Ramadan begins London: The Islamic holy month of Ramadan has begun across most of the Muslim world, ushering in 30 days of dawn to dusk fasting and extra prayer. On the eve of Ramadan, US President Barack Obama said he wanted to build a new partnership between the US and Muslims around the world. He said US efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan were in keeping with the US commitment to a more secure world. The timing of Ramadan varies according to the first sighting of the New Moon. — Agencies Taiwan mourns TAIPEI: Flags are being flown at half-mast in Taiwan as three days of mourning begin for people who lost their lives as a result of Typhoon Morakot. At least 500 people are still missing, thought killed by floods and mudslides caused by the typhoon, which was Taiwan’s typhoon in 50 years. President Ma Ying-jeou promised to press ahead with a programme of reconstruction and resettlement. So far the government has confirmed the deaths of 160 people in the typhoon. — Agencies Gadaffi thanks Brown TRIPOLI: Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gadaffi has thanked British PM Gordon Brown for the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi. Gadaffi said that Brown had “encouraged” the Scottish Government to take what he called a “courageous” decision. The British Foreign Office has strongly denied claims the decision was linked to a trade deal between the UK and Libya. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said the allegation was “wrong, completely implausible and... quite offensive”. Brown has so far made no comment about the release. — Agencies Swine flu death KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait says a young woman has died from swine flu days after she gave birth to a baby by Caesarian section. She is the country's second person to succumb to the disease. The state-owned Kuwait News Agency quoted Health Ministry spokesman Youssef al-Nisf as saying Saturday the woman also suffered from acute pneumonia in addition to swine flu. He said she was eight months pregnant when she was admitted to the hospital August 12. The C-section was performed the following day. — AP