Briefly

IRAN

Saudi Arabia proposes to launch direct flights

Iran's Civil Aviation Organization has received a proposal from Saudi Arabia to launch three regular flights between the two countries, Iranian Transport and Urban Development Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash said on Sunday. Lauding the two countries' firm determination to expand bilateral cooperation, Bazrpash said that on this basis, Iran and Saudi Arabia have decided to establish direct flights, according to an interview published on the ministry's website.

KENYA

Police scour forest after 51 bodies found

Kenyan police resumed a search on Monday in a forest in the country's east, where the bodies of 51 suspected cult members have been exhumed from shallow graves. Police said the search inland from Malindi was continuing not only just for bodies, but also for possible survivors of a movement in which the pastor reportedly told followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus". A full-scale investigation has been launched into the Good News International Church and its leader since police stormed the forest at Shakahola and discovered the first bodies last week.

MEDITERRANEAN

93 immigrants saved off Tunisian coasts

A total of 93 undocumented immigrants were rescued off Tunisian coasts while attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, the Tunisian National Guard said on Sunday. The first was foiled off the southeastern Sfax province, where 42 immigrants of sub-Saharan African nationalities were saved from a sinking boat. The other two attempts were foiled by the National Guard off the country's central coast, where 51 sub-Saharans were rescued.

Agencies - Xinhua