts its attacks on Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said he wasn't happy with Egypt's diplomatic move and that it did not contribute to Egypt's role in the peace process.

The diplomatic blows came as new attacks fueled a spiral of violence in this seaside strip. An Israeli teen-ager and a Palestinian security officer were shot and killed in incidents just a few hours apart.

After nightfall, Israeli military transporters were seen delivering tanks and armored personnel carriers to army bases in Gaza.

"I don't want to delude anyone. We are not on a picnic," Barak said while visiting Israeli army headquarters in Gaza. "We are in a struggle. If we have to fight, we will know how to fight."

Additional evidence implicates Estrada

MANILA, Philippines - Prosecutors said yesterday that the governor who accused the president of taking illegal gambling payoffs has given them additional evidence to use in Joseph Estrada's impeachment trial.

Ilocos Sur province Gov. Luis Singson presented evidence separate from the statements he has made in affidavits, said Rep. Sergio Apostol, a House lawmaker on the prosecution panel. He did not describe the evidence.