PORLAMAR, Venezuela — Hugo Chavez made diplomatic inroads in Africa yesterday at a summit of South American and African leaders, where he offered Venezuela's help in oil projects, mining and financial assistance.

The Venezuelan president and Libya's Moammar Gadhafi led about 30 leaders in agreeing to strengthen "South-South" ties at the two-day summit, which was the Libyan ruler's first visit to Latin America.

Venezuela signed accords to help tap oil and natural gas in Mauritania and Niger, and Chavez said his government would like to help build a refinery in or near Mauritania.

GAP INC. CO-FOUNDER FISHER DIES AT 81

PORTLAND, Ore. — Donald G. Fisher, who co-founded apparel giant Gap Inc., has died at age 81 after a long battle with cancer.

Fisher was hailed as a great entrepreneur and philanthropist who helped shape the retail world and his local community.

Fisher and his wife, Doris, opened the first Gap in 1969 in San Francisco, after running into difficulties finding jeans that fit. They named the store after the idea of "The Generation Gap" and sold jeans and music, to appeal to a younger crowd.

Gap grew to be one of the nation's largest specialty retailers with more than 3,000 stores in more than 25 countries.

FINANCIER STANFORD IN HOSPITAL AFTER FIGHT

CONROE, Texas — A U.S. Marshals Service spokes-man says jailed Texas financier R. Allen Stanford may be released from an undisclosed hospital either yesterday or today following a fight with another inmate.

Spokesman Alfredo Perez said yesterday that the 59-year-old Stanford suffered superficial injuries. It was unclear why Stanford remained hospitalized.

Stanford awaits trial on charges related to a $7 billion Ponzi scheme.