World / Nation briefs December 1, 2011

Clinton tests reforms on visit to Myanmar

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar - Looking to cement a foreign policy success and prod democratization in one of the world's most isolated and authoritarian nations, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sought Thursday to test the willingness of Myanmar's leaders to expand nascent reforms.

On a historic visit here, Clinton said she was hopeful, but not yet convinced, that "flickers of progress" in the Southeast Asian country will burst into flames of change.

Clinton, speaking to Myanmar's President Thein Sein during their meeting, said: "I am here today because President Obama and myself are encouraged by the steps you and your government have taken to provide for your people."

Sein said Clinton's visit was a historic chapter in relations between the two nations. Their meeting took place in a grandiose palace that has 40-to-60 foot ceilings, chandeliers and teak doors. It is situated near a virtually empty, 20-lane highway.

Billy Grahamhospitalized; will be tested for pneumonia

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The Rev. Billy Graham was admitted to a hospital Wednesday near his home in western North Carolina to be tested for pneumonia after suffering from congestion, a cough and a slight fever, his spokesman said.

The 93-year-old evangelist was taken to Mission Hospital in Asheville, spokesman A. Larry Ross said. His personal physician, Dr. Lucian Rice, said he was in stable condition.

A news release issued by the hospital said Graham was alert, smiling and waving to staff as he entered the hospital. Ross said Graham was admitted for observation and treatment and likely would spend the night there.

Ross said Graham was in good spirits after undergoing a full afternoon of medical tests. His daughter, Gigi, visited him after dinner for prayer and Bible reading, Ross said. As the two watched television in the hospital room, Ross said they found a replay of Graham's 1973 crusade in St. Louis.

For six decades, Graham led a worldwide crusade-based ministry that packed stadiums with believers and allowed him to counsel every U.S. president since Harry Truman. His most recent book, "Nearing Home," was published last month.

Latest theory in New York: one killer of 10

YAPHANK, N.Y. - When four bodies were found last December strewn along a remote barrier beach south of New York's Long Island, police figured they were dealing with a serial killer. When the remains of six others were uncovered later, they widened the possibility to multiple killers using the same dumping ground.

On Wednesday, the Suffolk County police commissioner told The Associated Press in an interview that detectives now think one person is probably responsible for all 10 deaths dating back to 1996.

But the veteran police official, who retires at the end of the year, isn't betting the ranch that he's right.

"Looking at the common denominators involved with the dumping ground, the type of victims, the dismemberments, all on Long Island. Our theory is that it's probably one serial killer," Richard Dormer said in an interview in his office.

"Other people may have a different theory, within the department and within the profession, the police business. I'm sure you could talk to people that have a different theory, but we're leaning toward that now because of the common denominators involved."

- The Associated Press