Iran earthquake kills 306, search for dead continues

Rejects help from a number of countries:

Twin earthquakes that devastated rural villages in northwest Iran killed a total of 306 people, most of them women and children, Health Minister Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi said yesterday, adding that the search for bodies was ongoing.

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London 2012 ends with sing-along party

The London 2012 Games bade farewell Sunday with a giant singalong party, bringing the curtain down in spectacular style on an Olympics that has radiated the feelgood factor throughout.

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Egypt President defends army chief’s sacking

Egypt’s Islamist President Mohammed Morsi has denied trying to marginalise the army after he ordered the retirement of his powerful defence minister, saying he was acting in the interests of the country.

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US offers help to Iran after earthquake

The statement was notably addressed to the “Iranian people”:

The United States on Sunday offered help and condolences to the people of Iran over a double earthquake that claimed 227 lives and injured more than 1,000 others. “The American people send the Iranian people our deepest condolences for the loss of life in the tragic earthquake in northeastern Iran,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families of those who were lost, and we wish the wounded a speedy recovery.

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