Friday Afternoon Zedlines.

Reported by Natasha and Sam.
Blogged by Natasha.


In Sri Lanka, a UN convoy has removed hundreds of people wounded in the conflict between the government and the Tamil Tigers.

The Sri Lankan president has promised safe passage to people caught up by the fighting in the nation's north.

But humanitarian organisations say about 250 thousand civilians are still trapped in rebel held areas.


Research from the University of South Australia could cut cancer by one fifth if it is successful.

A team of scientists are trying to develop a vaccine for cancer causing viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B and Papilloma.

Team leader, Dr John Hayball says if they can eliminate those infections, there is a real possibility of cutting the incidence of cancer.

A Virgin airline passenger whose complaint letter has swarmed the internet has been invited to select food and wine on future flights.

Oliver Beale, a high-flying advertising executive, addressed his letter directly to Virgin boss Richard Branson, to complain about the quality of his meal during a flight from Mumbai to Heathrow last year.

According to the London's Daily Telegraph Mr. Branson rung Mr. Beale personally to apologise and offer the invitation.

Police have issued a warning to bank customers to be on the lookout after a card 'skimmer' device was found attached to an ATM at Mt. Gravatt yesterday.

The device is able to copy the details from a bank card as customers use the machine.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hay said that a woman had been trying to use the machine when she noticed something was wrong with it and reported it to the police.

Two Burmese fishermen found floating in an oversized esky in the Torres Strait are seeking to stay in Australia.

Ko Ko Oo and Haung Htaik told authorities they survived 25 days at sea by drinking rainwater and eating fish regurgitated by seabirds.

A Department of Immigration spokesman told AAP on Friday the men, now in Darwin, had both indicated they do not wish to return home and are to be tranferred from the mainland to Christmas Island.