 |
 |
|
|
||
Newsletter : 0fax0530.txt
Directory | Previous file | Next file
>PD
>Israel Faxx
>JN May 30, 2000, Vol. 8, No. 97
Syria Acquires 420-Mile Range Scud Missile
By IsraelWire
Syria has acquired a new long-range Scud Missile from North Korea, enabling it to reach targets as far as 420 miles away according to a report in Haaretz. The Egyptians are also in the process of negotiating a deal by which Cairo will also acquire the new missiles.
The newest addition to the Scud family outperforms the Scud C with a maximum range of 330 miles. While a missile with a 300-mile range is adequate for reaching all targets in Israel, the newer missile will permit the Syrians to deploy the Scud D deeper into Syrian territory while maintaining the ability to strike out against all targets in Israel.
U.N. Appeals for Israeli-Lebanese Restraint
By Scott Bobb (VOA-Beirut)
A United Nations special envoy to the Middle East has appealed for restraint by people in Lebanon and Israel, following incidents that wounded several people along their common border. Envoy Terje Roed- Larsen made the remarks after meeting with Lebanon's president and prime minister in Beirut.
Roed-Larsen said he regretted Sunday's casualties and urged all parties to ensure they do not lead to an international incident. He said he raised the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak during their meeting Sunday.
Roed-Larsen also said the Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon is proceeding steadily and the UN team marking the border should finish its work in a few days. Lebanon says its army will deploy in the zone once all Israeli forces have left.
The UN spokesman says a major concern now is landmines, one of which killed two girls Sunday. The official said a UN de-mining team has arrived to begin clearing more than 100 minefields in the region.
Weizman Resigning as President: Peres May Succeed Him
By Ross Dunn (VOA-Jerusalem)
Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres has emerged as the front-runner to become his country's next president. The race for the position has begun following the announcement that the incumbent, Ezer Weizman, will step down in July, in the wake of a corruption scandal.
Weizman confirmed Sunday that he will resign from office July 10, three-years before the scheduled end of his term. The announcement follows a police investigation into allegations that Weizman received about $400,000 from a French businessman, during the time the president served as a parliament member and cabinet minister.
While no charges are to be brought against him, Weizman is clearing the way for the parliament to elect a successor. Parliament Speaker Avraham Burg says he expects the secret ballot for the position to be held in the first week of August.
Many political observers in Israel believe the winning candidate will be Shimon Peres, a former prime minister and joint recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in negotiating accords with the Palestinians.
Peres, who is known for his outspoken views on the peace process, is expected to adopt a similar style. Political analysts expect this could lead to clashes with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
Since he took office 10-months ago, Barak has sought to marginalize Peres, making him regional cooperation minister. But many observers believe that Peres plans to use the presidency to publicize his views on how Israel should conduct itself in Middle East peace talks.
Study: Hormone Treatment Fosters Growing
By IsraelWire
The best growth treatment for "late-blooming" children is a daily pill based on testosterone, the male hormone, given in a specific dose, according to a new study done by Haifa's Rambam Medical Center.
According to Dr. Ze'ev Hochberg, head of the department of child and adolescent endocrinology in Rambam, the problem of "late-blooming" is most common among boys in the 12-15 year age range: in comparison with their peers, they are relatively shorter, their physical fitness is less, and their musculature is less developed. These youths are socially distressed and are often derided by their friends who have begun to mature before them.
Drs. Meir Lamfitte and Hochberg made a study of late-bloomers in which one group received a monthly shot and one group received a daily pill; both drugs based on testosterone.
The findings of the study show that the children receiving the daily pill had better results from the treatment, and grew between 8 and 10 centimeters in a year, compared to 4 centimeters without treatment. The treatment also hastened their maturing. The adolescents also increased their muscle mass, their fitness, and their sexual maturity.
Hochberg noted that the treatment is given under the care and supervision of medical experts. It has been proven that the treatment does not affect the final expected height of those treated, and has no side effects. The results of the study will be presented soon to an international conference in Brazil.
| Home My Account Search Contact Us |
by Electronic World Communications, Inc.)
