Earlier, the French newspaper Le Monde said DNA samples had made it possible to formally identify Abou Zeid.

BBC: File picture of Abdelmalik Abou Zeid

John Kerry filed papers Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission, formally establishing an exploratory campaign committee for a possible 2004 bid for the White House.

CNN: Kerry files papers for presidential committee

Mangino announced this week that he was forming a campaign committee for a possible congressional bid, and while he has not formally announced his candidacy, there is little doubt about his intention to seek the Democratic nomination in the 4th C.

CNN: By Stuart Rothenberg

An inter-government task force has been formally established, and the animal health sector has intensified investigations into the possible sources of the virus.

BBC: WHO confirms five deaths from China bird flu