Main stories in today's AM program

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2006
Main stories in today's AM program

SYDNEY, Aug 21 AAP - Main stories in today's AM program:

* Federal cabinet must decide whether it is worth selling its remaining share in Telstra,
with T2 prices at near record lows.

* Prime Minister John Howard says the government still wants to go ahead with the sale,
but the timing will be critical.

* Mr Howard defends the right of his colleagues to air their opinions on expanding
stem cell research.

* Mr Howard rejects a suggestion that the government holds some responsibility for
rising petrol prices because of Australia's involvement in Iraq.

* Israel is making no apologies for a fight in eastern Lebanon after being accused
of breaking the UN-brokered ceasefire.

* Afghanistan suffers its bloodiest period since the fall of the Taliban on 2001, with
four US and one British soldier killed, as 400 Australian troops prepare to deploy in
the country.

* Reports that the American teacher suspected of killing child beauty queen JonBenet
Ramsey sought treatment at a Thai sex change clinic.

* Australian umpire at the centre of the storm arising from the forfeited cricket match
between Pakistan and England.

* Coronation for New Zealand's new Maori king is underway.

AAP cj/rp

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