Asian, European heads hold trade summit

BANGKOK, Thailand € Asian and European leaders pledged Saturday to build a partnership, increasing trade and investment between their continents.

The leaders of the 15 European Union countries met two days with heads from 10 Asian nations, eager to match the American presence in some of the world's fastest-growing economies.

The impetus for the summit was Europe's growing trade with East Asia - $312 billion in 1994, surpassing the United States But 1979-1993 investments in Asia by Britain, France, Germany and other EU countries totaled only $2.5 billion, less than half the amount invested by either the United States or Japan.

Reports said the summit ''forged a new comprehensive partnership,'' that contributes to ''peace, global stability and prosperity.''

Gadhafi threatens execution for fraud

TRIPOLI, Libya €Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has threatened to execute Libyans who violate foreign currency laws.

He also said he will shut down embassies and companies that refuse to conduct currency transactions through Libya's Central Bank.

Gadhafi said the government will meet with foreign companies and embassies in Libya to tell them to deposit all their foreign currency in the Libyan Central Bank.

Compiled using Associated Press reports