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The second step of China's lunar probe project, Chang''e-2, will be launched by the end of 2010, Chinese space scientists have said.

The next step is being considered after the 18-month-long exploration success of the Chang'e-1 between October 2007 and March 2010.

Chinese scientists will study the data collected for a year and then release their findings to the world, China Daily has reported.

A union official has said that British Airways crew members have begun a five-day walkout, causing many flights in and out of Heathrow to be canceled.

The Times of London has said that cabin crew members ended one five-day strike Friday and had also been on strike for seven days in March.

Contingency plans, with more cabin crew members reporting for work, will allow 65,000 passengers to fly during the five days, causing less disruption to the flight schedule than previous strikes, the airline has said.

Authorities have revealed that a Marine helicopter taking part in Memorial Day weekend celebrations in New York Sunday blew tree branches into a crowd, injuring at least 10.

The New York Daily News has reported that while landing on Staten Island, downdraft from the Osprey hybrid helicopter's rotors broke up two trees and sent almost 30 branches flying into spectators.

Yolanda Maiurrno, 80, struck in the ankle by a branch, said, "It was a really scary and horrific scene. I'm all shook up right now and I can't stop shaking."

The Vatican also said that Pope Benedict XVI has named a Boston cardinal to assist the Archdiocese of Dublin in Ireland, mired in a sexual abuse crisis.

The Boston Globe reported on Monday that Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley will remain archbishop of Boston but assume new duties as "apostolic visitor" to the Dublin archdiocese.

Ireland's Catholic Church has been under fire following accusations of multiple abuse cases in church-connected institutions in the country.

Vice President Joe Biden said on Monday that U. S. soldiers fight every day to protect the values and freedoms Americans enjoy against a still-threatening enemy.

Biden said during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, "As the world around us shrinks ... trouble halfway around the globe can and will visit us, the objective of our new enemy is to change our values, change how we live our lives, change what it means to be an American."

According to reports, Israeli commandos stormed a flotilla bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza, killing at least 10 activists and prompting worldwide condemnation Monday.

Haaretz has reported that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the organizers of the flotilla were responsible after 10 activists were killed when Israel Navy commandos stormed the ship overnight.

Meanwhile, Israel's prime minister said he will return home after international condemnation of his country's actions.