Sweden was reeling today after two explosions targeted the tolerant and open nation that had not seen a terrorist attack in more than 30 years.

Authorities sealed off a nuclear plant in Sweden after a welder arrived for work with a plastic bag containing traces of an explosive substance, police and plant officials said.

World donors have promised to send $500m (€389m) in aid for Palestinians, saying the humanitarian situation in Gaza turned critical while the world focused on halting a month-long war in Lebanon.

Swedish arms experts found signs of an Iraqi programme for manufacturing prohibited weapons during a secret visit in June, their supervisor said today.