President Mobutu Sese Seko left the Zairian capital for his presidential palace today, a day after the longtime ruler was given an ultimatum to resign by Monday or face a rebel attack on Kinshasa. Mobutu traveled to the isolated residence in the northern town of Gbadolite, a close aide said. His departure raised speculation that he will leave the country and go into exile.
Mild weather can turn fierce and dangerous within minutes on Mount Everest.
Winds snapping across icy slopes at 125 mph can propel a climber to his death in seconds. The measure passed after 25 opposition deputies walked out of the stormy overnight session. The same law was approved Tuesday by the parliament, dominated by President Sali Berisha's party, prompting the Socialists to threaten a boycott of national elections set for June 29. The latest American peace initiative ended in failure today, with Yasser Arafat snubbing the U.S. envoy and Palestinians staying away from a meeting with Israel on security issues. The envoy, Dennis Ross, was to return to the United States, leaving Israel and the Palestinians as far apart as when he arrived earlier this month.