ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, November 1, 1996 TAG: 9611010042
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
Kohl sets record as German chancellor
MANILA, Philippines - German Chancellor Helmut Kohl was about as far from home as he could possibly be Thursday when he became Germany's longest serving postwar leader.
But the chancellor who has thrust Germany back into international affairs during his 14 years in office might have planned it that way.
``I'm glad I'm not at home today,'' Kohl said in Manila during a nine-day tour of Asia. ``I don't think I'd want to make a big deal about such a day.''
Kohl's travel schedule deprived Germans of the chance to honor him in person on his 5,145th day in office, eclipsing Konrad Adenauer's term by one day - and counting.
- Associated Press
Rival Kurds sign peace accord
ANKARA, Turkey - Rival Kurdish factions signed a comprehensive peace accord Thursday, vowing to maintain a cease-fire while creating stability in northern Iraq.
The Iran-backed Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Iraqi-backed Kurdistan Democratic Party signed a far-reaching deal to rebuild a regional government while making it clear that the Kurdish-dominated region would not seek to break away from Iraq.
The Kurdish groups also pledged not to seek help from outside powers, a reference to governments in Iran and Iraq.
- Associated Press
Pope celebrates his ordination
VATICAN CITY - A choir and orchestra joined Thursday in Handel's ``Messiah'' for Pope John Paul II to open a series of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
The pope applauded, then shook hands with some of the 7,000 spectators as he walked out of a Vatican auditorium. The 76-year-old pontiff smiled and appeared in good health during his most strenuous public event since surgery Oct. 8 to remove an inflamed appendix.
- Associated Press
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