c Ha i 's HOMEPAGE

Japan cabinet approves Iraq plan

The plan has divided the nation, and there are concerns that it could violate Japan's pacifist constitution. But Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said that Japan's contingent would continue with humanitarian tasks.

Some 550 Japanese soldiers - who have been in Iraq since February - will not be under the MNF's unified command.The move aims to provide security after the 30 June handover of power from the US-led coalition to the Iraqi interim government.

Superbug deaths 'set to double'

UK scientists say the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin.

Around 5,000 Britons die each year from infections acquired in hospital.

But the researchers, whose study is published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, say more lives will be lost if vancomycin can no longer be used.

But scientists from the University of Bath, University of Bristol and Southmead Hospital say all five major types of MRSA - including those seen in the UK - show signs of resistance to vancomycin.