SCIENTISTS in Brazil are claiming to have established as a scientific fact that the Amazon is the longest river in the world.

The Amazon is recognised as the world's largest river by volume, but has generally been regarded as second in length to the River Nile in Egypt.

The claim follows an expedition to Peru that is said to have established a new starting point further south. It puts the Amazon at 6,800km (4,250 miles) compared to the Nile's 6,695km.

Sarkozy faces inquiry

FRENCH police have launched an inquiry into how two illegal immigrants came to be employed at an official residence used by President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The two men from Mali, who were renovating a house in Versailles, were arrested this week for having false residency papers. They have been released but could now face prosecution.

Sarkozy, who became president in May, has a reputation for being tough on illegal migrants.

He has promised to deport thousands of people without residency papers in 2007.

US military chief 'forced out'

THE US military's outgoing top commander, General Peter Pace, says he opposed the decision to replace him at the end of his first term.

Pace said he did not resign voluntarily as he felt this would be "unacceptable" for him as a leader. "I've been told I'm done, " he said.

His term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is to end in October.

Washington said last week it would not seek another term to avoid a "divisive" confirmation process in Congress.

Colombia ratifies gay rights

CONGRESS in Colombia has approved a bill to grant homosexual couples the same rights to social security benefits as heterosexual couples.

If ratified by the Senate and signed by President Alvaro Uribe, it would make Colombia the first Latin American country to pass a national measure.

The bill gives equal health insurance rights and allows a surviving gay partner to inherit shared assets.

The law could take effect soon as it has President Uribe's backing.