AT LEAST THREE DEATHS AND MORE THAN 1,600 ADVERSE REACTIONS INCLUDING SPONTANEOUS ABORTION AND PARALYSIS have been connected to Merck & Co.'s new vaccine for the human papillomavirus, a treatment the company has lobbied state lawmakers to make mandatory for young girls across the nation.

"The FDA adverse event reports on the HPV vaccine read like a catalog of horrors," said Tom Fitton, Judicial Watch president. "Any state or local government now beset by Merck's lobbying campaigns to mandate this HPV vaccine for young girls ought to take a look at these adverse health reports. IT LOOKS AS IF AN UNPROVEN VACCINE WITH DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS IS BEING PUSHED AS A MIRACLE DRUG."

WND earlier reported how the company's campaign to promote its $400-per person vaccine was sweeping the nation. IT WAS BEING FACILITATED BY DONATIONS FROM MERCK TO WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT, whose members are women state lawmakers across the country, WHO IN TURN OFTEN WERE INTRODUCING LEGISLATION that would require young girls to be given the brand new vaccine in order to be enrolled in school.

Judicial Watch said documents it obtained from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the provisions of the Freedom of Information provided information on 1,637 reports of adverse reactions. The reports of the deaths cited myocarditis, coronary artery thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as causes for the deaths. Jill Farrell, a spokeswoman with Judicial Watch, said its own tabulation uncovered 371 SERIOUS REACTIONS AMONG THE 1,637 TOTAL REPORTED. She said JW found more cases of serious situations than did the official government report, because of the way reactions were classified.

"Stopped breathing later revived. 13-year-old developed pain, sought physical therapy, later could not tolerate therapy due to pain...Hives, sent home, found unresponsive by mother, who called 911, revived at ER" Farrell noted. "You decide. If these were your children, would you consider these non-serious?"

OF THE 42 WOMEN WHO GOT THE VACCINE WHILE PREGNANT, 18 EXPERIENCED SIDE EFFECTS RANGING FROM SPONTANEOUS ABORTION TO FETAL ABNORMITIES, THE REPORT SAID.

A powerful think tank chaired by former Sen. Sam Nunn and guided by trustees including Richard Armitage, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Harold Brown, William Cohen and Henry Kissinger, is in the final stages of preparing a report to the White House and U.S. Congress on the benefits of integrating the U.S., Mexico and Canada into one political, economic and security bloc.

The final report, published in English, Spanish and French, is scheduled for submission to all three governments by Sept. 30, according to the Center for Strategic & International Studies. CSIS boasts of playing a large role in the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994 - a treaty that set in motion a political movement many believe resembles the early stages of the European Community on its way to becoming the European Union.

"The results of the study will enable policymakers to make sound, strategic, long-range policy decisions about North America, with an emphasis on regional integration," explains Armand B. Peschard-Sverdrup, director of CSIS' Mexico Project. "Specifically, the project will focus on a detailed examination of future scenarios, which are based on current trends, and involve six areas of critical importance to the trilateral relationship: labor mobility, energy, the environment, security, competitiveness and border infrastructure and logistics."

Peter F. Drucker, in one of his dozens of best-selling books, "Post Capitalist Society," published in 1993, wrote that the European Community, the progenitor of the European Union, "triggered the attempt to create a North American economic community, built around the United States but integrating both Canada and Mexico into a common market."

"So far this attempt is purely economic in its goal," wrote the Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree. "But it can hardly remain so in the long run." Drucker describes in his book the worldwide trends toward globalization that were evident back then - the creation and empowerment of transnational organizations and institutions, international environmental goals regarding carbon dioxide and agreements to fight terrorism long before 9/11.

U.S. Navy officials said Iran was not notified of plans to sail nine ships, including two aircraft carriers, through the Straits of Hormuz, a narrow channel in international waters off Iran's coast and a major artery for global oil shipments. The maneuver raises pressure on the Islamic Republic, coinciding with a report by the U.N. atomic watchdog on Iran's nuclear program, which could lead to tougher sanctions.

Oil climbed towards $70 as the U.S. ships sailed into the straits, through which 40 percent of globally traded oil passes. Most U.S. ships pass through the straits at night so as not to attract attention, and rarely move in such large numbers. Navy officials said the decision to send a second aircraft carrier was made at the last minute, without giving a reason. The group of ships, carrying about 17,000 personnel and 140 aircraft scheduled to participate in the exercises that will take place over the next few weeks.

Following the military welcoming ceremony for Major Gen. Al-Attiyah, the two generals signed a framework agreement on military education, technical and scientific cooperation in the field of the military. Both generals mentioned their hope to develop military relations.

Then Gen. Büyükanit met with Lt. Gen. Abdullah Al-Khalifa to sign a framework agreement on military cooperation with Bahrain. "I prepared a speech which would last more than an hour," the Turkish general joked during his speech, as he stressed his hope to develop relations.

Lt. Gen. Al-Khalifa replied that Turkey is a model for them in the area with its democracy and economy.

Even prior to the parliamentary elections in June, Sarkozy is undertaking a series of initiatives WHICH WILL ALLOW HIM TO GOVERN WITHOUT ANY EFFECTIVE EXTERNAL CONTROL. To this end he is exploiting the constitution of the Fifth Republic to its limits?and beyond.

The current French constitution was tailored to suit the needs of its author, Gen. de Gaulle. Upon assuming power in 1958 at the height of the Algerian crisis, de Gaulle imposed a constitution which awarded huge authority to the president and severely limited the power of the National Assembly. The president not only appoints the head of government and presides over weekly cabinet meetings, he can also dissolve parliament at any time AND THEREBY HAS POWERFUL LEVERAGE OVER THE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE.

Sarkozy has made clear that he now intends to fully exploit the authority of the presidential office and determine government policy down to the last detail. Sarkozy's autocratic moves are not limited to controlling the machinery of government. He is also seeking to free himself from any control from within his own political camp, which is split into several opposing fractions. The spheres of economics, social affairs and finance have been completely restructured by Sarkozy in order to impose his planned "reforms."

Sarkozy spent a remarkably long time ensuring the support of the French trade unions for his government. In the two days before taking office and appointing the government, he devoted several hours to individual discussions with the chairmen of the six largest union federations all of whom subsequently declared their willingness to cooperate with his government.

Nobody should deceived by Sarkozy's populist overtures. HE IS INTENT ON USING HIS PRESIDENTIAL POWERS AND THE SUPPORT OF THE TRADE UNIONS TO CARRY OUT THE SORT OF ATTACKS ON SOCIAL GAINS AND DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS THAT HAVE LONG BEEN DEMANDED BY FRENCH BIG BUSINESS CIRCLES AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS.

Who can remember a single significant decision made at these summits in the past? Did promises made about debt relief two years ago in Gleneagles really make any difference for Africa? Did the global energy situation change at all following last year's discussions in St. Petersburg?

The regularity of these meetings is actually one of their greatest drawbacks. The leader of every nation in the G8 is obligated to attend the annual summits, regardless of whether they really want or need to. As for the agenda, it is often just a way to make sure they can fill the time.

When Josef Stalin, Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill met in Tehran and Yalta, it was not to demonstrate their solidarity or to pose for photo ops; they had to meet to resolve important questions that could only be decided at the highest level. They had to discuss joint military strategy for Europe, and then divvy up the fruits of their victory and plan the shape of the post-war world.

These meetings, like the ones that produced the peace treaties of Venice and Versailles, are remembered to this day. The meetings in Gleneagles and St. Petersburg, by contrast, remain small entries in chronologies of international events -- if they are listed at all. The 2001 summit in Genoa is remembered primarily for mass protests and the shooting of one activist, Carlo Giuliani. But who remembers the official agenda?

"The exchange rate of the pound against the euro is very difficult to forecast. Unless the UK joins the eurozone, we can't add to plant in Swindon. We're not planning to withdraw from the UK because it is a major market, and Swindon supplies it," he said, speaking at his luxurious penthouse office overlooking Tokyo.

"Swindon is close to full operation, but we made one slight mistake: we thought the UK was in Europe. Now we find that it is reluctant to join and that has become a big problem," he said.

"We're not doing any lobbying on this but every time we meet officials they say there is no interest in joining for the meantime. We have to take this at face value and reconsider our strategy."

His comments echo the growing frustration among Japan's industrialists over the strong pound, now trading at multi-year highs against the dollar, the Swiss franc and other currencies, although it has moved in tandem with the euro over the past three years.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said MR BLAIR WAS KEEN TO HOLD TALKS ON "INTERFAITH" ISSUES WITH BENEDICT XVI in the run-up to a major conference on Islam being staged in Britain. "The Prime Minister hopes to go to Rome to visit both Prime Minister Romano Prodi and the Pope before he stands down," the spokeswoman said.

"He wants to discuss the EU summit with Mr Prodi and discus interfaith issues, particularly in light of the forthcoming conference on Islam here, with Pope Benedict." The visit will be Mr Blair's second audience with the Pope since he succeeded John Paul II in April 2005.

It is likely to reignite speculation that Mr Blair, an Anglican, intends to convert to Catholicism once he has left Number 10 in favour of Gordon Brown on 27 June.

A splash can also speed up the healing of wounds by increasing the flow of blood to the area.

Dan McFadden, of manufacturer Oculus, said: "People think it is too good to be true. Our challenge is to get beyond that disbelief. This is the real thing." The liquid is a chemically-altered version of salty water which is full of negatively-charged particles.

These are capable of killing dangerous micro-organisms by punching holes in their cell walls. While bacteria and viruses are quickly dispatched, human cells are left intact because they are packed too tightly together to be attacked. The potion costs around £16 a bottle and has a shelf-life of two years, New Scientist magazine reported.

Dermacyn is recommended for external use only and so should not be drunk.

Al Qaeda has a new opening graphic for its propaganda tapes: the U.S. Capitol under "attack." "The Islamic State of Iraq - March Toward Washington" reads the headline in English superimposed over a digitally created scene of the U.S. Capitol under attack in the introductory sequence of one tape released on the Internet this week.

Another from al Qaeda's "as Sahab" production arm announces "Holocaust of the Americans in the Land of Khorasan" and shows an image of the U.S. Capitol to introduce a short clip of al Qaeda fighters. "This is a disturbing new trend," says Laura Mansfield, an Arabic expert who monitors jihadi videos on the Internet.

"Recall that in January 2006, Osama Bin Laden said that plans for attacks in the U.S. were in progress," Mansfield told the Blotter on ABCNews.com. "It may be that this new imagery is designed to motivate terrorist activity in the U.S., but it is certainly intended as a recruiting tool and perhaps intended to reassure al Qaeda's jihadi followers they haven't forgotten their goal of an al Qaeda attack on Washington, D.C.," she said.

Archbishop Bagnasco said: "It is certainly unpleasant that accusations of homophobia are sometimes hurled at the Church and its members. "We calmly say that this criticism is simply ideological and false, and contrary to the spirit and practice of total acceptance of all people."

Archbishop Bagnasco, responding to criticism directed at Benedict XVI, said: "I would like to express to the Pope the heartfelt closeness of the Italian bishops' conference for the superficial slanders made against him."
Archbishop Bagnasco, serving as chairman of the bishops' meeting for the first time, explained the mission of the conference: "It is Christ and his Gospel that urges us on, nothing else.

"We proclaim him as the measure of our humanity, not to reveal weaknesses or underline defeats, but to show obedience. That is essential, first and foremost, for us as bishops and promoters of true freedom for all." "When we appeal to consciences," continued Archbishop Bagnasco, "it is not in order to be intrusive, but to call people back to those things without which each person would lose their bearings, especially for those less fortunate."

"Our words contain no hidden meanings," underlined the archbishop. "With the utmost transparency we are at the service of joy." "We do not see a sad people, hollowed out by nihilism and tempted by decadence. We see a people who are alive, capable of renewing themselves through their own resources and discipline, able to lead their young people, able to speak credibly in an international assembly."

Pupils are being invited to act the parts of gay characters during after-school arts clubs as well as in some literacy and drama lessons.

In one primary school, youngsters put on puppet shows of the Cinderella story featuring male Cinderellas. Other primaries are inviting in touring theatre companies which stage plays featuring same-sex parents. Books being introduced to lessons include KING & KING, A FAIRY TALE FEATURING A PRINCE WHO TURNS DOWN THREE PRINCESSES BEFORE FALLING IN LOVE WITH ONE OF THEIR BROTHERS.
In another primary school, A TEACHER DISCUSSED HIS CIVIL PARTNERSHIP CEREMONY WITH THE PUPILS. Fourteen primary schools are already taking part in the £600,000 project aimed at familiarising children with gay and lesbian relationships.

THE RESEARCH TEAM BEHIND THE PROJECT INTENDS TO POST THE FINDINGS ON NATIONAL WEBSITES TO HELP ALL SCHOOLS ADOPT THE SAME TECHNIQUES. IT CLAIMS THAT INTRODUCING SUCH BOOKS AND ACTIVITIES WILL HELP SCHOOLS FULFIL THEIR DUTIES UNDER NEW GAY RIGHTS LAWS WHICH CAME INTO FORCE LAST MONTH.

The researchers say pupils must be taught about same-sex relationships from an early age to combat playground bullying of gay pupils. BUT PARENTS' LEADERS WARNED THAT PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WERE TOO YOUNG TO LEARN ABOUT SUCH ISSUES. Margaret Morrissey, spokesman for the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations, said: "We are putting issues on young shoulders that actually don't need to be there.

"IS THIS REALLY NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE FOR SUCH YOUNG CHILDREN? Even if they appear to be understanding they may not be. "This may be OK in the later years of secondary school but to try to deal with this in primary is really not on. THE CONCERN IS PARENTS HAVE NO CHOICE WHEN SCHOOLS DECIDE TO DO THESE THINGS. "If a school does decide to do this, it is absolutely essential it is done with the knowledge and agreement of all parents."

Dr Elizabeth Atkinson, reader in social and educational inquiry at Sunderland University, said: "The primary school is often thought of as a place of safety and innocence - and attempts to address what are seen as 'adult' issues are sometimes-seen as intrusions into or threats to this safety zone."But she said such attitudes led to pupils viewing homosexuality as 'taboo' and bred homophobic bullying.

Books used in the project include Spacegirl Pukes, whose main character has two mothers, mummy Loula and mummy Neenee. Another, called And Tango Makes Three, features two male penguins who fall in love at a New York zoo.

SARKOZY AND MERKEL IN DISAGREEMENT OVER EU CONSTITUTION; working with Sarkozy could prove difficult for Merkel. Der Spiegel looks at Franco-German relations, noting that "It really wasn't all smiles at Nicolas Sarkozy's first quick summit with Angela Merkel last week, in spite of what you saw on TV. On the EU Constitution, the article notes that Merkel wants room to negotiate a revised treaty, WITH MUCH OF THE SUBSTANCE FROM THE ORIGINAL TEXT INTACT. However, during their meeting in Berlin, Sarkozy argued for an even slimmer treaty that would include only uncontroversial elements of the 2005 draft.

AFP reports that EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK head Jean-Claude Trichet has CALLED FOR THE UK TO JOIN THE EURO. He said, "We encourage the whole United Kingdom to enter the eurozone. I would simply say to the UK that the single market to which it is tightly linked can only fully function with a single currency. Imagine for a second that you are the United States and that the currencies differed between Massachusetts, California, Florida and Alaska what would you really see: a single market in the United States? My argument is no more complicated."

The front page of the FT reports that Moscow has said it is ready to REVOKE BP'S LICENCE FOR A RUSSIAN VENTURE in days. Meanwhile, a new pipeline is predicted TO ALLOW RUSSIA TO TIGHTEN ITS GRIP ON EUROPEAN ENERGY SUPPLY.

The Times reports that BRITISH SOLDIERS MAY BE FORCED TO USE GERMAN OR FRENCH BULLETS in future, as BAE Systems could shut down its Royal Ordnance munitions factories.