Kyodo news summary -4-

---------- Japan hopes to enhance bilateral ties with France

TOKYO - The Japanese government expressed hope Monday of enhancing bilateral relations with France following the election of Nicolas Sarkozy as the new French president Sunday.

''I would like to offer my congratulations to Mr. Sarkozy, who was elected president,'' Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters at his office in Tokyo. ''I met him in January and felt his strong will to make France an even better nation.''

---------- Pakistan building nuke plant that can yield weapons-grade plutonium

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan is constructing its first commercial-scale nuclear reprocessing plant that would make it possible to produce weapons-grade plutonium for its nuclear weapons program, according to informed sources.

Pakistani scientists and vendors of plant components are working on the reprocessing plant to be installed in a building originally constructed to house a French-manufactured plant in a deal that was canceled in the 1970s.

---------- Indian marchers commemorate 1857 revolt against British rule

NEW DELHI - Thousands of youths began a five-day march Monday to commemorate a 1857 mutiny credited with laying the foundation for India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule.

The marchers will cover 80 kilometers from Meerut in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh to Delhi while braving India's scorching summer heat.

---------- 119 killed in road accidents during Golden Week

TOKYO - A total of 119 people were killed in road accidents during the Golden Week holidays from April 28 to May 6, down 25 from a year earlier, the National Police Agency said Monday.

Of the total, 12 people were killed in drunken driving accidents, sharply down from 29 marked during last year's Golden Week, according to the NPA.

---------- 'Never again,' says Japanese yachtsman rescued by Australians

SYDNEY - A 77-year-old Japanese yachtsman who was rescued by Australian authorities after a third failed bid to become the oldest man to sail solo around the world confirmed Monday he will not make another world record attempt.

Ikuo Kashima from Osaka Prefecture is expected to be released Tuesday from a hospital in Tasmania, southeastern Australia, after being treated for a broken tailbone and leg injuries.