WORLD BRIEFS

CHINA / Dissident writer sentenced

A Chinese court has sentenced a dissident writer to seven years in prison over a poem he wrote urging his countrymen to gather at a public square, a human rights group said Friday. The hefty sentence comes ahead of next week's visit to the U.S. by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping -- widely expected to be China's next leader -- where he is likely to face questions on human rights. The U.S. government on Friday voiced deep concern over Zhu Yufu's reported sentencing and the recent convictions of three other dissidents who have received 9- and 10-year prison terms for subversion or inciting subversion over the last few months. Zhu is among a group of writers and intellectuals targeted by Chinese authorities in a crackdown aimed at preventing Arab Spring-style popular uprisings.

Mexico / Travel warning issued

The U.S. State Department is recommending that Americans avoid travel to all or parts of 14 of 31 Mexican states in the widest travel advisory issued since Mexico stepped up its drug war in 2006. The department advises against any nonessential travel in all of Chihuahua, Coahuila and Tamaulipas, which border the United States, and in the central state of Durango, as well as sections of 10 other states.

Egypt / Military warns of plots

Egypt's military rulers warned Friday that the country faces conspiracies that seek to topple the state and spread chaos, an attempt to undermine activists who plan to mark the anniversary of President Hosni Mubarak's overthrow with anti-army protests. The statement came on the eve of a planned general strike aimed at pressuring the military to give up power.