PODGORICA, Montenegro : Police fired tear gas yesterday at thousands of pro-Serb Montenegrins who pelted state buildings with rocks and flares to protest their government's recognition of Kosovo's independence. At least 34 were injured. Protesters chanted, "Treason! Treason!" and "Kosovo is Serbia!" to condemn the government's decision last week to recognize Kosovo, the former Serbian province that declared independence in February. Eleven protesters and 23 police officers were hurt during the clashes in Podgorica, Montenegro's capital, and 28 demonstrators were arrested. Earlier, about 10,000 protesters gave the country's pro-Western government until tomorrow to withdraw its recognition of Kosovo, or they would try to topple it "by unparliamentary means."
Gay couples rush to wed ahead of Calif. election
SAN FRANCISCO : Gay couples from around California and the nation are tying the knot ahead of Election Day to avoid missing out if voters approve a ballot initiative aimed at banning same-sex marriage. The urgency intensified last week with news that Proposition 8's supporters had far outraised its opponents and the measure was gaining support in public opinion polls. "Couples are making their plans to come in before Nov. 4 because people are getting a little uneasy," said San Francisco Clerk-Recorder Karen Hong Lee. "It's too close to call, basically, and it's legal right now, so why wait?" Proposition 8 would amend the state constitution to limit marriage to a man and a woman. If approved, it would overturn a California Supreme Court ruling that made the state the second, after Massachusetts, to legalize same-sex marriage.
