April 7, 2005

Brault's Claims Deepen Canadian Kickback Scandal Reuters Canada - Officials in Canada's ruling Liberal Party demanded kickbacks from advertising firms in return for tens of millions of dollars in federal contracts according to explosive testimony that could destabilize the government. The allegations by the head of a Montreal advertising firm, who is facing criminal fraud charges, have not been proven in court. Most of his testimony to a commission probing the cash-for-favors scandal was released on Thursday after a week-long publication ban was partially lifted. 2:17:40 PM

New Iraqi President Sworn In; Jaafari Is Named Prime Minister. Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a religious Shiite, was named prime minister, the most powerful post in the new government. By By EDWARD WONGand CHRISTINE HAUSER. [NYT > International] 9:40:36 AM

Gandhi film plays to Palestinians BBC News, UK - The award-winning 1982 film Gandhi is being released across the West Bank and Gaza to try to persuade Palestinians to embrace non-violent resistance. 9:21:25 AM