Rebels and Gaddafi forces fight for Libya coast cities (Reuters)

ZINTAN, Libya (Reuters) ? Libyan rebels fought fierce battles in two coastal cities on either side of Tripoli in a drive to topple Muammar Gaddafi, and also claimed the Libyan leader's former No. 2 had defected.

Sustained blasts from rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and anti-aircraft guns rang out on Friday in the center of Zawiyah, a city on the coastal highway 50 km (30 miles) west of Tripoli that the rebels entered this week, in a clash that killed at least two.

As they pushed to consolidate control of the city and its strategic oil refinery, rebels in Zawiyah's central square exchanged heavy fire with Gaddafi forces holed up inside a nearby hospital before driving them out, Reuters witnesses said.

East of the capital, opposition forces fought bloody street battles in the city of Zlitan but suffered heavy casualties, a Reuters reporter there said. A rebel spokesman said 32 rebel fighters were killed, with 150 wounded.

Rebel advances have cut off Tripoli from its main supply routes, putting Gaddafi's four-decade rule under heavy pressure.

But Gaddafi's information minister, Moussa Ibrahim, said late on Friday the government's military retained the upper hand in both Zawiyah and Zlitan and scorned what he described as 'bands of insurgents'.

In a possible psychological blow to Gaddafi's government, rebels said his former deputy Abdel Salam Jalloud had defected to rebel-held territory in the Western Mountains.

Jalloud was a member of the junta that staged a 1969 coup bringing Gaddafi to power, and was seen as the North African oil producer state's second in command before falling out of Gaddafi's favor in the 1990s.

"He is definitely here in Zintan. He is under the control of the military council here," Massoud Ali, a local rebel spokesman, told Reuters. Rebels showed Reuters a video of a person they identified as Jalloud standing among them earlier in the day.

Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim declined comment about Jalloud's whereabouts or his political allegiances, but said if Jalloud had left the country he hoped he would help facilitate a negotiated end to the conflict.

It was unclear how close Jalloud was to Gaddafi after the 1990s, when he reportedly was stripped of his passport and put under government surveillance following a disagreement with Gaddafi.

With rebels pushing on the ground, NATO has pressed on with its campaign from the air and its warplanes pounded targets in the capital overnight.

Gaddafi's government has blamed NATO bombings for scores of civilian deaths and said 27 people were killed in the most recent raids on Tripoli. NATO accuses Gaddafi forces of housing military assets near civilians.

MIGRANT WORKERS

In another sign the fighting is hitting closer to Gaddafi's inner circle, the brother of the spokesman who has served as the Tripoli government's public face, was reported killed in a front-line city. The government blamed NATO attack helicopters.

Libyan officials separately brought journalists to a residential district where a compound of several large buildings was blasted to pieces. Neighbors said it belonged to Abdullah al-Senussi, Gaddafi's brother-in-law and head of intelligence, though a government official said Senussi was not there at the time.

NBC News reported Gaddafi was making preparations to leave Libya with his family for possible exile in Tunisia, but that it was unclear if he would follow through. NBC said the information came from U.S. officials who cited intelligence reports.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kaim reiterated the government stance that Gaddafi would not depart Libya, at the same time saying Libya was in favor of any negotiations to end the fighting.

"But the United States and other key players have to give their blessing to these negotiations," he said.

A spokeswoman for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Jemini Pandya, said the operation to rescue thousands of Egyptians and other foreigners trapped in Tripoli by the latest fighting would begin within days.

"We are looking at all options available, but it will probably have to be by sea," she told a Geneva news conference.

More than 600,000 of up to 2.5 million foreigners, mostly Asian and African migrant workers, have fled Libya in six months of fighting. But thousands remained in Tripoli, which until this week was calm and a safe two-hour drive from Tunisia.

The route has been cut since the rebels entered Zawiyah, which lies on the coastal highway, six days ago. In Zawiyah, medics at another local hospital said two dead and three wounded had been taken there from the recent fighting.

On Thursday they took the neighboring town of Sabratha, and on Friday they seized the nearby town of Surman.

Several hundred rebels and their supporters gathered on the streets of Surman, just off the highway, to celebrate the victory, flying the rebel green, red and black flag.

In New York, Human Rights Watch published a report on its website saying Libyan government forces appeared to have executed 10 protesters following an anti-government demonstration in the town of Bani Walid, southwest of Misrata, on May 28.

HRW said it had interviewed six men "with knowledge of the day's events, including three who saw government forces fire on the demonstrators."

There was no way to immediately verify the report.

(Additional reporting by Missy Ryan in Tripoli; Robert Birsel in Benghazi, Libya; Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva; Ulf Laessing in Garyan, Libya; Mariam Karouny in Beirut; William Maclean in London; Yvonne Bell in Zawiyah; Souhail Karam in Rabat; Tarek Amara in Tunis; Writing by Richard Valdmanis and Peter Graff; Editing by Michael Roddy)

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/africa/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110820/wl_nm/us_libya

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Get to Know Valencia Ahead of La Tomatina

Get to Know Valencia Ahead of La Tomatina

Booking a trip to Valencia to coincide with the annual tomato-throwing festival - La Tomatina - held in Bunol no doubt holds appeal for many people around the world. However, those heading to the area to participate in the festival might want to make their way there a few days ahead of time, so they can explore the city and truly get a feel for its culture and history.

Read the rest of this Article Here...

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Source: http://www.beaconcommunitycenter.org/travel-and-leisure/get-to-know-valencia-ahead-of-la-tomatina_20802237G52o_Aug2011.html

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Interior Designing For Your Home | Real Estate Plan

Interior designing has become one of the primary requirements amongst home owners from all over the world. Today it is impossible to live in an old and dilapidated house. But interior designers have been the saving grace and have rescued thousands of house owners from such situations. However in recent times interior designers are going out of work. A major reason is most of the clients have realized there is no point wasting their hard earned money on hiring the services of these professionals when they can design their own interiors.

Interior designing is a tricky subject. Therefore it is advisable for any house owners to have some kind of formal training in the art as it can help them a lot in the future when they decide to try to give form to their visions. Irrespective of whether a homeowner takes up such lessons he or she can take complete charge of whatever decoration that goes on in his house. The basic step towards a successful designing attempt is to form an idea of what goes best with the look of the house in question. One needs to have a keen eye in order to make a list of things that goes well with overall theme of the house. The entire task of interior decorating becomes pointless if some of the installed furnishings don?t match with the overall theme of the home.

The entire idea of coming up with design ideas may sound a bit complicated. But with the advent of the internet this has become a fairly minor issue. Most websites today offer ample information about the changing trends and styles in the home improvement sector. Once a user registers with these websites he can also take additional advices form the experts working all day long to guide novices like you. There are also some public blog forums, discussion boards where home decoration enthusiasts discuss and exchange ideas about how to make their interior look more beautiful. Home decor magazines, home improvement television shows are additional sources of information and can help you decide what is best for your house in a matter of days.

Once this information is collected it is then time to go and try them out in the real world. The local market and furnishing shops is where users can put this knowledge too good effect. Once you know the latest products and their current prices there is no way any shop owner will be able to fool you. The same applies in case of online stores as well. But a user has to be a little more cautious in case of online shopping since there is no direct interaction with the sellers. Checking out the history of the company should be the first step before purchasing home decor products like carpets, curtains, window blinds, door handles etc. Some of these stores also specialize in selling products, fittings for bathrooms and kitchens. Buy from these and give a completely new look to the house.

Source: http://bbbenhancement.info/interior-designing-for-your-home/379/

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Black Eyed Peas (Food & Drink) - Food Wine Lifestyle

By admin - Sat Aug 20, 6:34 am

Bagels
Whether you are a homesick New Yorker seeking a good bagel that lives up to your exacting standards or simply a bagel aficionado, House of Bagels is the answer. It provides an eclectic array of delicious spreads and crunchy, crisp bagels baked from scratch every morning. Whatever you are hankering for, you are sure to find it at this favorite local eatery. 526 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650-322-5189. houseofbagels.com

Hall of Fame: Second Year
This Brooklyn-flavored favorite is more than just a bagel shop. Its new and expanded menu includes kosher delights such as the noodle kugel and the Brooklyn babka, as well as a healthy array of knishes and challahs. Still, main draw for this popular California Avenue establishment remains its trove of bagels and cream cheeses, including mouth-watering spreads such as sun-dried tomato, cucumber scallion and green olive-and-garlic. Izzy?s Brooklyn Bagels has been winning voters? hearts and pleasing their palates for years ? qualities that bought it a ticket to the Hall of Fame. 477 S. California Ave., Palo Alto; 650-329-0700. izzysbrooklynbagels.com

Bakery/Desserts
Our vocabulary owes French for the word ?dessert,? so it?s no surprise that Douce France induces a sugar rush par excellence. In addition to serving non-sweet treats like the scrumptious ?buffarella? ? buffalo mozzarella ? lunch sandwich, the snug bakery and cafe entices with decadent cakes and cookies, chocolaty beverages, miniature fruit-topped tarts, wispy meringues and a colorful selection of macaroons, including a blushing, fanciful pink that?ll have you living la vie en rose. #104 Town Country Village, Palo Alto; 650-322-3601.

Breakfast
Perhaps a treasured item on Hobee?s menu says it all: the Best Darn Breakfast In Town. At all three Hobee?s locations, the BDBIT comes with two eggs, served your way; ?Country Style? hashbrowns; and toast or the blueberry coffeecake people line up for. But there?s much more on the menu, from omelets and scrambles (from the Stanford Cardinal Omelet with chicken, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, spinach and cheese to the Tofu Scramble, spiced with cumin) to light bites (an oatmeal bar and a seasonal fruit plate). Hobee?s also took the top prize in the Dining With Kids category. #67 Town Country Village, Palo Alto, 650-327-4111; 4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-856-6124; 2312 Central Expressway, Mountain View, 650-968-6050. hobees.com

Burger
A glance at a menu at The Counter is a lesson in the evolution of the burger. The sea of options is enough to make the most fervent vegetarians salivate (or, at the very least, order a veggie burger). Want cheese? Options include Tillamook Cheddar or Soft Ripened Brie. Would you prefer Tzatziki or peanut sauce? Then there?s the sea of toppings, from grilled pineapple and roasted green chilies to smoked bacon and fried onion strings. It?s not your grandpa?s burger, but so what? Our readers agreed, once again, that this bustling joint is the city?s top burger destination. 369 S. California Ave., Palo Alto; 650-321-3900. thecounterburger/paloalto

Burrito
If it could change the world, Chipotle would be the sunlight in everyone?s burrito universe. And it might change the world. In addition to being customizable, fresh, fast and out-and-out delicious, Chipotle?s burritos have integrity. The chain has found its way into Palo Alto?s hearts by supporting sustainable family farms that treat their land and animals with respect. 2675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650-462-9154. chipotle.com

Deli/Sandwiches
A good sandwich can make your taste buds sing, but a great sandwich elicits an orchestra of savory sensations. Enter The Village Cheese House, the Mozart of sandwich-makers. With a cornucopia of breads, meats, cheeses and veggies to choose from, the Village Cheese House has the right deli delicacies to satisfy a clientele as diverse as the Village People. #157 Town Country Village, Palo Alto; 650-326-9251. thevch.com

Grocery Store
Calling Trader Joe?s a ?grocery store? is kind of like calling Elvis ?the guy with the sideburns.? Yes, it?s true that this earthy, quirky and increasingly ubiquitous chain has all the bare necessities a kitchen may require. But it?s the unusual, palate-expanding products ? the mango butter, the habanera-and-lime salsa, the mojito salmon ? that have made TJ?s a local superstar. A relative newcomer to Palo Alto, the supermarket is now a flagship destination at the Town Country Village and, according to readers, the local King of Groceries. #140 Town Country Village, Palo Alto; 650-327-7018. traderjoes.com

Happy Hour
Care for some jalapeno cornbread and Cajun calamari with that raspberry mojito? How about a ginger julep to fill your soul with some Bourbon Street cheer? This bustling downtown joint with New Orleans flavor, flavorful Hurricanes, funky art and a generous beer selection can cure the deepest case of the blues. Not surprisingly, readers chose Nola as the city?s finest happy-hour joint. Bottoms up! 535 Ramona St., Palo Alto; 650-328-2722. nolas.com==

Ice Cream/Gelato
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. That is especially true when the ice cream is dished out by Gelato Classico. Gelato, a traditional Italian dessert that has gained huge popularity in the United States, tantalizes the taste buds like no other style of ice cream. And Gelato Classico has a rich selection of flavors, from Green Tea and Hazelnut to Vanilla Bean and Caramello Chocolate Crunch. Grab a spoon. 435 Emerson St., Palo Alto; 650-327-1317. caffeclassicofoods.com

Hall of Fame: Second Year
Elvis might be the king of rock, but Rick is the king of ice cream. Rick?s Rather Rich Ice Cream has satisfied Peninsula eaters for the better part of four decades, one of the reasons it has earned honors in the Best Of Palo Alto Hall of Fame. Rick?s features 48 flavors of rich and creamy ice cream, including Banana Ripple, Caramel Praline and White Chocolate Ginger. Rick?s even caters and offers ice cream cakes and novelties. Elvis has left the building, but Rick?s is right around the corner. 3946 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; 650-493-6553. ricksicecream.com

Milkshake
Not to be confused with its similarly named diner cousin, the richly historied Peninsula Creamery Dairy Store Grill predates most Palo Altans. Distant as 1923 may seem from the present, this beloved checker-floored throwback continues to take care of business in the down-to-earth way it always has, creating superbly priced sandwiches, soups, salads, breakfasts and, of course, indulgent ice cream concoctions. 900 High St., Palo Alto; 650-323-3175. peninsulacreamery.com

Hall of Fame: First Year
With its nostalgic interior and show-stopping lineup of most-craved comfort foods, the upbeat Palo Alto Creamery Fountain Grill rocks on as an iconic tween hangout, family favorite and general go-to eatery. While it?s an ideal place to hone ketchup-dispensing skills or tackle a positively mammoth burger, the consensus is that there?s something supremely special about settling into a booth and sharing the ultimate wickedly thick milkshake. 566 Emerson St., Palo Alto; 650-323-3131; and #2A Stanford Shopping Center, Stanford; 650-327-3141. paloaltocreamery.com

New Food/Drink Establishment
?I haven?t been this thrilled about a chocolate shop since going to the Max Brenner in Union Square, NYC,? a local Yelper wrote of Monique?s Chocolates. And readers agree. Peanut butter and jelly chocolates, chai truffle with milk chocolate and salted caramel are but a few selections of these single-origin treats. Super-rich chocolate beverages with mint, hazelnut milk chocolate, plus specialties such as torched French s?mores make Monique?s a great place to taste chocolates from different parts of the world. 539 Bryant St., Palo Alto; 650-323-9669.

Pizza
The pizza as work of art is what Howard Bulka?s creative restaurant, Howie?s Artisan Pizza, is about. Each bite sings ? it?s a symphony of flavors brought to life and still steaming from the wood-fired oven. Howie?s embraces local, fresh ingredients. Choose from the classic pizza Margherita to baked potato pizza with crisp bacon and Gruyere cheese ? or build your own. #60 Town Country Village, Palo Alto; 650-327-4992. howiesartisanpizza.com

Hall of Fame: Second Year
Applewood Pizza is enjoying its second year in the Best Of Palo Alto Hall of Fame. The impressive menu offers numerous signature pizzas, as well as the opportunity to concoct your own pizza. The bar flaunts 37 imported beers, yet the restaurant maintains a family-friendly atmosphere where people can go to relax and enjoy a flavorful meal. Some of their lesser-known specialty sides include Hungarian goulash and langos, which is Hungarian fried bread. The restaurant also has the option of ordering online, which comes with the choice of take-out or delivery. 1001 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 650-324-3486. applewoodpizza.com

Produce
Sometimes finding the best fruits and veggies around can be difficult, but Palo Altans are in luck. Whole Foods Market and Sigona?s tied for top produce honors. Sigona?s offers a wide selection of organic and commercial produce. The store also serves as a regular grocery store and carries a line of products branded with its own Sigona Signature label. Whole Foods also offers an incredible variety of produce along with its full-service grocery. And with the fruits and veggies from these stores, you are guaranteed to be in for good eating. Whole Foods: 774 Emerson St., Palo Alto; 650-326-8676. wholefoodsmarket.com; Sigona?s: #399 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 650-329-1340. sigonas.com

Salad
Some swear by the Southwestern, while other prefer the Somen. But whether Weekly readers prefer bacon and avocado or Japanese somen noodles and caramelized shallots on their salads, many agree that the best local salads are to be found at Sprout in downtown Palo Alto. Diners can choose signature salads with predetermined combinations, or assemble their own ingredients. For some extra protein, put tri-tip steak, salmon or ahi tuna on top. 168 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650-323-7688. cafesprout.com

Seafood
Best Of voters? selection for Best Seafood might not ever feature the band Phish, but it certainly has plenty of the underwater variety. The Fish Market can satisfy hungry customers with its school of delicious offerings. Try Pacific Ahi sashimi, mesquite-grilled Alaskan Halibut or steamed Canadian Black Mussels. With a rotating menu of ocean-fetched fare, you?re always getting the freshest food at the Fish Market. Dive into something delicious. 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650-493-8862. thefishmarket.com==

Takeout
For those who wish to have a relaxing dinner at home with their families or just kick back by themselves on the sofa and indulge in a carton of authentic Chinese food, one particular place should come to mind. Su Hong has yet again dominated the takeout world for its yummy variety of Mandarin- and Szechwan-styled cuisine. Whether you are craving the popular combination rice plates, barbecue pork or chicken chow mein, your cravings will certainly be satisfied. 4256 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650-493-4664. suhongeatery.com

Yogurt
Simple, local, natural ingredients bring regular or frozen yogurt-lovers flocking to Fraiche, whether they?re attracted to the ?natural? flavor, soy option or are suckers for chocolate. Toppings range from chocolate shaved off a large bar to fresh berries or chopped fruit ? in season. Lavender-flavored biscotti or chocolate-chip cookies ? or organic oatmeal for the health aficionados ? make it a meal. The owners are passionate about organic, healthy food, extending that to their Blue Bottle coffee offerings. 644 Emerson St., Palo Alto; 650-566-0055. fraicheyogurt.com

? Palo Alto Online staff

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Source: http://foodwinelifestyle.com/2011/08/20/black-eyed-peas-food-drink/

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Touring with Dogs and Other Pets in Tasmania, | Article Tavern

If you?re planning to travel around the gorgeous and mostly untouched natural wilderness of Tasmania with your whole family, including your pets, you?re going to need to plan ahead, just like every other holiday where you are desiring to take along your pets as they?re often not allowed into many parks or onto beaches.

Firstly you are going on holidays away from home, so you?re going to want to take a look at securing the kind of pet friendly accommodation in Tasmania that suits the needs of you, your folks, your pets and the type of holiday accommodation that you could be looking for. That will vary of course, from staying in a tent or a cabin, right thru to self contained units and motels.

As is the case in most state parks across Australia, dogs and other pets are not authorized into Tasmania?s state parks and conservation reserves, not whether or not you have them secure on a lead or within your vehicle, the majority of these kinds of parks have a secure gate check point to be sure these rules are enforced.

Dogs, cats and other pets are however allowed in automobiles travelling on roads which pass thru state parks,eg the Lyell Road, but they are definately not permitted out of the auto. Naturally, help dogs or dogs that provide support for people with disabilities, are an exception to the rules and are always allowed to accompany their handlers and owners, not only into state parks, but into all establishments and onto all forms of public transport.

There are plenty of places through Tasmania outside of these national parks, where you are welcome to take your dogs, cats and other pets and there are some great pet friendly accommodation places in all corners of the state of Tasmania right near these parks, and you will find them easy nowadays with the help of the web.

Forestry Tasmania reserves are managed for multiple uses and permit dogs and pets. Parts of Mt Wellington are managed by local councils and also permit and cater for pets. In the South and South-East you?ll find many reserves that permit you to bring your pets along and they include Lagoons Beach, Lake Leake, and many areas around Swansea and the 9 Mile Beach.

Then if you want to explore the North area of the state and bring along your pets, you can include the Myrtle Park area, the Waterhouse Conservation area, the Saddleback Plantation, Ringarooma Coastal Reserve and several other great destinations that are thrilled to welcome you on your holiday with dogs, moggies and plenty of other special family members.

If you?re a pet owner or considering becoming one, we have masses of valuable information from our online pet directory, even if you are not travelling in our area, it?s possible to get some great free tips, hints, and ideas and even products, destinations and petfriendly parks, beaches and services from our blog and newsletter, that can help you with your pet needs , wherever you are travelling. Sign up is free and simple.

Source: http://articletavern.com/pets/touring-with-dogs-and-other-pets-in-tasmania

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Pets of the week - Standard-Examiner

Davis County

Contact Davis County Animal Services at 801-444-2200 for information on adopting pets.

Lynn

?

Lynn is a 1- to 2-year old Lab mix. Her and her brother, Finn came to the shelter as strays and no one claimed them. Lynn is a sweet little dog. She is active and loves to play outdoors. Lynn gets along great with other dogs and would like a home with room for her brother too. Lynn will make a great family pet. Lynn is in kennel new adopt 11.

Terry

?

Terry is a 3-year-old Chihuahua. He was turned over to the shelter when his owners could no longer care for him. Terry is a sweet dog that will make a great companion. He is affectionate and bonds with people easily. Terry is a little timid at times, so he would not do great with small children or large dogs. He is looking to be a lap dog for a nice, quiet home. Terry is in kennel new adopt 4.

Johnson

?

Johnson is a 4-year-old Siamese. He is a stray that no one claimed. Johnson is a sweet cat. He is great with everyone and does fine with other cats and even dogs. Johnson is a great cat. Johnson is in our cat adoption center.

Kiki

?

Kiki is a 2-year-old Domestic Medium Hair. She is a stray and, although she was microchipped, we could not locate her owner. Kiki is a sweet, gentle little kitty. She is friendly and gets along great with children and other cats. She doesn't even mind a calm, friendly dog hanging around. Kiki is litterbox trained, spayed, and up to date on her shots. Kiki is in our cat adoption center.

Weber County

These animals are available for adoption at the Weber County Animal Shelter, 1373 N. 750 West.

Tasha

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Tasha is a 9-month-old, female, pit bull mix. She was brought in as a stray and never claimed. She is very sweet and loves to be around people.

Kache

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Kache is 3-year-old, neutered, male Australian Shepherd. He was a stray that no one ever came for. He is very smart and affectionate and because he is already neutered he is only $40 to adopt.

Verin

?

Verin is a 5-month-old, female, Tortie that was brought in as a stray and never claimed. She is a very affectionate and mellow kitty.

Perrin

?

Perrin is a 2-month-old, male, black and white, domestic shorthair. He came in as a stray and was never claimed. He is very curious and playful

To adopt these or other animals at the shelter, call 801-399-8244.

Source: http://www.standard.net/stories/2011/08/18/pets-week

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Shell says it has closed leaking North Sea valve

Undated aerial image released by Royal Dutch Shell PLC Friday Aug. 19, 2011 of the Gannet Alpha platform in the North Sea, around 110 miles (180 kilometers) east of Aberdeen, Scotland. Royal Dutch Shell PLC said an operation is under way to stop the leak at its Gannet Alpha platform following the worst North Sea oil spill in more than a decade. About 1,300 barrels of oil has spewed into the sea since a pipeline at Shell's Gannet Alpha platform was found to be leaking Aug. 12, the company said, though it claims that after shutting the well, only one barrel a day is leaking from the installation to control the build up of pressure in the pipeline. (AP Photo/Ken Taylor/Shell/PA Wire) EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO SALES

Undated aerial image released by Royal Dutch Shell PLC Friday Aug. 19, 2011 of the Gannet Alpha platform in the North Sea, around 110 miles (180 kilometers) east of Aberdeen, Scotland. Royal Dutch Shell PLC said an operation is under way to stop the leak at its Gannet Alpha platform following the worst North Sea oil spill in more than a decade. About 1,300 barrels of oil has spewed into the sea since a pipeline at Shell's Gannet Alpha platform was found to be leaking Aug. 12, the company said, though it claims that after shutting the well, only one barrel a day is leaking from the installation to control the build up of pressure in the pipeline. (AP Photo/Ken Taylor/Shell/PA Wire) EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO SALES

LONDON (AP) ? Royal Dutch Shell PLC said Friday it has closed a valve that was seeping oil from a pipeline off Scotland's coast, stopping the worst spill in a decade for Britain's North Sea oil fields.

The company said closing the valve was a "key step" in halting the leak at its Gannet Alpha platform, but that it would monitor the pipeline to make sure the valve remains sealed.

The leaking valve is on a "flow line" that carries oil away from the well on the ocean floor.

Divers sealed off the valve, 300 feet (90 meters) under water, in a "careful and complex operation," said Glen Cayley, technical director of Shell's exploration and production activities in Europe.

"But we will be watching the line closely over the next 24 hours and beyond," he said.

"Our next task is to remove the residual oil from inside the de-pressurized flow line, and that will take time." Shell has said the pipeline still contains up to 660 tons, or 4,620 barrels, of crude oil.

About 1,300 barrels of oil has spewed into the sea since a pipeline was found to be leaking Aug. 10, the company said, although it claimed that after it shut the well, only one barrel a day had been leaking from a relief valve to control the build-up of pressure in the pipeline.

The spill, 110 miles (180 kilometers) east of Aberdeen, Scotland, has caused a sheen covering an area of 2.5 square miles (6.7 square kilometers), authorities said.

Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore said closing the valve was "clearly positive news," but that "no oil leakage into our waters is acceptable and lessons must be learned." He promised officials would conduct "a thorough investigation."

Environmental groups have expressed alarm at the potential impact of the spill on wildlife, and have criticized Shell for a lack of transparency about the extent of the pollution.

The leak was discovered Aug. 10, but Shell only made it public two days later. On Saturday, Shell said the spill had been brought "under control," but it later emerged a small amount of oil was still leaking into the sea.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds urged Shell to involve the Scottish government and environmental groups in the British government's investigation of the spill, warning that puffins, razorbills and guillemots on the open seas were at risk.

But the oil company said surveys of bird and marine life "have indicated no significant impact on the environment." It says the oil will disperse at sea and not reach the shore.

The company said it had set up an investigation team to establish the cause of the leak and was cooperating with government inquiries into the spill.

The last major spill in the North Sea occurred in 1993, when the oil tanker MV Braer ran aground in the Shetland Islands, spilling around 620,000 barrels of crude into the sea.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2011-08-19-EU-Britain-Oil-Spill/id-79f7ca945cb948269b8d38fb2a2ec706

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