NATO invitation

Zagreb, Croatia: Croatia has accepted NATO抯 invitation to start talks on joining the military alliance, the government said Tuesday. Leaders of NATO nations offered to open the door to Croatia and Albania two weeks ago.

Oil price

LONDON, the United Kingdom: Oil struck a new record high above US$114 a barrel yesterday. The price is more than three times the average price of 2002, when oil抯 rally began.

17 killed

TANGAIL, Bangladesh: At least 17 people were killed when a train plowed through a packed bus at a railway crossing in central Bangladeseh.