US Vice President Dick Cheney is to make an emergency stopover in Singapore after his plane, Air Force Two, developed mechanical problems on its way home from Australia.Mr Cheney left Sydney on Sunday morning, after a whirlwind three-day trip which sparked traffic chaos and angry protests in the city. But about three hours into the flight, a problem was reported with the plane. It will now divert to Singapore to allow safety checks and any necessary repairs to be carried out.
The Prime Minister, John Howard, told reporters he was aware the plane had encountered some difficulties, but said he did not know what had caused the alert. "I'm not aware of the full circumstances," he said. "I have not been told, except that it has been diverted."
Air Force Two was temporarily delayed for an unknown reason as it left Sydney earlier. The aircraft had been revving its engines on its way to the runway when it suddenly powered down. Its main door opened and the mobile stairwell was taken to the plane before being waved away. The plane then took off.