A Japanese newspaper photographer, arrested after an Iraqi war souvenir exploded in his suitcase, killing a Jordanian airport guard, remained in custody today.

Authorities in Jordan have foiled two recent Iraqi attacks, including one by Iraqi diplomats allegedly planning to contaminate water supplies to Jordanian and US troops on the desert border with Iraq.

President Bush’s call to deal with Iraq and its weapons of mass destruction was studied by Arabs - some said in vain - for signs war could be avoided.

European, UN and Arab officials roundly condemned Israel’s missile strike on an apartment building housing a wanted militant leader, terming it unjustified, criminal and counterproductive.

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres has unveiled a peace plan calling for the centralisation of Palestinian security forces immediately.