China's Song claimed the bronze medal in women's 3000m in the junior worlds

Chinese Liwei Song (Front) took the lead for once against the champion in women's 3,000m final in the 11th IAAF World Junior Championships in Beijing on August 19, 2006. Song beat her individual record and won a bronze with 9:06.35. The gold and silver medal were both claimed by Kenyan athlete - the 16-year-old Veronica Wanjiru (9:02.90) and her team mate Pauline Korikwiang (9:05.21). (By People's Daily Online)

10 illegal migrants killed near Sicilian island

Aid workers help illegal immigrants as they arrive in south Italy's Lampedusa island harbour August 19, 2006. At least 10 people died and as many as 40 were feared missing when a small boat packed with 120 illegal immigrants sank off Sicily on Saturday, prompting Italy to call for greater cooperation to fight human trafficking. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Afghans celebrate independence day

Afghan tribal men march during the Independence Day celebrations in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Aug. 19, 2006. Afghanistan, which regained its independence from Britain in 1919, celebrated its 87th anniversary of Independence Day on Saturday. (Xinhua Photo)

Beijing Opera seminar opens in Taiyuan

Actors in theatrical costumes perform at Nangong Square in Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, Aug. 18, 2006. The fifth National Beijing Opera Seminar for College Amateurs opened here on Friday to promote the quintessence of national culture.(Xinhua Photo)

NASA picks 2 companies for private spaceflight

Scott Horowitz, NASA's associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, is present at a news conference in Washington, Aug. 18, 2006. Two private American companies, SpaceX of California and Rocketplane-Kistler (RpK) of Oklahoma City, were selected to develop and demonstrate commercial orbital transportation services, according to NASA on Friday.

Kenya prove long-distance running prowess

Veronica Nyaruai Wanjiru of Kenya celebrates after winning the women's 3,000 meters final at the 11th IAAF World Junior Championships in Beijing, Aug. 19, 2006. Veronica Nyaruai Wanjiru won the gold medal by a score of 9 minutes and 02.90 seconds.

Auction held to rescue more stray pets

A puppy is auctioned in Shenyang, capital city of northeast China's Liaoning Province, Aug. 19, 2006. The host auctioned some stray, even injured animals Saturday in a bid to improve their living situation and raise money for rescuing more animals.

Shanghai int'l auto expo opens

A model stands beside a car during the 2006 Shanghai International Family Car and Business Vehicle Exhibition in Shanghai, east China, Aug. 18, 2006. The exhibition opens on August 18 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Energy-saving, small-displacement and environmentally friendly vehicles are in the spotlight at the event. New car models from domestic manufacturers are most eye-catching, coupled with high-end imported brands.(Xinhua Photo)

French peacekeepers arrive in Lebanon

About 50 French officers and soldiers arrive to join the United Nations peacekeeping force on the border with Israel at the southern Lebanese port of Naqura, August 19, 2006.(Xinhua Photo/Reuters)

Mayon Volcano spews lava

Lava cascades down the slope of Mount Mayon Volcano near Legazpi City, south of Manila, August 19, 2006.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)