Olympic gold medallist Luo third in world championship

China's Luo Xuejuan acts during the preliminary competition of women's 50m breaststroke at the World Short Course Swim Championships in Indianapolis, the United States, Oct. 7, 2004. Luo placed the third with a total time of 31.26 seconds.

Kenyan government minister wins Nobel Peace Prize

Picture dated January 6th, 2003 shows Wangari Maathai, Kenyan Deputy Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Wildlife during the swearing-in ceremony of the Kenyan government. Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize on October 8th, 2004. She is the first African woman who wins the prestigious prize since it was first handed out in 1901.

Miss Tourism Queen Int'l 2004 contest

Several girls who participate in the Miss Tourism Queen International 2004 contest take photo for themselves using a mobile phone on Oct 8th, 2004. The final of the Miss Tourism Queen 2004 Contest in China will take place in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou Province on Oct 18. More than 40 girls will vie for the title.

British hostage Bigley killed in Iraq

British hostage Kenneth Bigley kidnapped on Sept. 16 by militants in Iraq has been murdered by the captors, Bigley's brother confirmed Friday.

Wu Guanzheng meets leaders of Sri Lanka

Wu Guanzheng (R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara in Colombo Oct. 8, 2004.

Chinese peacekeeping troops in Liberia rise alert level

A Chinese soldier stands guard at the camp of the sapper detachment of the Chinese peacekeeping troop in Zwedru, Liberia, Oct. 6, 2004. The military force supporting exiled Former Liberian President Charles Taylor was rumored to gather in neighboring Guinea, the Chinese peacekeeping troop in Liberia has raised the level of alert.

IMF issues report of world economy outlook

Customers walk past a billboard of a shopping store in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia Oct. 8, 2004. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its latest report of World Economic Outlook that the world economy will grow at an annual rate of 5 percent in 2004 and the four countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will enjoy a 5.5 percent annual economic growth rate.

Aerobatics to mark 72nd anniversary of Indian Air Force

A tanker aircraft and four fighters attend parade during the Air Force Day celebration at the Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi, Oct. 8, 2004. A ceremonious parade and aerobatics were held here to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force Friday.

Chirac kicks off his third China visit

Vice-President Zeng Qinghong (L) greets French President Jacques Chirac with local people at the airport in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province on Oct. 8, 2004. Chirac arrived here Friday evening to start his five-day state visit to China.

Fifth ASEM opens in Hanoi

Leaders pose for a group picture at the opening ceremony of the fifth summit of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) held in Hanoi, capital of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Oct. 8, 2004. Leaders attending the 5th ASEM summit on Friday stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation between Asia and Europe to create a favorable peace and stable environment for development in the two continents.