Harare - An outbreak of cholera, the deadly diarrhoeal disease that doctors say has claimed dozens of lives in crisis-hit Zimbabwe in recent weeks, has spread to the city's crowded townships, state media reported Thursday.

One person died in the city's Budiriro township and 20 more from across the city were being treated for the disease in hospital, the state-controlled Herald newspaper reported. Some of the cases are from areas very close to the city centre.

The death brings to 121 the number to have died of the disease this year, according to the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR).

Hanoi- Vietnam's statement of opposition to a weekend commando raid by the United States inside Syrian territory prompted mixed reactions Thursday from Hanoi experts.

Government spokesman Le Dung said Wednesday that Vietnam "opposes (the US's) unilateral military action and considers that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be absolutely respected."

Tokyo - Markets across the Asia-Pacific on Thursday saw the roller-coaster ride they have been taking in recent weeks make an upward surge with key markets jumping more than 10 per cent on news of an interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average ended trading up nearly 10 per cent after the US central bank's rate cut as well as boosted profit prospects for Japan's exporters as the yen weakened against the dollar.

Vienna  - As the first large Austrian bank to apply for government aid, Erste Group Bank AG said Thursday it will receive 2.7 billion euros (3.5 billion dollars) of public funds to strengthen its capital base.

The percentage of the bank's debts covered by equity through the cash injection will rise to 10 per cent by the end of the year, compared with the previous estimate of 7.5 per cent.

In return for the government help, Erste agreed to provide credit worth 6 billion euros to Austrian commercial and retail customers over the next three years.

New Delhi, Oct 30 : The Union Home Ministry has sought an immediate report from the Assam Government on serial blasts, in which at least 26 people are feared dead and over 100 injured.

Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta spoke to Assam Chief Secretary P. C. Sharma, saying the situation was being closely monitored.

The Ministry is keeping a constant watch on the situation, Madhukar Gupta said.