Peace summit planned in Turkey

Message attributed to bin Laden
CAIRO, Egypt — A statement purportedly written by al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden urges Muslims to stop fighting each other and unite against the “crusader coalition” that is attacking the Islamic world,” according to excerpts published Sunday in a London-based Arab newspaper.Asharq Al-Awsat printed portions of a 26-page statement it claims was written and signed by bin Laden.
The letter did not mention any nation, but earlier statements attributed to bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders have accused the United States and Israel of launching a religious crusade against the Muslim world. — ASSOCIATED PRESS
U.S. soldiers join Israelis for drills
LAHAV, Israel — Israeli and U.S. soldiers began joint maneuvers Sunday, and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told his Cabinet the probability of an Iraqi missile attack on Israel was low. As part of the military drill, a convoy of 30 U.S. military vehicles drove from the southern Negev Desert to central Israel on Sunday. Hundreds of U.S. soldiers are participating in the exercise.
The Israeli military said the drill was planned two years go and was part of routine training. However, military sources said the U.S. troops — who arrived last week — are to remain in Israel at least until the end of a possible U.S. war with Iraq. — ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friendly-fire case could end early
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — The military hearing into the accidental bombing of Canadian troops could conclude two days earlier than expected because the Air Force has scaled back its witness list, said a lawyer for one of the pilots charged in the case.David Beck, Maj. William Umbach’s lawyer, said the hearing could end Wednesday instead of Friday. The Air Force will not comment on the case. Umbach and Maj. Harry Schmidt were charged with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and dereliction of duty after an Air Force investigation found the pilots had disobeyed orders and acted recklessly in dropping a 500-pound guided bomb on Canadian troops near Kandahar, Afghanistan, on April 17, 2002. Four Canadians were killed and eight were wounded. — ASSOCIATED PRESS

Military examines security in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY — American military officials in Kuwait were reviewing security procedures Sunday after an accused Iraqi spy allegedly told Kuwaiti authorities that he planned to kill American troops by poisoning their food.
Military officials would not comment directly on the report, which was first published Saturday in a leading Arabic newspaper. But they said the threat would be scrutinized and appropriate measures taken.
“There are threats out there, and we continually assess those threats and take steps to mitigate the risks to our forces in the region,” said Col. Rick Thomas, a U.S. military spokesman. — KNIGHT RIDDER