IN BRIEF (Page 12)

ISRAEL

PM apologizes for bad timing

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regrets over the timing of a 1,600-unit East Jerusalem construction plan whose announcement has dealt a fatal blow to the newly-renewed indirect talks between the Jewish state and the Palestinians. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he had decided not to enter the talks for now.

The new project drew swift condemnation from the international community, embarrassed visiting US Vice-President Joe Biden and infuriated the Palestinians. China firmly opposes the building plan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Thursday.

THAILAND

Protesters face 50,000 troops

Thailand began mobilizing 50,000 security personnel on Thursday ahead of a mass rally by anti-government protesters who have vowed to bring the capital to a standstill if a new election is not called. Supporters of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra plan a mass rally this weekend.

UNITED KINGDOM

Men don't tire of sex: study

Men have shorter life spans than women on average, but when it comes to sexual life expectancy, they gain the advantage. According to a new study published in the British Medical Journal, men want sex pretty much until they are almost dead.

Xinhua - Reuters

(China Daily 03/12/2010 page12)