World Briefs: Talks may end Honduras crisis

AMERICAS

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Allies of Honduras’ ousted President Manuel Zelaya say U.S.-backed talks in Costa Rica today may be the last chance to avert a clash, perhaps even civil war. Zelaya is threatening to return to his homeland with or without an agreement on ending the standoff. In Washington, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley called Friday for nations to support the talks that are being mediated by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias.

Swine flu ills in pigs feared

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Agricultural authorities in Argentina have declared an alert to prevent the spread of swine flu among pigs. Agriculture officials on Friday said they will try to keep people infected with swine flu away from hog farms. It is recommending procedures to prevent pig-to-pig infections, too.

ASIA

10 deaths investigated

TOKYO — Police were investigating possible negligence by tour organizers after 10 senior citizen climbers were found dead Friday in Japan’s northern mountains, apparently from hypothermia. Nine seniors died while climbing Mount Tomuraushi on Hokkaido, said a police spokesman. A 10th person died on another mountain on Hokkaido.

Indian launch almost failed

NEW DELHI — India’s only satellite orbiting the moon came close to failure in October 2008 after overheating, but scientists improvised to save it and have achieved more than 90 percent of the mission’s objectives, officials said Friday.

From Wire Services