Bickering between Palestinians and Israelis caused their first
peace negotiations in almost seven years to get off to a fitful
start Wednesday. The Palestinians blasted a construction project
planned for disputed eastern Jerusalem. Israel complained about
daily rocket attacks coming from the Gaza Strip. Still, an
Israeli spokesman insisted his side is "ready to move forward
for a historic compromise."  A series of car bombs exploded at
five-minute intervals in Amarah, Iraq, Wednesday, killing at
least 41 people and injuring 150 others. The police chief was
fired following the attacks, and an immediate ban on driving was
imposed. The Shiite city largely had escaped sectarian strife
but has been wracked by violent power struggles between rival
militias.  A six-year prison sentence was ordered for ex-
Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori following the first of his
three scheduled trials. He also was fined $135,000 after being
convicted of abuse of power near the end of his rule. His
lawyers filed an immediate appe