World Briefing

Four African nations sold more than 100 tons of tusks to Chinese and Japanese traders for nearly $15 million in the world's first legal ivory auctions in nearly a decade. The money raised during the week of sales will be used for elephant conservation.

The auctions took place after South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe were granted a one-time exemption from the 1989 global ban on trade in new ivory because of their thriving elephant herds.

The move has prompted protests from African nations with dwindling elephant populations as well as from animal welfare groups, who say increasing ivory supplies will stimulate demand, smuggling and poaching.

CARIBBEAN

Storm builds as it approaches Cuba

Hurricane Paloma churned toward the Cayman Islands and Cuba with winds of about 75 mph. Forecasters say the storm could become a major Category 3 hurricane by Saturday as it approaches Cuba.

A hurricane warning was in effect for the Caymans, where the storm could dump up to 8 inches of rain, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

MIDDLE EAST

U.S. admits peace deal is unlikely

The Bush administration conceded that a deal between Israelis and Palestinians is not possible by the end of its term.

U.S. officials had insisted for months that a peace accord could be sealed by the year-end deadline set by the two sides and President Bush last November in Annapolis, Md.

PAKISTAN

Suicide blasts kill 19 in tribal area

Two suicide attacks targeting pro-government tribesmen and security forces killed at least 19 people and wounded dozens in areas of Pakistan's northwest where the military has cracked down on insurgents, officials said.

In the Bajaur tribal region, a suicide attacker killed 17 tribesmen who had formed a militia to combat insurgents.

Forty people were hurt, government and hospital officials said.

In the northwest's Swat valley, a suicide car bomber rammed his vehicle into a checkpoint, killing at least two paramilitary troops and injuring at least 20 people, officials said.

BELGIUM

Senator's video mocks Holocaust

A far-right senator in Belgium has stepped down as his party's leader after a video of him singing a song poking fun at the Holocaust was broadcast on national television.

The Senate called the actions by National Front Sen. Michel Delacroix "beyond the pale," and began an investigation. The video showed him singing an insulting song about a Jewish girl perishing at the Dachau concentration camp.

The Brussels prosecutor's office also opened an investigation and will consider whether to strip Delacroix of parliamentary immunity. Denying the Holocaust is a crime in Belgium and anti-racism infractions could lead to hefty fines and even prison terms.

Delacroix is the only representative of the National Front Party in the 71-seat Senate.

-- times wire reports