World datelines

China: Protest in Taiwan

BEIJING — Tens of thousands of protesters in Taipei, Taiwan, on Saturday marched against an upcoming visit by a senior Chinese envoy, fearful that China is trying to assert control over the island.

The demonstration, organized by Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party, presents a challenge to Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, who has made improved trade, political and cultural relations a cornerstone of his administration. BAGHDAD — Iraq's largest Sunni party said Saturday that it has suspended official contacts with American military personnel and civilians after the killing of a man near Fallujah.

The Iraqi Islamic Party accused the raid of having a "hidden political motive" in an indication of rising tensions in Anbar province ahead of provincial elections, due to be held by the end of January.

Mexico: Drug banners hung

VERACRUZ — Unknown individuals hung more than a dozen banners in three Mexican states accusing federal officials of aiding drug traffickers, authorities said Saturday.

Eleven banners appeared Friday and Saturday on pedestrian bridges over busy avenues in cities throughout the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, the local government said in a statement. It said they all had the same message asking President Felipe Calderon to investigate alleged ties between federal security officials and the Sinaloa cartel.

Somalia: Aid worker killed

MOGADISHU — The head of a Somali aid agency says a gunman shot dead a Somali woman employee in the latest of a string of attacks on the humanitarian community.

Duniya Sheik Daud was the 15th aid worker killed so far this year in Somalia, which is caught up in a civil war.

Venezuela: Chavez threat

CARACAS — President Hugo Chavez threatened Saturday to imprison the popular governor of Venezuela's western Zulia state for allegedly plotting to kill him.

Chavez leveled the accusation against Manuel Rosales just weeks before Nov. 23 gubernatorial and municipal elections. Rosales ran against Chavez for the presidency in 2006, but Chavez handily defeated him with nearly 63 percent of the vote.

West Bank: Abbas' forces