Egyptian writer Naguib dies: Egyptian philosopher and writer Zaki Naguib Mahmoud, whose articles and books were widely read in the Arab world, died Wednesday of complications from diabetes. He was 88. AP reports from Cairo.

Mahmoud suffered from diabetes for years and had been In a hospital,for a week before he died, a spokesman at el-Safa Hospital told.

Mahmoud wrote extensively in books and articles about Arab cultural and political affairs. He recently finished his autobiography. The Harvest of the Years."

Russian FM in Kabul: Russian Foreign Minister And ria Valadtmlrovlch Gozirov flew into Kabul airport early yesterday, for a two-day visit and talks on bilateral issues including conflict on the border with Tajikistan, an aide said. AFP reports from Kabul.

"We are going to discuss different Issues including the situation on the Afghan-Tajik border," said an aide accompanying Gozirov

However, Gozirov did not state any specific reasons for his visit, commenting only that, "It's too early to comment now."

Pope 111 Latvia: Pope John Paul if took his Baltic pilgrimage to this heavily Protestant country Wednesday, bringing with him a message of reconciliation in a region emerging from Soviet rule. AP reports from Riga.

The Pope flew from Vilnius, Lithuania, arriving in a downpour. But tens of thousands packed the streets, waving white handkerchiefs as the Pope's motorcade went by,.

As he did In Lithuania, John Paul paid tribute to the "long trials' Latvia underwent during five decades of Soviet occupation.

Riots leave 12 hurt in Panama: At least 12 people were hurt and 60 arrested in protests after a top aide to former dictator Gen. Manuel Noriega and six other soldiers were cleared in the 1985 killing of a dissident leader, authorities said Tuesday. AP reports from Panama City.

The riots broke out Monday night in the provincial capital of David after the verdict in the 1985 slaying of Dr. Hugo Spadafora. Police used shotguns and teargas to control the crowd. No arrests or Injuries were reported in protests in Panama City and the Pacific port of Chltre.

Noriega and two other officers who also are charged in the ' kilhng have chosen a trial without a jury. The general, who is serving a 40-year drug sentence in the United States, is being tried in absentia. A verdict is expected by the end of the month.