Plane with 46 people aboard missing in Venezuela A plane carrying 46 people has gone missing in Venezuela, the nation's aviation authority said Thursday.

Pakistan's PPP and PML-N to form coalition government Pakistan's political parties Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will form coalition governments in central and provincial levels, leaders of the two parties said in Islamabad on Thursday night.

Serbian protesters storm US embassy The US embassy in Serbia was stormed by protesters on Thursday during a mass rally against the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo, the local B92 TV station reported.

NATO-led force kill two Taliban leaders The NATO-led force have killed two Taliban leaders during an operation in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, the military alliance said in a statement issued in Kabul Thursday.

US navy shoots down spy satellite A missile launched from a US navy ship in the North Pacific hit an out-of-control spy satellite late Wednesday, CNN reported.

Strategic talks to precede Hu's visit to Japan State councilor Tang Jiaxuan reached Tokyo Wednesday to pave the road for President Hu Jintao's visit in April.

Lee Myung-bak cleared of fraud A special prosecutor charged with investigating corruption allegations against South Korean President-elect Lee Myung-bak announced on Thursday that Lee is cleared of all charges.

US says Cuban embargo to remain US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said Tuesday that the decades-old US embargo on Cuba will remain in place despite Cuban leader Fidel Castro's resignation.

PPP seeks for Pakistani coalition gov't Co-Chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari said Tuesday contacts were under way with all parties, primarily with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), on the formation of a coalition government.

Castro resigns as Cuban president Cuban leader Fidel Castro on Tuesday resigned as president in a statement published in the online version of the official daily Granma.

26 Chinese rescued off Philippine coast Twenty-six Chinese crew members have been rescued from a cargo that is sinking off the northern coast of the Philippines, a Chinese embassy official in Manila said on Monday morning.

80 killed in Afghan bombing A bloody suicide bombing shocked Taliban former stronghold Kandahar in south Afghanistan Sunday morning killing at least 80 people and injuring many more, Kandahar's governor Assadullah Khalid said.

Kosovo declares independence from Serbia Kosovo's parliament unanimously approved the province's historic declaration of independence from Serbia on Sunday, a move that is backed by the US and some European allies but bitterly contested by Serbia and Russia.

Kosovo PM confirms independence declaration on Sunday Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci confirmed that the ethnic Albanian-dominated Serb province will declare independence on Sunday, the Serbian Beta news agency reported.

Bomb kills 46 ahead of Pakistan vote The death toll of a suicide attack in northwestern Pakistan's tribal area has risen to 46 on Sunday, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.

Chadian president announces state of emergency Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno on Thursday declared a state of emergency in the country, according to reports reaching Yaounde from the Chadian capital of N'Djamena.

Japan admits domestic contamination of foods A Japanese local government admitted on Thursday that pesticide detected recently on the surface of some Chinese-made dumplings packages are dichlorvos used in the store.

Israel issues global terror warning Israeli Counter Terrorism Bureau issued a worldwide travel advisory on Thursday, warning Israelis against possible abduction attempts abroad in the wake of the assassination of Hezbollah commander Imad Moughniyah.

At least 5 killed in US university shooting Five people were killed and a dozen others injured when a young gunman shoot in a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in the Chicago suburb of DeKalb, Illinois, on Thursday, including the gunman who killed himself, local authorities said.

Putin holds annual press conference Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed optimism about his country's future development and stood firm on some of the disputes with the West in his annual press conference in the Kremlin.

No radioactive involved in Georgian opposition figure's death British police have found no radioactive traces in the body of Georgian businessman and opposition politician Badri Patarkatsishvili, according to a BBC report on Wednesday.

Blast in Damascus kills Hezbollah's senior commander The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah said a car explosion on Tuesday night in the Syrian capital Damascus had killed its senior commander Imad Moughniyah, Hezbollah-related television reported on Wednesday.

Obama, McCain prevail in pivotal Potomac Primary Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) soundly beat their opponents in pivotal Potomac Primary Tuesday, respectively.

Obama scores 1st victory in Potomac Primary US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama beat opponent Hillary Clinton in the presidential primary in Virginia Tuesday, scoring his first win in the Feb. 12 Potomac Primary.

US diplomat summoned by Japan over rape case US Charge d'Affaires in Tokyo Joseph Donovan was summoned on Tuesday by the Japanese Foreign Ministry to discuss the alleged rape of a teen-aged girl in Okinawa by an American Marine, the State Department said.

Australia apologizes to aborigines Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced a national apology to the country's indigenous people in Canberra in the parliament on Wednesday morning.

Sino-Russia treaty proposal: No outer space weapons China and Russia on Tuesday submitted to a UN-sponsored disarmament conference a joint proposal for an international treaty to ban the deployment of weapons in outer space.

Japanese court vetoes Chinese labor suit A Japanese court on Tuesday rejected a damages suit filed by a group of six Chinese who were forcibly brought to Japan into hard labor during World War II.

WB names Chinese economist as vice president World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick Monday announced the appointment of Justin Lin as the new chief economist and senior vice president for development economics at the World Bank.

Britain benefits from China's economic growth "People from UK and other parts of the world are benefiting from the progress of China's economy and the Made-in-China products coming to Birmingham Spring Fair," Mike Whitby, leader of the Birmingham City Council said in Birmingham on Monday.

Thousands of civilians flee Chad capital Thousands of civilians fled Chad's capital N'Djamena yesterday after rebel forces pulled back from a two-day assault, but the rebels said they would attack again to try to topple President Idriss Deby.

Bush unveils $3.1 trillion spending plan US President George W. Bush sent Congress a 3.1 trillion budget on Monday for the 2009 fiscal year that approached a landmark in military spending and would widen the government's deficit.

Iran launches first space research center Iran launched its first home-built space research center on Monday in Tehran in presence of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the official IRNA news agency reported.

UN Security Council holds emergency session on Chad The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting late Sunday on the deteriorating situation in Chad but failed to agree on a France-sponsored draft statement.

Quakes kill at least 38, wounds hundreds Earthquakes struck Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) yesterday, killing at least 38 people and seriously injuring up to 550 more, officials said.

Tadic wins Serbian presidential run-off Serbia's incumbent President Boris Tadic won 50.5 percent or some 2.28 million votes in the tightly-contested presidential run-off on Sunday, defeating his rival Tomislav Nikolic, said preliminary results.

Chinese in Chad moved to safety Heavy clashes broke out on the second day of the siege of the Chadian capital by rebels Sunday, till when the Chinese embassy had helped evacuate more than 200 Chinese nationals from N'Djamena.

Sri Lanka railway station suicide blast kills 11 A suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bomber blew herself up in a packed railway station in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday, killing 11 people and wounding 92, the military said.

Chadian rebels accept Gaddafi cease-fire proposal Chadian rebels who were fighting in the capital city of Ndjamena have accepted a cease-fire proposed by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, media reported Sunday.

Serbian presidential run-off kicks off Serbia's presidential run-off kicked off Sunday, which is seen by analysts as a referendum on the Balkan country's future.

Chinese terracotta warriors woo big Dutch crowd Ancient terracotta soldiers from China were more popular than paintings by Dutch masters and other artifacts on their first day on show Saturday in the Drents Museum in northern Netherlands.

Colombian FARC rebels to release three hostages Colombian rebel group the Revolutionary Armed forces of Colombia (FARC) said on Saturday that they were planning to release three hostages, local media reported.

Al Qaida affiliate claims responsibility for Israeli Embassy attack in Mauritania An al Qaida affiliate claimed responsibility for a shooting attack on the Israeli Embassy in Mauritania's capital, saying the attack aimed to retaliate Israeli policies in the Gaza Strip, an Arab television station reported Saturday.

Chad rebels storms Chadian capital Hundreds of rebels penetrated the capital of Chad on Saturday, clashing with government troops and moving on the presidential palace after a three-day advance through the oil-producing central African nation, officials and witnesses said.

Chinese compatriots withdraw from Chad More than 200 Chinese compatriots arrived in Cameroon after being evacuated from Chadian capital N'Djamena, the Chinese embassy in Chad confirmed Friday.

20 killed in Sri Lanka bomb blast At least 20 civilians were killed and over 50 injured in a powerful bomb explosion that hit a private bus in Sri Lanka's central province early Saturday morning, the military said the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was behind the blast.

Baghdad market blasts kill 72 Bomb blasts ripped through two popular pet markets in Baghdad on Friday, killing 72 people in the deadliest attacks in the city in six months and dealing a bitter blow to Iraqi hopes that security is getting better.

EU opens 2nd anti-dumping investigation against China The European Commission on Friday opened a new anti-dumping investigation into certain steel products from China, the second of its kind in recent months.

Pakistan successfully test firing intermediate-range missile Pakistan successfully fired an intermediate-range missile on Friday, the official Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

Israeli embassy in Mauritania attacked by gunmen Five people were injured in an attack by unidentified gunmen against Israel's embassy in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott, news reaching Dakar said Friday.

US senior official meets North Korean officials on nuclear program A senior US official, who is specialized in Korean affairs, had preliminary talks with officials of North Korea over a full declaration of the latter's nuclear program, the State Department said Thursday.

No harmful chemicals found in exported dumplings to Japan No harmful chemicals were found in Chinese dumpling exports involved in a food poisoning incident in Japan, said China's quality watchdog on Thursday.

20 killed in blast at fireworks factory An explosion at an unlicensed fireworks factory in an industrial section of Istanbul killed 20 people and injured 117 others yesterday, officials said.

CNN: Top al-Qaida commander in Afghanistan killed One of al-Qaida's top commanders in Afghanistan has been killed, CNN reported on Thursday.

Istanbul explosion kills 11, wounds 40 Eleven people were killed and 40 others wounded in an explosion in a factory in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul on Thursday, Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler said.

US-sponsored second round of climate change talks kick off The second Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change, sponsored by the United States, opened in Honolulu on Wednesday.

Kim Jong Il meets senior CPC official Kim Jong Il, the top leader of North Korea, met Pyongyang on Wednesday with Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Edwards quits bid for White House US Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards announced on Wednesday to quit his bid for the White House, becoming the first major player to drop out of the race.

Israeli PM stays on job after release of war report Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stays on his job after the release of the Winograd Committee's final report on the Second Lebanon war on Wednesday, though amid heightened call for his resignation.

US Fed cuts key interest rate to 3.0% The US Federal Reserve decided Wednesday to cut a key interest rate by an additional half percentage point to 3.0 percent in order to prevent the economy from slipping into recession.

McCain wins Florida primary The US Republican presidential primary in Florida ended on Tuesday with Arizona Senator John McCain scoring victory, which left him with a more promising prospect in the full-scale race on "Super Tuesday" next week.

Strong earthquake rocks Indonesia's Maluku A strong earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale rocked the eastern Indonesian province of Maluku on Wednesday, Indonesian meteorology and geophysics agency said.

Venezuelan bank robbers surrender The four bank robbers were arrested by Venezuelan police on Tuesday after they fled in an ambulance from the site of the crime, and the hostages held in the getaway vehicle were liberated, said the governor of Guarico state, Eduardo Manuit.

US House passes stimulus plan The US House overwhelmingly passed a 146 billion US dollar aid package Tuesday that would speed rebates of 600-1,200 dollars to most taxpayers, sending a stimulus package to the Senate with a bipartisan appeal to senators not to slow the bill with significant changes.

Sri Lanka troops capture rebel village Sri Lankan military claimed Tuesday that a village under Tamil Tiger control was captured in the morning hours while killing 22 rebels.

12 people killed in Pakistan missile attack Up to 12 militants were killed in a missile attack in northwestern Pakistan's tribal area on Tuesday, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.

18 Iraqis wounded in two Baghdad bomb attacks Two roadside bomb explosions rocked the Iraqi capital on Tuesday morning, wounding 18 people, including seven security members, an Interior Ministry source said.

Pakistani militants seize 250 kids Gunmen who took up to 250 Pakistani school children hostage in a northwestern town yesterday freed them all and surrendered to tribal elders, a government spokesman said.

China, EU to launch detailed IPR Action Plan The visiting EU Commissioner responsible for taxation and customs, Laszio Kovacs, reiterated in Beijing on Monday that a concrete Action Plan on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) will be worked out between China and the European Union (EU).

Egypt starts to rebuild Gaza border fences Egyptian security forces on Monday started to rebuild fences at the border between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip, the pan-Arab satellite television al-Jazeera reported.

39 killed in Sri Lanka fighting At least 39 combatants from the government troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels have been killed in fighting throughout Sunday, defense officials said on Monday in Colombo.

PPP leader elected Thailand's new PM Thailand's newly elected House of Representatives or Lower House on Monday voted People Power Party (PPP) leader Samak Sundaravej as the country's new Prime Minister.

Death toll rises to 7 in Lebanese clashes The death toll rose to seven in riots which broke out between the Lebanese army and the demonstrators in southern suburb of Beirut on Sunday.

South Korea's veteran diplomat named as PM South Korea's President-elect Lee Myung-bak announced Monday that he has nominated former Foreign Minister Han Seung-soo as prime minister.

Olmert, Abbas meet on Gaza crisis Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting on Sunday that Israel will resume the flow of humanitarian aid and fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip.

Gunmen in Guyana kill 5 kids, 6 adults Gunmen stormed into a coastal village Saturday and killed 11 people, including five children, in violence blamed on a gang leader who has threatened widespread attacks. The assault sparked angry protests over rising crime in this impoverished country.

Prodi loses confidence vote Italian Premier Romano Prodi was poised to quit on Thursday night after a Senate confidence vote produced a widely expected defeat for his 20 month-old center-left government.

Suicide attack kills police chief in northern Iraq A suicide bomb attack targeted the police chief of Nineveh province in its capital city of Mosul, on Thursday, killing him and a bodyguard and wounding five others, a senior provincial police source said.

US agrees on stimulus package The White House and Congress reached a tentative deal Thursday on an economic stimulus package to fend off recession.

Kosovo to declare independence soon Kosovo is ready to declare independence in coming days, Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci said on Thursday.

40 militants killed in Pakistan's tribal area Security forces killed as many as 40 militants in a major operation in northwestern Pakistan's tribal region, an army statement said Thursday.

14 killed,112 wounded in Mosul blast An explosion at a building in the northern city of Mosul has killed at least 14 people and wounded 112 others, police said on Wednesday.

Six killed, 12 wounded in Kirkuk blast A roadside bombing killed at least six people and wounded 12 in the northern oil city of Kirkuk, a police source told Xinhua.

Palestines break into Egypt for shopping Palestinian militants from Hamas' armed wing blew up fence walls at the borders between the southern Gaza Strip and Egypt on Wednesday morning, allowing thousands of Gazans to flock into Egypt for shopping.

Iran to press ahead with nuclear goals Iranian leaders yesterday vowed to press on with Teheran's disputed nuclear work regardless of any new UN sanctions, a day afer world powers agreed on the outline of a new resolution.

Strong quake hits Indonesia, triggers panic Strong quake hits Indonesia, triggers panic A powerful earthquake with magnitude of 6.2 rocked Nias Island off Sumatra Island early Wednesday, meteorology agency Jakarta said.

US presidential candidate Fred Thompson withdraws US Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson announced Tuesday that he would drop out of the race for president.

UN Council fails to reach agreement on Gaza crisis The UN Security Council discussed Tuesday a draft presidential statement that would call for an end to Israel's closure of crossings into the Gaza Strip, but failed to reach an agreement.

Italian PM seeks confidence vote in parliament Italian Premier Romano Prodi went before the Lower House on Tuesday to ask that it reconfirms its confidence in his government following the decision by ex-justice minister Clemente Mastella to withdraw the support of his Udeur party.

Suicide attack kills 15 in northern Iraq At least 15 people were killed and eight others injured in a suicide bombing in northern Iraq on Monday, a police source said.

Israel to slightly ease siege on Gaza Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak decided on Monday evening to slightly ease the siege on Gaza and to allow medical supplies and a minimal amount of diesel fuel for the power plant in Gaza, local media reported.

Poll shows more Americans ready for black president More Americans than ever before are ready for a black president in the country, according to a poll released on Monday.

Six-nation talks on Iranian nuclear issue to be held on Tuesday Foreign Ministers from Germany, Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain are to hold talks in Berlin on Tuesday on the Iranian nuclear program, the German Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

Russia seeks legal settlement on British Council dispute Russia hopes for a legal resolution of the dispute with Britain that has caused the closing of part of the British Council, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday.

Taliban kills government official, kidnaps two others Taliban militants on Sunday intercepted the car of a government official, killing him and taking away his driver and one guard in southern Afghanistan's Zabul province, a provincial government spokesman said.

Colombia's ELN rebels free nine hostages Nine hostages held by Colombia's rival armed group National Liberation Army (ELN) on Sunday were freed and handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, local officials said.

Nikolic, Tadic to enter Serbian presidential run-off Tomislav Nikolic of the ultra-nationalist Serbian Radical Party was in lead on Sunday's Serbian presidential election, but he had to face the incumbent pro-Western Boris Tadic in a presidential run-off, first preliminary results showed on Sunday evening.

Bomb threat closes World Bank The World Bank said Thursday its security was investigating a bomb threat made by telephone and asked its staff at its Washington headquarters to stay home on Friday.

Wen, Brown hold talks, reaching broad consensus Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao began talks with visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Beijing on Friday morning at the Great Hall of the People, after a red-carpet welcome ceremony.

Chile recalls ambassador to Peru Chile confirmed Thursday that it has recalled its ambassador to Peru as a result of the maritime boundary demand presented by Peru at the international court at The Hague.

Detained anti-whaling activists freed The two detained anti-whaling activists, held captive after boarding a Japanese whaling boat on Tuesday, were released Friday morning from a Japanese whaling boat near Antarctica.

British Council office in St. Petersburg suspends work The British Council's office in Russia's St. Petersburg suspended work on Wednesday after security officials interviewed its staff amid recent rows between Moscow and London.

Bus explosion kills 24 in Sri Lanka At least 24 people were killed and 66 injured when a civilian bus was caught in an explosion blamed on Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka's southeastern Monaragala district Wednesday morning, said the military.

Explosion hits US embassy vehicle in Beirut An explosion targeted a US embassy vehicle on Tuesday in northern Beirut, killing four persons and wounded over 20 others, local TV broadcaster LBC said.

US announces arms sale to Saudi Arabia The US Pentagon said Monday it plans to sell advanced bomb delivery systems to Saudi Arabia, coinciding with US President George W. Bush's arrival at the Gulf country.

Attack at Kabul luxury hotel kills 4 Militants in an explosion and firing attack at a luxury hotel in Afghan capital Kabul killed four hotel employees and injured six other people Monday evening, the interior ministry said.

China, Malawi establish diplomatic ties China and Malawi established diplomatic relations from Dec. 28, 2007, Chinese Foreign Ministry announced in Beijing on Monday.

IAEA: Iran agree to completely implement workplan IAEA spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said in Vienna on Sunday that Iran and the IAEA reached consensus to complete the implementation of the workplan agreed between the IAEA Secretariat and Iran in August 2007 in the next four weeks.

Pakistan plagued with terrorism A suicide bomb blast occurred near the Lahore High Court in eastern Pakistan's Punjab province Thursday, leaving at least 22 dead and more than 50 others injured. It is the gravest suicide attack in the year 2008 in Pakistan, a country threatened by terrorism.

Colombian rebels hand over two hostages Colombia's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) rebels handed over on Thursday Clara Rojas and former legislator Consuelo Gonzalez to an international humanitarian mission in jungles of the country.

McCain, Hillary win NH primary US Democratic Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Republican Senator John McCain won their parties' primaries in New Hampshire Tuesday, an important battlefield for choosing candidates for this year's presidential election.

Live mice found on US flight to China As many as eight dead and live mice were found on a United Airlines' (UA) flight from Washington to Beijing, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said in Beijing on Monday.

US warns Iran over provocative actions The US White House warned on Monday Iran to refrain from taking "provocative actions that could lead to a dangerous incident in the future."

Massive explosion leaves 27 dead in S Korea At least 27 people were killed and 13 others remained missing after a massive explosion took place at a basement of a warehouse in South Korea on Monday.

Saakashvili wins in early presidential race Former Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili won 52.8 percent of most counted ballots by late Sunday in a snap presidential race, heading a narrow victory that was challenged by opposition's allegation of rigging.

Saakashvili wins Georgia's presidential election Georgian former president Mikhail Saakashvili has won Saturday's presidential election by 53.8 percent of votes and his supporters have started to celebrate his victory.

US diplomat killed in Sudan An American diplomat had died of injuries sustained in a shooting incident in the Sudanese capital early on Tuesday, the US embassy in Sudan said.

At least 50 dead in Kenya church fire Fifty people were killed on Tuesday in a church fire torched by a mob in western Kenya when they were shelering from violence following Kenya's disputed election, according to local police and Red Cross sources.

175 PKK rebels killed in Turkish strikes Turkish warplanes had killed about 150-175 militants of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in the military operations in northern Iraq on Dec. 16, said a statement issued by the Turkish General Staff on Tuesday.

Uzbek president reelected Uzbek President Islam Karimov was reelected with 88.1 percent of vote in Sunday's polls, according to preliminary results announced by the Central Election Commission on Monday.

Turkish jets bomb PKK in N Iraq Turkish warplanes bombed targets of the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) based in northern Iraq on Sunday, private NTV television reported.

Pro-Thaksin party wins Thai election Initial tally results have shown that the People Power Party (PPP), regarded as a nominee party for Thailand's coup-ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, won Sunday's general election, the first for the country after a 15-month rule by a military-appointed government.

Lee Myung-bak elected S Korean president South Korea's National Election Commission announced on Wednesday that Lee Myung-bak of the conservative Grand National Party won the presidential elections.

Turkish troops start pulling out from N Iraq The Turkish troops which purportedly entered northern Iraqi territories overnight Tuesday, started to pull out from Iraq's Erbil province late Tuesday afternoon, sources from Iraq's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) told Xinhua.

S Korean presidential election begins The presidential elections kicked off in South Korea nationwide at 6 a.m. Wednesday (2100 GMT Tuesday). A total of 13,178 polling stations nationwide will be opened to 37.65 million eligible voters.

Bush keeps pressure on Iran US President George W. Bush said Monday that Iran would have no legitimate need to enrich uranium at home after Russian deliveries of nuclear fuel to the Islamic Republic.

Putin to lead gov't after March's election Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Moscow on Monday that he will lead the government if First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev wins March's presidential election.

Int'l donors pledge $7.4 bln to Palestine International donors pledged on Monday to provide 7.4 billion US dollars to support Palestine in the coming three years, a key effort to drive the newly-relaunched Middle East peace process.

UK hands control of Basra to Iraqis The British troops transferred responsibility for security in Iraq's southern province of Basra to Iraqi forces on Sunday, nearly four months after the British troops pulled out from the former Saddam Hussein's presidential palace in the city of Basra.

UK-wanted suspect escapes from police custody Rashid Rauf, a British national suspected to plan attacks on some transatlantic flights, managed to escape from the police custody in Islamabad on Saturday, according to local press reports.

EU leaders sign Lisbon Treaty to reform bloc Heads of state and government of the European Union (EU) member states on Thursday signed the Lisbon Treaty, which they hope can make decision-making more efficient.

CIA's 'waterboarding' outlawed The US House of Representatives approved a bill on Thursday to prohibit the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from using "waterboarding" and other harsh tactics to interrogate terrorist suspects.

Israel, PNA end 1st session of peace talks Negotiators from Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) ended their first meeting of peace negotiations on Wednesday with little progress but an agreement about a next meeting.

Car explosion kills senior officer in east Beirut A senior officer of the Lebanese army and his bodyguard were killed in a car explosion near a Christian town east of Beirut on Wednesday, security sources said.

China, Niue establish diplomatic ties China and Niue signed a joint communique in Wellington of New Zealand on Wednesday, announcing they have decided to establish diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level, effective from 12 December, 2007.

Tymoshenko fails to be elected as PM Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday rejected Yulia Tymoshenko as prime minister.

1 Chinese killed, 7 wounded in car bombing in Algiers One Chinese worker was killed and seven others were injured in a car bombing in Algiers on Tuesday, sources of China State Construction Engineering Corporation's Algeria office said.

Train service restored between N, S Korea South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday resumed normal operation of cross-border railway after a 56-year-long break-off of regular inter-Korean railway service.

Cristina Fernandez sworn in as Argentine president Cristina Fernandez was sworn in on Monday as president of Argentina for a four-year period in a ceremony in the nation's legislature attended by heads of state and special guests.

Putin supports Medvedev's running for president Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday he would support First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to run for president, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported.

Report: CIA program lures key Iranian officials to defect Some key Iranian officials have defected due to a secret defector program launched by the CIA, the Los Angeles Times reported on Sunday.

EU, Africa seek new partnership Heads of state and government to the second European Union (EU)-Africa Summit, which closed in Lisbon on Sunday, endorsed a joint strategy aimed at a new partnership between the two continents.

Bali conference on track for breakthrough on climate change There is a general sense that the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali is on track after a busy week of talks. However, there are still many differences that need to be resolved before the arrival of Ministers attending the High-Level segment which begins on Wednesday.

Sinopec, Iran sign major oil deal China Petrochemical Corporation, better known as Sinopec Group, and the Iranian oil ministry on Sunday signed a contract on the development of the Yadavaran oilfield in southwestern Iran.

Students sentenced in NZ for killing fellow Chinese A New Zealand court yesterday sentenced two Chinese students to 18 years and six months in prison for kidnapping and killing a fellow student.

Draft of DPRK's nuclear declaration could come in weeks Chief US negotiator to the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue Christopher Hill said late Thursday night it is possible to have a good draft of the declaration of nuclear programs from Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in a couple of weeks.

1 killed, 5 injured in bomb explosion in Paris At least one person was killed and five others were injured in a parcel bomb explosion in a central Paris building Thursday, the Interior Ministry said.

Sharif barred from election in Pakistan The election officials in eastern Pakistan's Lahore city on Monday disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to stand in the upcoming parliamentary elections, the News Network International news agency reported.

Putin's party wins in parliamentary elections Preliminary results show the United Russia party, led by President Vladimir Putin, has swept majority votes in Sunday's parliamentary elections, but the Communist Party threatened to challenge the results.

Hostage situation at Clinton campaign office ends The hostage siege that took place in former First Lady Hillary Clinton's campaign office in Rochester, Hew Hampshire, ended with the suspect arrested by the police on Friday.

Bin Laden message to Europe: Quit Afghan war A new audiotape of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden was shown Thursday night on the Doha-based satellite TV al-Jazeera channel, in which he called for Europeans' back home from military contributions in Afghanistan.

Musharraf sets emergency deadline Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced on Thursday that he intended to lift the state of emergency on Dec. 16.

Musharraf takes oath as civilian president of Pakistan Incumbent Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf took oath as a civilian president at a ceremony in Islamabad Thursday, one day after he gave up the post of army chief.

Explosion kills 17, injures 39 in Colombo At least 17 people were killed and 39 more were injured as a huge explosion hit Sri Lankan capital Colombo late Wednesday afternoon, defense officials said.

US to open new consulate general in central China The United States will open its fifth consulate general on the Chinese mainland in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province in central China and a major city on the Yangtze River, early next year.

Chinese warship begins landmark visit to Japan The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Naval missile destroyer "Shenzhen" arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday morning for a four-day visit, the first of its kind in the history of the naval force of the PLA.

China to cooperate more with France on energy, aviation During talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Chinese President Hu Jintao has proposed greater cooperation with France on nuclear energy, aviation and aerospace as part of a four-point plan for the development of relations between the two countries.

2 killed, 26 injured in strong quake in Indonesia Two toddlers were killed, 26 others were wounded and buildings collapsed in Bima regency of the West Nusa Tenggara province after a strong quake with magnitude of 6.7 rocked the province on Sunday night, local television reported early Monday.

Exiled former Pakistani PM Sharif returns home The exiled former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif arrived in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Sunday, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.

Musharraf to take oath on Nov. 28 Incumbent Pakistani President Musharraf will likely take oath as president for another five-year term on Nov. 28, Attorney General of Pakistan Malik Muhammad Qayyum said Friday.

Australian federal election kicks off Australians go to the polls on Saturday to elect the country's 42nd parliament, while the latest poll suggests a cliffhanger.

Lebanon delays presidential election Lebanese parliament on Friday postponed its session for electing a new president for the fifth time on Friday, raising fears of a political vacuum in the country.

154 rescued in Antarctic Ocean A total of 154 on board a luxury cruiseliner which sank after hitting an iceberg in the Antarctic Ocean were rescued on Friday.

Pakistan suspended from Commonwealth councils again Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth councils at the last minute before a ten day deadline expires on Thursday, a Commonwealth ministerial committee decided in Kampala late in the day.

64 African illegal migrants drown off Yemen coast A total of 64 African migrants drowned Wednesday evening when they were trying to cross the Gulf of Aden from Somalia to Yemen, the official Saba news agency reported Thursday.

Iran: nuclear meeting with EU to be held Tehran said on Wednesday that the upcoming nuclear meeting between Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana would be held in London on November 30, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

China, Japan to hold 1st high-level economic dialogue China and Japan will open their first high-level economic dialogue in Beijing on Dec. 1, a spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Wednesday.

Nations join hands on climate change China is ready to join East Asian nations in addressing climate change and promoting clean and sustainable development in the region, Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday. He made the pledge in a keynote speech at the 3rd East Asia Summit in Singapore.

China, India 'to hold joint exercise' Amid reports that China and India will hold their first joint military exercise next month, the two countries yesterday reiterated they were ready to take their strategic cooperative partnership to a "new level".

3rd East Asia Summit held in Singapore The 3rd East Asia Summit (EAS) opened in Singapore on Wednesday, with the climate change, energy and environment issues topping the agenda.

Musharraf to quit as army chief by weekend Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf may quit as Army Chief by the weekend, the Attorney General Malik Muhammad Qayyum said on Wednesday.

Japan urged to compensate 'comfort women' The lower house of the Dutch parliament passed a motion unanimously on Tuesday urging Japan to financially compensate the people forced into sex slavery during World War II, a Dutch lawmaker told Xinhua.

US announces Mideast conference for Nov. 27 The US-sponsored Middle East peace conference will be held at Annapolis, Maryland, on Nov. 27, the State Department announced Tuesday night.

Israel to release 432 Palestinians An Israeli committee approved on Tuesday evening a list of 432 Palestinian security prisoners to be released ahead of a US-sponsored Middle East peace summit.

Japan starts to fingerprint foreigners Japan began fingerprinting foreigners entering the country yesterday in an anti-terrorism policy that has sparked complaints from human rights activists, business travelers and long-term residents.

Olmert, Abbas meet in Jerusalem Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Monday, in an effort to break a deadlock in negotiations on a joint statement, which will be presented at an international peace summit.

Death toll from cyclone in Bangladesh rises to 3,113 As the rescuers recovered more bodies on the fourth day after the catastrophic cyclone hit Bangladesh's southern and southwestern coastal part, the death toll by official count rose to 3,113.

Bush's homeland security adviser resigns The White House revealed Monday that Fran Townsend, female homeland security adviser to US President George W. Bush, has resigned.

FM: China strongly opposes US recent report Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao on Monday refuted a recent US report that he said smeared China and interfered in China's internal affairs.

Iran calls for removing US dollar as oil trading currency Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Sunday that it is necessary to replace US dollar with other major hard currencies in oil trading.

Death toll in Ukrainian coal mine blast climbs to 65 A coal mine explosion in eastern Ukraine killed at least 65 miners and left 35 missing on Sunday, a Ukrainian official said.

Belgians rally for country's unity More than 30,000 Belgians demonstrated in capital Brussels on Sunday to protest against a possible division of the country as the impasse in forming a new government continued five months after elections.

Bangladesh cyclone death toll reaches 2407 The death toll from Thursday night's powerful cyclone Sidr rose to 2407 as rescuers frantically looking for thousands of missing people in the coastal districts of Bangladesh.

Soomro takes oath as Pakistan's caretaker PM Senate Chairman Muhammadmian Soomro Friday took oath as Pakistan's prime minister of the caretaker cabinet, according to the state-run PTV.

At least 251 killed in cyclone in Bangladesh At least 251 people were killed and thousands of others injured in Bangladesh as a powerful cyclone has lashed the country's south and southwestern regions since Thursday evening.

Pakistan's Bhutto released from house arrest The provincial Punjab government of Pakistan lifted a house arrest order imposed on former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto early Friday, according to the Daily Times newspaper.

Inter-Korean PM talks reach three agreements The prime ministers of South and North Korea wrapped up their three-day talks with a series of agreements on inter-Korean cooperation, South Korean Unification Ministry Spokesman Kim Nam- sik said Friday.

Two new earthquakes shake Chile Northern Chile was banged on Thursday by two new earthquakes, the first a 6.2 Richter-scale quake and the second a stronger 6.8 Richter-scale quake, Chile's University Seismic Institute reported on Thursday.

IAEA report proves peaceful nature Iran said Thursday that a just-released UN atomic watchdog IAEA report has proved the country's nuclear program is "peaceful" and the pursuit of new sanctions against the Islamic Republic would be "wrong."

FM: French president visit to boost ties French President Nicolas Sarkozy will pay a state visit to China from November 25 to 27 at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao announced at a regular press conference on Thursday.

US House passes Iraq withdrawal bill The US House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday night which would allocate US$50 billion for the Iraq war and require President George W. Bush to start troop withdrawal from Iraq in coming weeks with a goal of ending combat by mid December 2008.

S, N Korean PMs hold talks The Prime Ministers of South and North Korea vowed to produce "positive results" in the on-going prime ministerial talks.

Major quake strikes Chile; 2 dead A strong earthquake measuring 7.7 Magnitude rocked northern Chile on Wednesday. Authorities reported at least two deaths and more than 140 injuries.

Wen likely to meet Japan's PM in Singapore Premier Wen Jiabao is likely to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on the sidelines of high-level East Asian meetings, scheduled for next week in Singapore, Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei said yesterday.

N Korean PM arrives in Seoul for inter-Korean prime ministerial talks North Korean Prime Minister Kim Yong-il arrived in Seoul on Wednesday to participate in the inter-Korean prime ministerial talks.

Costs of Afghan, Iraqi wars hit US$1.6tr The economic costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are estimated to total US$1.6 trillion - roughly double the amount the White House has requested thus far, according to a new report by the US Congress' Joint Economic Committee.

Bhutto's party likely to boycott election Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto said Tuesday that her party will possibly boycott the upcoming general elections, local media reported.

China supports peaceful solution to Iranian nuclear issue Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Tuesday that China supports a peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations.

US urged to cease arms sales to Taiwan China on Tuesday urged the US to immediately cancel arms sale programs, and stop arms sales and military links with Taiwan, according to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao.

Bhutto ordered to stay home for 7 days Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto has been detained at a house in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, leading English-language newspaper The Dawn reported Tuesday.

Japan's lower house passes bill on refueling support Japan's lower house passed Tuesday a controversial bill to resume the country's refueling support to US-led antiterrorism operations in the Indian Ocean, though the enactment of the bill is expected months away.

Black smoke seen over east London, large fire reported A huge plume of black smoke was seen rising over east London on Monday noon and reports said a large fire broke out in the Stratford area.

7 killed, 150 wounded in Gaza clashes Seven Palestinians were killed and about 150 others wounded on Monday afternoon when clashes between Fatah supporters and Hamas police forces erupted at a Fatah-initiated rally commemorating late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in western Gaza City, medics said.

Germany, France stress unity on Iran, immigration German and French leaders on Monday stressed their unity on a wide range of issues from Iran's nuclear program to the challenges of integrating immigrants.

Bhutto: no more talks with Musharraf Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said Monday that she had ended talks with President General Pervez Musharraf as "he has not honored his commitments," according to local press reports.

Russian oil tanker sinks in Black Sea A Russian oil tanker split in half in a fierce storm in the Kerch Strait leading to the Black Sea on Sunday, spilling at least 2,000 tons of fuel oil, Interfax reported.

General elections in Pakistan to be held by Jan. 9 General elections including the national assembly and the provincial assemblies would be held simultaneously before Jan. 9, said Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad on Sunday.

Tuerk wins Slovenian presidential run-off Danilo Tuerk, Slovenia's former senior UN diplomat, convincingly won Sunday's presidential run-off with 68.3 percent of the vote against former Prime Minister Lojze Peterle, according to unofficial results released after almost all the votes were counted late on Sunday.

Bush, Merkel talk new Iran sanctions German Chancellor Angela Merkel told US President George W. Bush on Saturday she would be willing to support a third round of UN sanctions against Iran if Teheran continues to resist demands to halt sensitive nuclear work.

Japan vows to push for resumption of refueling mission Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda vowed on Thursday to make full efforts to resume the Maritime Self- Defense Force (MSDF)'s refueling mission in the Indian Ocean for the US-led antiterrorism operations in and around Afghanistan.

Georgia to hold presidential elections on Jan. 5 Georgia will antedate its presidential elections from autumn to the beginning of next year, President Mikhail Saakashvili said in a televised address to the nation on Thursday.

Election will be held before Feb. 15: Musharraf Pakistani national elections will take place before February 15, President Pervez Musharraf said yesterday, after Western allies and opponents had demanded polls be held on time and emergency rule scrapped.

Mongolian parliament accepts PM's resignation Mongolia's parliament, the State Great Hural, discussed and accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Miegombyn Enkhbold Thursday morning.

Georgia declares state of emergency Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has declared a 15-day nationwide state of emergency, Minister of Economic Development Georgy Arveladze told a briefing in Tbilisi at midnight on Wednesday.

8 killed in Finnish school shooting Over eight people have been killed in a school shooting that took place on Wednesday in Finland's southern city of Tuusula, Finnish police confirmed on Wednesday evening.

'Year of China' ends in Russia The closing ceremony of the "Year of China" was held in Moscow Tuesday evening, marking the end of the reciprocal China-Russia national theme years which started in 2006. Premier Wen Jiabao and his Russian counterpart Viktor Zubkov attended the ceremony in the Kremlin.

Over 100 killed, injured in Afghan suicide attack A suicide bomb blast killed and injured more than 100 people, including six parliamentarians in northern Afghan province of Baglan on Tuesday afternoon, local officials said.

US Senate, House leave war funds undecided US Senate and House agreed Tuesday to spend some US$460 billion in baseline defense budget for fiscal year 2008, but left most of the US$196 billion of war funding request undecided.

Beijing, Moscow sign nuclear energy pacts China and Russia yesterday signed four agreements on nuclear energy collaboration, looking ahead to a post-hydrocarbon world.

Rice, Olmert agree to involve Syria into peace summit conditionally Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and visiting US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice agreed on Sunday that Syria could attend the upcoming US-sponsored international Mideast peace conference on certain conditions, local daily Haaretz reported on its website.

Gates visit could signal military hotline China and the US are likely to jointly announce the establishment of a military hotline linking the Chinese defense ministry and the Pentagon today as US Defense Secretary Robert Gates visits China, sources said.

Emergency 'for as short as possible' Pakistan's government is committed to holding national elections but is undecided when, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Sunday, a day after it imposed emergency rule to deal with rising militancy and a hostile judiciary.

Wen arrives in Belarus for official visit Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Minsk Sunday to start an official visit to Belarus at the invitation of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Wen will hold talks with Lukashenko and meet with acting Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko during his stay in the country.

Afghanistan urges Iran to suspend refugees' expulsion The Afghan government on Thursday expressed concern over Tehran's decision to expel Afghan refugees and demanded revision over the issue, according to a government official.

Israel arrests senior Hamas commander in West Bank Israeli troops arrested on Thursday a senior Hamas commander during a military operation in the West Bank town of Nablus, Palestinian security and the Islamic movement's sources said.

8 killed in suicide attack in E Pakistan At least eight people were killed and about 40 others were injured Thursday morning when a bus carrying air force officials was hit by a suicide attacker on a road in eastern Pakistani province of Punjab, said the Pakistani Interior Ministry.

Sarkozy in for warm welcome next month China warmly welcomes French President Nicolas Sarkozy on a state visit next month, which will "be a great event for China-France relations", Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said at a joint press conference with his French counterpart yesterday.

US to share with Turkey intelligence on Kurdish rebels The United Sates will share with Turkey its intelligence on Kurdish rebel positions along the border with Iraq, Pentagon said on Wednesday.

White House: US not to attack Iran The US said Tuesday that it is not about to attack Iran and reaffirmed diplomacy in trying to solve the thorny issue of Iran's nuclear program.

Six-party agreement reached on Korean nuclear issue All members participating in the six-party talks reached an agreement Tuesday with North Korea to disable its nuclear facilities in exchange for energy assistance, said a South Korean official.

FM: China rejects Israeli campaign for Iran sanctions China has rejected Israeli calls for sanctions against Iran following an unexpectedly long meeting between Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni.

Cooperation pacts with Jordan inked China and Jordan yesterday signed a series of agreements on cooperation, including partnership in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and increasing bilateral investment.

N Korean top nuclear envoy arrives in Beijing North Korean chief nuclear envoy Kim Kye-gwan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, to continue further negotiations on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Russian chessboard killer jailed for life A Russian court Monday sentenced Alexander Pichushkin, a supermarket worker known as the "Bitsa Maniac," to life in prison for murdering 48 people and attempting to murder three others.

Turkey celebrates Republic Day amid tension over PKK Amid tensions over a border crisis in the wake of rising attacks against the Turkish army by the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party based in northern Iraq, the Turkish people celebrates a more emotional Republic Day on Monday.

Argentine first lady claims victory in election Argentina's first lady Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner late Sunday claimed victory in the country's presidential election, with partial results showing that she had won by a large margin.

10 pacts to be inked with Russia China and Russia will conclude more than 10 cooperative agreements next week, including those on energy, finance, high-tech and partnership between reciprocal small- and medium-sized enterprises, Russia's ambassador to China Sergey Razov said yesterday.

N Korean ship capsizes near Shandong coast, 21 rescued The Shandong provincial maritime bureau has just verified that 21 of the total 23 crew members were rescued after their cargo ship capsized in the sea near east China's Shandong Province Sunday afternoon.

Turkey: all options on table to resolve PKK crisis Visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said on Sunday that all options, including military actions were possible to resolve the Kurdish rebel issue in northern Iraq, the state media reported.

Unofficial results give Argentine first lady victory Argentina's Sunday general elections have ended in relative peace, with early exit polls giving the presidential race victory to the nation's first lady, Cristina Fernandez.

Russia back to TMD cooperation program: NATO chief NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said Thursday that Russia has agreed to resume cooperation with the alliance on a key theater missile defense (TMD) program.

US imposes new sanctions against Iran The US announced on Thursday that it is imposing new sanctions against Iran, charging that Tehran supports terrorism in the Middle East, exports missiles and is engaging in a nuclear buildup.

FM: Premier Wen to attend SCO meeting Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the sixth Meeting of Prime Ministers of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to be held in Uzbekistan's capital of Tashkent from November 2 to 6, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

Turkey considers economic sanctions against Kurd groups Turkey is considering economic sanctions against Kurd groups which are backing the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels based in northern Iraq.

Arson suspect killed in Calif. as wildfires rage on Police have shot and killed one arson suspect and arrested another one in a mountain area near Los Angeles as authorities began investigation into some of the ongoing wildfires in Southern California, officials said Wednesday.

Chinese, Costa Rican presidents meet President Hu Jintao and his Costa Rican counterpart Oscar Arias Sanchez on Wednesday agreed to develop a lasting, steady, healthy and deep bilateral relationship of friendship and cooperation.

Trilateral meeting focuses on cooperation The foreign ministers of China, Russia and India yesterday reached broad consensus on "practical cooperation" among the three countries - and reaffirmed that the trilateral partnership is not targeted at any other country or organization.

US shuttle Discovery lifts off The US space shuttle Discovery lifts off from its seaside launch pad at Kennedy Space Station in Florida at 11:38 AM (1538 GMT) on Tuesday, NASA TV shows.

Neighbors forge pragmatic cooperation The foreign ministers of China, India and Russia will meet today in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin to explore ways to enhance pragmatic trilateral cooperation.

Japanese, Russian FMs talk about settling territorial dispute Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met in Tokyo on Tuesday evening to exchange ideas toward resolving their territorial dispute.

Bin Laden urges for Iraqi insurgents' unity Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden called for Iraqi insurgents' unity in a new audiotape aired by al-Jazeera television on Monday.

Bush pledges to help Turkey fight against PKK US President George W. Bush promised Turkey's president Monday that the US will join Ankara's effort to fight against Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) operating at Turkey-Iraq border area, the White House said.

Wildfires rage in Southern California California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in areas where wildfires continued raging on Monday.

Krygyz president dissolves parliament Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev on Monday signed a decree dissolving parliament and called for early elections, according to news reports from the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.

S and N Korean nuclear envoys to meet Nuclear envoys from South and North Korea will hold a working-level meeting Monday to discuss energy and economic assistance to Pyongyang under an agreement adopted at the six-party talks.

Lebanese presidential election delays Lebanon's presidential election is delayed to November 12, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said in a statement on Monday.

N Korea accuses S Korea of encroaching on sea border The Navy Command of North Korea on Sunday accused South Korea of intruding into its sea border in the West Sea (Yellow Sea) and urged Seoul to stop such actions immediately.

US troops kill up to 49 in Baghdad's Sadr City The US military said that its troops have killed up to 49 "criminals" in a raid on Baghdad's eastern neighborhood of Sadr City early on Sunday.

Turkey holds emergency meeting on border security Turkey held a emergency meeting on border security at Cankaya Presidential Palace in Ankara on Sunday under the leadership of President Abdullah Gul, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

Castro votes in Cuba's municipal elections Cuba's leader, Fidel Castro, voted in Cuba's municipal elections on Sunday, from the clinic where he has been recovering from a 2006 intestinal operation, witnessed by members of the electoral district where he is registered, state television reported.

Myanmar lifts curfew order in Yangon, Mandalay The Myanmar authorities Saturday lifted a night-to-dawn curfew 25 days after it imposed on the biggest city of Yangon and the second largest city of Mandalay, according to announcements of the local administrative and police authorities in the evening.

Nearly 3 dozen Taliban insurgents killed in S Afghanistan Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the US-led coalition forces during an hours-long operation killed nearly three dozen Taliban fighters Saturday in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province.

European countries, Czech oppose US radar base Over 100 delegates from 16 European countries, 86 Czech mayors and activists from international peace organizations opposed the planned US radar on Czech soil at an international conference in Breznice, Central Bohemia of the Czech Republic on Saturday.

Iran's top nuclear negotiator resigns Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani has resigned, government spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham said on Saturday.

Pakistani gov't forms special team to probe into blasts The Pakistani government has constituted a four-member police team to probe into the two blasts in the procession of Pakistan People's Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto early Friday morning at Sharea Faisal in the southern port city of Karachi, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Friday.

S Korea: Talks on permanent peace should involve four nations South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun said Friday that the discussion on a permanent peace treaty on the Korean Peninsula should involve four nations.

Arroyo calls for emergency meeting after blast Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday called for an emergency meeting of the National Security Council after a blast left 8 dead and 89 wounded in a shopping mall in the capital region of the country.

Japan's blame on E. China Sea refuted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in Beijing on Friday that Japan's accusation regarding the East China Sea issue is unfounded. China is not responsible for not having achieved substantial progress of the talks.

French President Sarkozy, wife Cecilia divorce French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Cecilia have divorced after 11 years of marriage, Sarkozy's office said Thursday.

Bhutto survives twin blasts; 110 killed Up to 110 people were killed and over 200 others injured in two suicide blasts near former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's vehicle in the southern port city of Karachi early Friday morning, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.

US experts leave N Korea after talks on disabling nuclear facilities A working group of US experts left Pyongyang on Thursday after talks on disabling the nuclear facilities of North Korea.

Putin makes proposals to Iran Russian President Vladimir Putin has brought forward a nuclear proposal to Iran's supreme leader during his visit to Tehran, the state-media reported on Wednesday.

Turkish parliament passes Kurdish draft Turkish parliament on Wednesday approved the motion submitted by the government for cross-border military operations in fight against the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK).

5 new members elected to UNSC The UN General Assembly elected on Tuesday Libya, Burkina Faso, Vietnam, Costa Rica and Croatia to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council for two-year terms starting next January 1.

Rice wraps up visit in Egypt with moderate support US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice wrapped up her short visit to Egypt Tuesday afternoon after winning tempered support of the Arab country for a US-sponsored international conference on Mideast peace.

Iraqi VP vows to cooperate with Turkey against PKK Visiting Iraqi Vice President Tariq Al-Hashimi said in Ankara on Tuesday that Iraqi administration is ready to cooperate with Turkey in its fight against the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK).

China's position on Teheran nuclear issue unchanged China will not participate in a multilateral meeting aimed at discussing the Iranian nuclear issue, foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Tuesday.

Three Americans share Nobel Prize in economics The 2007 Nobel Prize in economics was awarded to Leonid Hurwicz, Eric S. Maskin and Roger B. Myerson for work that helps explain situations in which markets work well, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced Monday.

Turkish gov't submits cross-border operation motion to parliament The Turkish government has submitted the motion for a cross-border operation to fight against the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) to the parliament, government spokesman and Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek said on Monday.

1st Airbus A380 set for Singapore delivery Looking to make a financial and credibility comeback, Airbus is scheduled to deliver its first A380 superjumbo commercial jet Monday.

Putin to visit Tehran despite reports on assassination threat Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted on Monday in Wiesbaden of Germany that he would visit Iran later Monday despite reports on possible assassination plot against him.

Putin to meet Merkel over Iran, Kosovo issues Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Germany for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on thorny issues including Iran's nuclear program and independence for Kosovo.

Israeli minister to Rice: Jerusalem not on table Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Eli Yishai on Sunday told visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that Jerusalem was "not on the negotiations table," local top-selling daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on its website.

Castro speaks live for 1st time since July 2006 Cuban leader Fidel Castro spoke by telephone with his visiting Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez on Sunday in a live TV show, the first of its kind since July 2006.

Suicide blast kills 7 in S. Afghanistan A suicide blast Saturday evening rocked a market in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, killing two policemen and five civilians, a provincial police chief said.

Myanmar cuts curfew hours shorter The Myanmar authorities Saturday further cut its original 8-hour curfew imposed on the biggest city of Yangon to four hours which is to last from 11 PM to 3 AM (local times), according to an announcement broadcast by loudspeakers on the authorities' vehicles patrolling around the city.

Iran's Supreme leader urges boycott Mideast peace talks Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khameneion Saturday urged the Muslim countries to boycott the upcoming Mideast peace conference in the US, accusing Washington of trying to save Israel and to hurt the Palestinians.

Blackwater sued by its Iraqi victims in US court Blackwater, the US security firm whose armed personnel allegedly opened fire on innocent Iraqi civilians last month, was sued Thursday by an injured survivor and three families of the men killed in the incident.

Turkey recalls ambassador to US Turkey on Thursday ordered its ambassador to the US to return to Ankara in protest against a US Congress vote to declare the killings of Armenians between 1915 and 1917 a genocide.

Bush urges Congress to reject Armenian genocide bill US President George W. Bush on Wednesday urged Congress to reject legislation that would declare the World War I-era killings of hundreds of thousands of Armenians a genocide.

Colombian plane carrying 15 soldiers still missing Despite a three-day intensive search, there has still been no sign of the Colombian plane carrying 15 soldiers and three civilians which has been missing since Monday.

Putin: No proof Iran has nuclear plans Russia would continue cooperation with other countries at the United Nations in order to settle Iran's nuclear problem, Russian President Vladimir Putin said after talks with visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Kremlin on Wednesday.

Gunman killed in US school shooting A 14-year-old gunman opened fire at fellow students and teachers at a high school at Cleveland, Ohio, Wednesday, wounding four, and was then killed, the mayor of Cleveland said.

Japanese PM expresses disapproval of collective self-defense right Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has made clear his disapproval of the long-standing controversial collective self-defense right, the Tokyo Daily reported on Wednesday.

3 killed in mine blasts in Myanmar states Three people have been killed and four others injured in mine blasts in two states of Myanmar, the official newspaper New Light of Myanmar reported Wednesday.

Crossing points on Iranian-Iraqi border reopened Iran reopened the crossing points on borders with northern Iraq on Monday after two weeks of closure in protest for US detention of an Iranian official, a local official said.

Musharraf escort chopper crashes, 4 die At least four security officers of President General Pervez Musharraf were killed when an army helicopter crashed in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on Monday, the army spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad said.

Euro ministers fall short of pressing dollar, target RMB Finance ministers from the 13- nation bloc sharing euro failed Monday to seek a tougher stance against the appreciation of their single currency versus the US dollar, taking China's RMB as an easy target.

Britain to reduce troops in Iraq to 2,500 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Monday in a statement in the House of Commons that his country would reduce its troops in Iraq to 2,500 by spring 2008.

Olmert: no agreement has been reached with Abbas Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that he and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas did not come to any conclusion during their meeting last week, the daily Ha'aretz reported on its website.

Flood toll in Vietnam reaches 67 Flooding, hitting Vietnam's central and northern regions since October 4, killed or left missing 67 local people as of Sunday afternoon, Vietnam's Central Television reported.

Report: Britain to back US air strikes on Iran British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has agreed to support US air strikes against Iran if the Islamic country orchestrates large-scale attacks by militants against British or American forces in Iraq, a British newspaper said on Sunday.

South, North Korea hold 2nd round summit talks South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean top leader Kim Jong-il continued their formal summit talks in Pyongyang on Wednesday afternoon.

Musharraf names army successor Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf Tuesday named his successor as army chief, and announced that ex-premier Benazir Bhutto could be given amnesty over corruption charges.

Two Koreas reach out for peace South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean top leader Kim Jong-il concluded their first round of formal summit talks in Pyongyang on Wednesday morning.

4 kidnapped ICRC staff released in Afghanistan A Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said four kidnapped staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were released in Wardak province of central Afghanistan on Saturday.

Pakistan Election Commission accepts Musharraf's nomination papers The Chief Election Commissioner in Pakistan on Saturday approved nomination papers of President General Pervez Musharraf and his two major challengers, the News Network International (NNI) news agency quoted Secretary of Election Commission as saying.

Iran: US troops and CIA 'terrorist' Iranian lawmakers on Saturday branded the US troops and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as terrorist groups, according to a statement released by the Iranian state media.

Explosion injures 8 Chinese tourists in Maldives Twelve foreign tourists, including eight Chinese nationals, were injured in an explosion in the Maldivian capital of Male on Saturday afternoon, the Maldivian government said.

Korean nuke talks hopefully to end with a joint document Negotiators to the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue said on Saturday that they have reached certain agreements and a joint document would probably be issued on Sunday.

Turkey, Iraq sign anti-terrorism pact Turkey and Iraq on Friday signed an agreement to fight against terrorism, but still differed over Turkey's military incursion into northern Iraq to strike bases of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK).

IMF names Strauss-Kahn as new chief The International Monetary Fund approved on Friday former French finance minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn to head the financial institution.

Major countries urge Iran to suspend nuclear activities Representatives of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany reiterated in New York on Friday their call for Iran to suspend nuclear activities.

China stresses UN role in building harmonious world Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Friday that the current session of the United Nations General Assembly should focus on promoting harmonious coexistence among countries.

Pakistani court orders release of opposition members Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the release of all political leaders and activists, who were recently detained by authorities to foil their attempt to rally against President General Pervez Musharraf's bid to contest for another five-year term.

China, Japan mark 35th diplomatic anniversary China and Japan on Thursday expressed the hope that bilateral ties should move headway as they staged grand activities marking the 35th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties.

Nuclear talks show signs of progress The six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue are moving in the "correct" direction despite difficulties that have yet to be settled on the way forward, the chief Chinese delegate said on Thursday.

Cuba slams Bush for acting like world's policeman Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque on Wednesday accused US President George W. Bush of acting like the world's policeman, saying that he had no right to judge any other country.

Iraqi PM appeals for int'l support Iraqi Prime Minister Nori Kamil al-Maliki on Wednesday called on the international community to support his country on way to peace, security and prosperity.

60 killed as bridge collapses in Vietnam A Japanese-funded bridge under construction in southern Vietnam collapsed yesterday, killing up to 60 workers and injuring around 150 in the country's worst such disaster.

Six-Party Talks resume today amid cautious optimism Top negotiators to the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a new round of discussions to be started today.

Merkel-Dalai Lama meeting criticized China is strongly dissatisfied with German Chancellor Angela Merkel's meeting with the Dalai Lama, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Myanmar issues curfew order in Yangon The Myanmar authorities issued on Tuesday night a curfew order, banning the gathering of more than five persons in the country's biggest city of Yangon, according to the Yangon Division Administrative Department.

Ahmedinejad defends Iran's nuclear program Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad defended on Tuesday his country's nuclear program, saying "all our nuclear activities have been completely peaceful and transparent."

China, France hold joint naval exercise in Mediterranean Chinese Navy vessels participate in the first joint naval exercise with France, code-named "China-France Friendship 2007", in the Mediterranean Sea on September 25, 2007.

Fukuda virtually elected PM by Japanese parliament Yasuo Fukuda, newly-elected president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was virtually elected prime minister by the country's parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

Special train carrying Chinese aid leaves for Darfur A special train carrying 250 tons of aid materials donated by the Chinese government left the Khartoum Railway Station on Monday for Sudan's restive western region of Darfur.

Putin announces changes in new Russian gov't Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday Russia's new Cabinet, including new ministers of health, economics, and regional development, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.

Italian hostages freed in Afghanistan Two Italian hostages kidnapped in Afghanistan were freed Monday in a NATO commando raid and in which the hostages were injured, one seriously, according to the Italian defense ministry.

Japanese invited to PLA drill Japanese observers will attend today's military drill in Northeast China for the first time, in what experts say is a substantial step in China-Japan defense ties.

Iran urges US to give up hostility Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in New York on Monday that Iranians will be the "best friends" of the United States if the latter gives up its hostility toward the Islamic republic.

Japan's ruling LDP confirms lineup of party leadership Japanese ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)'s newly-elected President Yasuo Fukuda formally announced the lineup of the party's leadership on Monday.

Ahmadinejad: Iran needs no nuclear weapons Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said before he left for the UN General Assembly in New York that Iran does not need to have nuclear weapons and does not want to have war with the US, according to a CBS TV report.

Chinese, US top diplomats meet on bilateral ties Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his US counterpart Condoleezza Rice met in New York on Sunday on the sidelines of the 62nd session of United Nations General Assembly.

Fukuda wins Japan's ruling party presidential election Japan's former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election on Sunday, beating his rival the LDP Secretary General Taro Aso.

Abbas: it's time to establish Palestinian statehood Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that it is time to create an independent Palestinian statehood existing alongside Israel to end 60 years of suffering.

'Jena 6' case causes uproar in LA Hundreds of people rallied in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday to protest the treatment of six African-American teenagers accused of assaulting a white classmate.

Ties with Chad gather momentum China and Chad signed a series of cooperative agreements, including one on a joint venture between China National Petroleum Corporation and Chadian Oil Refinery, in Beijing yesterday.

Iranian president still wants to visit WTC site Iranian officials say they still hope to work out an agreement for their country's president to lay a wreath at the World Trade Center site when he visits New York next week, local media reported on Thursday.

Iran threatens to bomb Israel if attacked A top Iranian military commander warned on Wednesday that his country would bomb Israel back if Iran is attacked by the Jewish state, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Lebanese lawmaker killed in explosion Lebanese pro-government lawmaker Antoine Ghanem was assassinated in a powerful explosion that ripped through his car in eastern Beirut on Wednesday, six days before a scheduled parliament session to elect a new president.

UNGA rejects Taiwan's UN bid The General Committee of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly decided on Wednesday not to include the so-called issue of "Taiwan's participation in the United Nations," raised by the Solomon Islands and a very few other countries, into the agenda of the General Assembly.

Ban: Taiwan's UN Bid Impossible UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed on Tuesday that Taiwan's bid to apply for UN membership is legally impossible.

UN General Assembly Opens The 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly opened on Tuesday amid calls for multilateral solutions to global challenges.

Black Boxes Found, Airport to Reopen After Phuket Plane Crash Two black boxes of the budget airliner that crashed at Phuket International Airport in southern Thailand on Sunday afternoon and killed 90 persons have been found early Monday morning, media in Bangkok reported.

Greek PM Gets Mandate to Form New Gov't Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Monday received a mandate to form a new government, one day after voters swept him and his ruling New Democracy party back to power in Sunday's parliamentary election.

Mukasey Named as Attorney General A retired federal judge, Michael Mukasey, was named to replace Alberto R. Gonzales as the attorney general, President George W. Bush announced on Monday.

88 Killed, 42 Injured in Plane Crash in Thailand As many as 88 people were killed and 42 injured when a budget airliner crashed in attempting to land at the Phuket International Airport in southern Thailand on Sunday afternoon, reports in Bangkok said.

Fukuda Pledges Not to Visit Yasukuni Shrine Japan's former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda pledged on Saturday that he would not visit the controversial Yasukuni shrine if elected new Japanese prime minister.

Bush Announces Partial Pullback of Troops from Iraq US President George W. Bush announced on Thursday a partial troops pullback from Iraq by next summer, while warning a full withdrawal could endanger the Iraqi government's survival.

Russian PM Nominee Not Rules out Running for Presidency Viktor Zubkov, nominated for the post of Russian prime minister by President Vladimir Putin , said on Thursday that he does not rule out running for the post of president.

Blast Rocks Pakistani Military Area Killing at Least 15 A blast on Thursday rocked a military building in northwestern Pakistani town of Tarbela, close to the capital Islamabad, killing at least 15 army men, officials said.

Key Iraqi Sunni Tribal Leader Killed A Sunni tribal Sheikh who is backed by the US and Iraqi government to fight the al-Qaida network in Iraq was killed in a roadside bomb attack on Thursday, local police source said.

Abe Admitted into Hospital for Gastrointestinal Disorder Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was admitted into a Tokyo hospital on Thursday noon for functional gastrointestinal disorder.

US Strongly Opposes Taiwan's UN Referendum: Official The United States on Tuesday expressed strong opposition to the Taiwan authorities' proposed referendum on UN membership in the name of Taiwan, saying that the initiative, with apparent pursuit of name change, is "a step intended to change the status quo" across the Taiwan Straits.

Putin Nominates New PM Candidate Russian President Vladimir Putin has nominated financial intelligence chief Viktor Zubkov as candidate for prime minister on Wednesday, hours after he dissolved the government at the request of Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov.

Putin Dissolves Russian Gov't Russian President Vladimir Putin has dissolved the government at the request of Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, Russian news media reported Wednesday.

Indonesian Earthquake Leaves 9 Dead At least nine people were killed and more than one hundred feared injured after a strong earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Ritcher Scale hit the Bengkulu province of Indonesia on Wednesday, the Disaster Management Agency said in Jakarta Thursday.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe Resigns Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered his resignation on Wednesday at a press conference held at his office, less than a month after he reshuffled the Cabinet following a crushing defeat in parliamentary election.

Russia Tests Most Powerful Non-nuclear Bomb Russia has developed a new type of bomb, also known as fuel-air bomb, which was claimed as the most powerful non-nuclear bomb, a senior officer said in a TV interview on Tuesday.

Sharif Files Petition in Supreme Court Against Exile Former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the government's move to deport him on Monday.

Bush to Address Nation, Announce Troop Drawdown US President George W. Bush is expected to announce a plan to cut troop levels in Iraq by 30,000 by mid 2008 when he addresses the nation later this week, US officials told the media on Tuesday.

US Vows to Capture Bin Laden The United States vowed on Tuesday to capture elusive Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and meanwhile stressed that war on terrorism is not just against the terror network leader.

Experts in N. Korea to Discuss Nuclear Issue A group of Chinese, Russian, and American experts flew to Pyongyang yesterday to discuss disabling nuclear facilities in North Korea, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said yesterday at a regular press conference.

Olmert, Abbas Agree to Work Toward Two-state Solution During their meeting Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas reached an agreement to setup working groups to discuss issues pertaining to the two-state solution.

Al-Qaida to Release New Bin Laden Video Soon A new video of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden will soon be released, the group's media arm said on Monday on the eve of the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Petraeus: US to Cut Troops in Iraq Citing achievements of the troop "surge plan," the top US military commander in Iraq Gen. David Petraeus proposed on Monday a gradual drawdown of troop presence in that country.

Poll: Few Americans to Observe 9/11 Anniversary Formally A new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll found few Americans plan to observe the upcoming 9/11 anniversary in a formal way, though the majority still regards the terror attack as the most memorable event in their lifetime.

Former PM Sharif's Plane Lands in Pakistan The exiled former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif came out of the airliner and was shifted to a VIP lounge at the Islamabad airport on Monday morning, local TV channel DAWN NEWS reported.

Al-Qaida's Branch Claims Responsibility for Algeria Bombings A branch of the notorious al-Qaida organization in the North Africa claimed responsibility for the two suicide bombings that took place in Algeria, pan-Arab satellite TV al-Jazeera reported on Sunday.

Abe Suggests Resignation If Antiterrorism Refueling Not Prolonged Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe suggested on Sunday in Sydney that he would resign if he fails to get parliament to extend Japan's antiterrorism refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, Japanese media said.

Poll: Most Americans Skeptical of Iraq Status Report Most Americans think the Bush administration's upcoming Iraq status report will exaggerate progress, and few expect it to result in a major shift in the administration's policy, a latest poll found.

FM: Hu's Australia Tour Boosts Regional Cooperation President Hu Jintao's just-concluded tour to Australia, a major diplomatic move by China in the Asia-Pacific region, is of great significance in facilitating the development of bilateral ties and deepening regional cooperation, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Monday.

Fifteen Killed in Suicide Attack in Algeria Fifteen people were killed and scores of others wounded in a suicide bombing attack in eastern Algeria on Thursday, local television reported.

Afghan Gov't Denies China Supplies Weapons to Taliban Afghan Foreign Ministry on Thursday "strongly" denied that China has supplied weapons to Taliban militants in Afghanistan.

UK Jets Intercept Russian Bombers Britain's air force scrambled four Tornado warplanes yesterday to intercept eight Russian long-range bombers, the Ministry of Defense said.

Japan-DPRK Talks End Without Progress Japan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) yesterday wrapped up two days of talks on establishing diplomatic relations without visible progress in disputes over key issues that have hampered efforts to improve bilateral ties.

Spy Chief Refuses to Reveal Ransom Terms The Republic of Korea's (ROK) spy chief said yesterday he could not comment on whether any ransom was paid to free 21 Christian aid workers held by Taliban militants in Afghanistan, seemingly contradicting earlier remarks that no ransom was paid.

DPRK Envoy Discusses Next Phase of Six-Party Talks Chief negotiator for the nuclear talks from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Kye-Gwan met with Chinese officials on Thursday to discuss the next phase of the six-party talks, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu at a regular press conference.

It's Time to 'Get Tough on Taiwan' Beijing has to send tougher warnings to the Taiwan authorities as the situation across the Taiwan Straits has entered a "highly dangerous period", President Hu Jintao told his US counterpart George W. Bush yesterday.

Premier Holds Key to Continuous Development China's economy is on the whole in good shape, but unstable factors, imbalances and lack of sustainability also affect the country's economic development, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday at the summer meeting of the World Economic Forum in Dalian City, northeast China.

Hu: Building a Sustainable Future Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the business summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, expounding China's views on building a sustainable future.

Abe Gov't Hit by New Funding Scandal Japan's new environment minister admitted yesterday to mistakes in past political fund reports, dealing yet another blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has been plagued by a slew of scandals in his Cabinet.

Three Terrorist Suspects Arrested in Germany German security forces arrested three terrorist suspects, accusing them of plotting to bomb Frankfurt airport and a US military base, German media reported on Wednesday.

US Defense Official Confirms B-52 Bomber Mistake US Defense Department official confirmed Wednesday that a B-52 bomber had been mistakenly loaded with nuclear weapons and flown over American sky.

Hu Warns Against Taiwan Secession President Hu Jintao reiterated firm opposition to Taiwan "independence", saying secessionist activities in any form will not be allowed.

China Denies Stopping Aid to Zimbabwe The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Tuesday dismissed as false media reports claiming that China has withdrawn all assistance except humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe.

Vice FM Expounds Position on Environmental Protection China's Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui on Wednesday said China supports efforts to improve global environmental protection to achieve sustainable development.

China-Australia Parliamentary Ties Hailed Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao Wednesday said that exchanges between Chinese and Australian legislatures have contributed to the comprehensive cooperation between both countries.

Sino-Russian Anti-terror Exercise Kicks off The Sino-Russian joint anti-terror exercise "Cooperation-2007" kicked off in Moscow on Tuesday.

'Chemical Ali' Death Sentence Upheld An Iraqi appeals court yesterday upheld the death sentence against Saddam Hussein's cousin, widely known as "Chemical Ali", for masterminding a genocidal campaign against Iraq's Kurds in the 1980s.

Mexico to Relaunch Diplomatic Ties with Cuba, Venezuela Mexico's relations with Venezuela and Cuba are regaining pace and the three countries plan to exchange ambassadors soon, Mexico's foreign minister said Tuesday.

Vice President Meets Japanese Guests Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong met in Beijing Tuesday with a visiting Japanese young leader delegation headed by Anami Koreshige, an ambassador from the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Powerful Felix Hits Central American Coast Hurricane Felix slammed into Nicaragua's Miskito Coast as a record-setting Category 5 monster storm yesterday, whipping metal rooftops through the air like razors and forcing thousands to flee.

US Calls for Talks with Iran After Rafsanjani's Election The United States yesterday called for talks with Iran after former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was elected as new chief of Iran's powerful Assembly of Experts.

US: N Korea Remains on Terror List Top US negotiator Christopher Hill said yesterday that North Korea must do more to dismantle its nuclear weapons program before it can be removed from Washington's list of states that sponsor terrorism.

ROK Hostages' Captor Killed, Says Gov't Afghan security forces killed a Taliban commander they alleged yesterday to be behind the July kidnappings of 23 South Korean church workers. The Taliban denied the claim.

Iraqi Gov't Fails Most Goals Set by US Congress The Iraqi government has only reached 7 of its 18 political and security goals US Congress set in May, said a newly-released report on Tuesday.

Pentagon Hacking Charge Denied China yesterday described as "groundless" and a product of "Cold War mentality" reports claiming hackers, on the instructions of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), had broken into a Pentagon network.

Hu: Ties Maintain Sound Development Momentum Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao said Tuesday that China-Australia relations have maintained a sound momentum of development in recent years. He made the remarks during a meeting with Australian Governor-General Michael Jeffery.

Twin Blasts Leave 24 Dead, 66 Wounded in Pakistan The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan on Tuesday said that a total of 24 people died and 66 others suffered injuries in the deadly twin blasts in Rawalpindi near the capital.

Five Nations Hold Joint Naval Exercises India, the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore held combined "Malabar" naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday.

China, Russia to Boost Cultural Cooperation Senior Chinese and Russian officials Monday vowed to push forward cultural cooperation between the two countries in a bid to consolidate bilateral relations.

EU Anti-dumping Mechanism in Chinese Light Bulbs Disputed The European Union (EU) should adapt its anti-dumping mechanism to globalization, a top EU trade official said on Monday, citing the recent case against Chinese energy-saving light bulbs.

Macedonia Sticks to One China Policy Macedonia would unswervingly adhere to one China policy and push the friendly cooperation between the two countries in all fields to a new level, Macedonian leaders said on Monday.

African Press Arrives in China A seminar to promote Sino-African relations got off to a positive start in Beijing yesterday.

Bush Says Troop Cuts in Iraq Possible US President George W. Bush, who was on a surprise visit to Iraq's western province of Anbar, said on Monday that US troop cuts in the country is possible, the pan-Arab al-Jazeera TV reported.

Abducted Pakistani Security Men to Be Released A tribal jirga making efforts to secure the release of over 100 security men kidnapped in Pakistan's tribal area said that talks with militants would be successful and the hostages would be released by Tuesday, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Monday.

Iraq Talks End Without Breakthrough Talks between Iraq's Shiite and Sunni Muslim groups concluded in Finland on Monday without a major breakthrough, Finnish media reported.

US to Lift Sanctions on DPRK The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Monday that the United States has agreed to remove the country from a list of states that sponsor terrorism and lift economic sanctions.

UN Chief Kicks off Historic Visit to Sudan Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon arrived in Khartoum on Monday to start an official visit in Sudan which has been termed by the Sudanese government as a "historic."

Politics 'Are to Blame' for WTO Probes Efforts by the United States and Mexico to push for investigations by the World Trade Organization (WTO) into China's alleged subsidizing of industrial exports are motivated by domestic political goals, the Ministry of Commerce said Monday.

Hu Begins State Visit to Australia Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Perth on Monday for a state visit to Australia, where he will also attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Sydney on September 8-9.

British Troops Pulling out of Basra Palace in Iraq British troops are pulling out of a base in the southern Iraq, the Sky News reported on Sunday.

Iran Threatens to Reconsider IAEA Cooperation over Possible New UN Resolution Iran said on Sunday that it will reconsider its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if the UN Security Council issues a new resolution against the country, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Bangladeshi Former PM Sent to Jail Bangladeshi former prime minister Khaleda Zia was sent to jail on Monday after a court in the capital refused her bail petition.

Abbas Announces Amended Electoral Law Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday announced the new edition of the Palestinian electoral law, which was given adjustments favorable to Abbas' Fatah against the rival Hamas in the future elections.

State Councilor Meets Japanese Guests Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Sunday met former Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu and Chairman of the General Council of the Liberal Democratic Party Toshihiro Nikai.

Musharraf-Bhutto Talks Stalled But Not Over Power-sharing talks between Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto have stalled but political compulsions are likely to push both back to the table, analysts said.

Japan's Farm Minister Resigns Japan's new Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Takehiko Endo resigned on Monday, one week after taking office, over a scandal involving a farmers' group that he heads.

Lebanese Army Seizes Refugee Camp Lebanese troops took control yesterday of a Palestinian refugee camp where they had been battling militants for more than three months, killing at least 31 fighters who tried to flee, security sources said.

Militants Abduct Scores of Pakistani Troops Militants claiming to have abducted scores of Pakistani troops near the Afghan border demanded yesterday that the army withdraw from the area, as talks aimed at securing the soldiers' release continued, a militant spokesman and officials said.

N Korea, US Reach Deal in Geneva North Korea has agreed to declare and disable all its nuclear facilities by the end of this year, the chief US negotiator said yesterday.

China-Australia Ties Bring Tangible Benefits China and Australia established diplomatic relations 35 years ago. Since then, remarkable achievements have been made in various fields due to the joint efforts of our two governments and peoples, which have brought tangible benefits.

Hu Visits Australia for APEC Talks President Hu Jintao was expected to begin a state visit to Australia today. He is set to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and wrap up energy and mineral resources deals.

Expo to Show Urban Best Practices Cities from across the globe are vying to bring a slice of their local life to the 2010 Shanghai Expo.

Omani Parliament Leader to Visit China Yahya Bin Mahfoodh Bin Salim Al-Manthri, president of State Council of the Sultanate of Oman, will head a delegation to visit China from Sept. 4 to 10 at the invitation of Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), according to the sources from the NPC on Friday.

Car Bomb Kills Four Policemen in Russia At least four policemen have been killed when a car bomb exploded in a southern Russian city on Friday, Russian news agencies reported.

Industrial Nations Shy away from 2020 Goals Industrial nations were shying away from fixing stiff 2020 guidelines for greenhouse gases cuts at UN talks on Friday in what environmentalists said would be a vote for "dangerous" climate change.

Bush: China Growth Offers Good Opportunity US President Bush said Thursday China's rapid economic growth has provided a "good opportunity" for the United States as well as other countries.

DPRK Not to Be Removed from Terrorism List Yet US top negotiator to the six-party talks Christopher Hill Friday said that Washington currently has no intention of removing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from a list of countries accused of "sponsoring terrorism".

13 Wounded in Fatah-Hamas Clashes in Gaza Twelve Palestinians and a French photographer wounded Friday in clashes between supporters of President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement and Hamas executive force in Gaza, witnesses and medics said.

Fed Ready to Act If Turmoil Hits Economy US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke vowed Friday that the central bank is prepared to take more actions to keep the credit crisis from hurting the economy.

FM Vows to Protect Citizens Overseas Government departments vowed on Friday to improve their protection of the growing numbers of Chinese citizens living and working overseas.

Hundreds Mark Death Anniversary of Diana Royals and celebrities joined Princes William and Harry to honor their mother Princess Diana on Friday, the 10th anniversary of her death in a high-speed limousine crash in Paris.

Suicide Bombing Strikes Military Airport in Kabul A suicide car bombing killed one civilian and slightly injured some soldiers of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) at a gate of the ISAF airport in Kabul on Friday morning, officials said.

'Taiwan Independence' Attempt Condemned China, in a UN letter made public Wednesday night, strongly condemned an attempt by "very few" countries to request the UN General Assembly to consider the so-called question of "Taiwan's application for United Nations membership."

Iraq's Shiite, Sunni to Meet in Finland High-ranking representatives of Iraq's majority Shiite and minority Sunni Muslim groups would meet in Finland within a couple of days under the auspices of the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) headed by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, the CMI told the Finnish News Agency on Thursday.

Serb, Kosovo Albanian Delegations Will Hold Direct Talks Wolfgang Ischinger, envoy of European Union (EU) for the Kosovo issues, said on Thursday in Vienna that the Serb and Kosovo Albanian delegations would hold direct talks on the future status of Kosovo.

China to Help Cameroon Improve Water Supply in Douala China on Thursday accorded a preferential loan of 11 billion CFA francs (US$22.9 million) to Cameroon to fund the provision of clean drinking water in Douala, the country's economic capital.

Chinese, Fijian FMs Discuss Ties Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi held talks with his Fijian counterpart Epeli Nailatikau on Thursday, agreeing to enrich cooperative partnership.

Senior CPC Official Meets Thai Democrat Party Leader A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) pledged on Thursday to further exchanges with the Democrat Party of Thailand.

Large Number of Security Men Missing in Pakistan A large number of paramilitary soldiers went missing in Pakistan's northwestern tribal area on Thursday, local TV channels reported.

'Little Progress' Seen on Iraq Goals The Iraqi government has failed to meet the vast majority of political and military goals laid out by lawmakers to assess President Bush's Iraq War strategy, congressional auditors have determined.

UN Envoy: Revived Mideast Talks Possible The UN's top Middle East envoy said there are "signs of hope" that Israel and the Palestinians can agree to revive the stalled peace process in time for a related US-sponsored international conference in November.

Most Fires Now Under Control in Greece Firefighters were battling one remaining major blaze in southern Greece yesterday, after managing to bring under control hundreds of others that for one week ravaged large parts of the country and killed at least 64 people.

Hazardous Substance Found in UN Building UN inspectors found in a UN building in New York vials that may contain a potentially deadly chemical original removed from an Iraqi facility by UN a decade ago, an official announced Thursday.

FM, Commerce Minister to Attend APEC Meeting Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi and Commerce Minister Bo Xilai will jointly lead a delegation to attend the 19th ministerial meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), announced Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao Thursday in Beijing.

Last South Korean Hostages Freed Taliban militants released the final seven of 21 South Korean hostages in central Afghanistan yesterday, bringing to an end a six-week drama that left two captives executed.

Chinese, Japanese DMs Agree to Strengthen Exchange Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and his Japanese counterpart Masahiko Komura Thursday in their talks agreed to strengthen exchanges, according to diplomatic officials.

Guangdong, Sao Paulo Sign Friendship Agreement Southern China's Guangdong province and the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo have signed a friendship agreement to enhance understanding and exchanges, China's embassy in Brazil said Wednesday.

Japanese Court Dismisses Chinese Forced Labor Lawsuit A Japanese district court Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Chinese forced workers and bereaved families, who demanded a total of 460 million yen (about US$4 million) in compensation from the Japanese government and related companies for suffering endured during the Second World War.

Top Legislator Meets Cambodian Parliament Leader Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), Wednesday met with Heng Samrin, president of the Cambodian National Assembly in Beijing.

Exhibition on Chinese Relics Opens in Mozambique A permanent exhibition of Chinese porcelain dated back to the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century has been opened on the Mozambique Island in the northern province of Nampula, the official media AIM reported on Wednesday.

Hu, Howard Discuss Ties, Climate Change over Phone Chinese President Hu Jintao talked with Australian Prime Minister John Howard on the phone on Wednesday over strengthening bilateral ties and fighting climate change.

Kosovo Dismisses Notion of Partition Kosovo leaders on Wednesday dismissed the notion of Kosovo partition and vowed to keep the province intact, news reports reaching Tirana from Pristina said.

Abu Ghraib Officer Not Guilty of Abuse The Abu Ghraib prison case has effectively ended, and responsibility for the detainee pictures that drew world outrage ended up rising no higher on the chain of command than staff sergeant.

Bush to Request US$50 Billion More for War US President George W. Bush is preparing to ask Congress for as much as US$50 billion in additional funding for the war in Iraq, The Washington Post reported yesterday, citing a White House official.

US Troops Could Leave Iraq in One Year Most US troops can be withdrawn safely from Iraq in roughly one year and the Bush administration should begin planning the pullout immediately, according to a study released yesterday.

France, Libya in Secret Defense Pact France and Libya have entered into a secret agreement on defense cooperation covering the sale of military hardware and provision of training for Libyan Special Forces, French weekly satirical newspaper Le Canard Enchaine reported Wednesday.

Turkish President Approves New Cabinet Turkish Prime Minister-designate Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey's newly-elected President Abdullah Gul had approved his new cabinet.

Noriega Escapes Justice in Panama A US judge's decision to extradite Manuel Noriega to France has denied Panama the chance to hand justice to the former strongman for killing opponents, including one who was beheaded, during his rule in the 1980s.

Visit Aims to Build Trust in Security Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan kicked off his five-day official goodwill visit to Japan yesterday, the first visit by a Chinese defense minister to the country in more than nine years, a move seen by many commentators as a sign of thawing relations.

Taliban Free 12 South Korean Hostages A total of 12 South Korean hostages were released by Taliban militants in Afghanistan on Wednesday following six weeks in captivity. The remaining seven hostages are expected to be freed in the next few days.

Taliban to Release Another 7 S Korean Hostages The Taliban would release another seven South Korean hostages soon today, saida Taliban delegate Mullah Bashir.

US Forces Release Seven Detained Iranians in Baghdad The US forces on Wednesday released seven members of an Iranian delegation detained on Tuesday night at a hotel in Baghdad, an Iranian diplomat said.

Malaysia to Host World Shippers' Conference Malaysia will host the World Shippers' Conference (WSC) next month to discuss challenges and solutions on global logistics and goods transportation.

Norway Regrets Ethiopia's Request to Reduce Number of Diplomats Norway expressed "surprised and regret" over Ethiopian authorities' decision to request Norway to withdraw six diplomats by 15 September, said reports reaching Stockholm from Oslo on Tuesday.

UNHCR: Humanitarian Situation Worsening in Iraq The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned on Tuesday that the humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate with the number of displaced Iraqis, both inside and outside the country, still rising.

UN Chief to Visit Darfur with 3-part Strategy UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced Tuesday that he is to visit Darfur next week with a three-part strategy for that region.

Taliban Sets Free Three Female Hostages Taliban militants set free three female Korean hostages today, and a few more hostages would be set free later, said its spokesman Qari Yusuuf Ahmadi.

Musharraf May Quit Army for Re-election Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf may quit as army chief in return for support from political parties to re-elect him for another term, a newspaper reported yesterday.

Olmert, Abbas Talk Statehood Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held talks on Palestinian statehood yesterday but discussed core issues only in broad terms, a senior Palestinian official said.

Lively Views Exchanged on Relations Frank and heated exchanges on Sino-Japanese relations and the future of Asia marked discussions between Chinese university students and Japanese guests at the third Beijing-Tokyo Forum yesterday.

Tokyo and Pyongyang to Meet in Mongolia Japan and North Korea will hold talks on establishing diplomatic relations next week in Ulan Bator, Japanese Foreign Ministry officials said yesterday.

Sino-ROK Ties, Northeast Asia Peace Discussed Some 50 leaders from China and the People's Republic of Korea (ROK) met in Beijing Tuesday for discussions on bilateral ties and peace and security in northeast Asia.

FM: China Will as Always Support UN General Assembly's Work Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Tuesday said that China will, as always, support the work of the General Assembly of the United Nations and its president.

China Tells US to Grasp Common Interests in Bilateral Ties China and the United States should view bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and focus on common interests to ensure the development of constructive and cooperative ties, said China's top legislator Wu Bangguo on Tuesday.

52 Killed in Iraq's Shiite Holy City About 52 were killed and more than 206 others injured so far during fierce clashes between gunmen and police in Iraq's Shiite holy city of Karbala, which initially erupted on Monday night, a local police source said on Tuesday evening.

Ahmadinejad Says His Country Is 'Nuclear Iran' Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reiterated yesterday that Teheran has achieved full proficiency in the nuclear fuel cycle and warned the West that dialogue and friendship - not threats - were the right way to deal with Iran.

US Opposition to Taiwan's Referendum Scheme Appreciated China appreciates the United States' opposition to the referendum scheme by Taiwan authorities to seek UN membership, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao Tuesday.

FM Gul Elected Turkish President Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was elected the country's president yesterday, the first former Islamist to take the post in the secular but predominantly Muslim country's modern history.

Tibet Article Makes Key Point An article that stated "it is wrong to consider Lamaism a pacifying religion" has drawn a lot of attention since it appeared on the website of the China Tibet Information Center.

Quadruple Chinese Proposal at APEC Summit China hopes to see progress on such topics as climate change and clean development, integration of regional economy, multilateral trade and APEC reform at the impending APEC summit, said a senior official with the Chinese Foreign Ministry Tuesday.

Taliban Agrees to Free S. Korean Hostages The Taliban have agreed to free 19 South Korean hostages kidnapped in Afghanistan following a negotiation with South Korean officials, said South Korean Presidential Office Spokesman Cheon Ho-seon on Tuesday.

Germany Through Curtains, Photos The people of Nanjing will be the first in China to experience modern and innovative Germany through concerts, exhibitions, movies and fairs.

7 Charged with Arson over Blazes Sweeping Greece Greece has charged seven people with arson over blazes that have claimed more than 60 lives and threatened some of Europe's most historic sites, media reported Tuesday.

Premier Wen to Attend 2007 'Summer Davos' Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the opening ceremony of the Inaugural Annual Meeting of the New Champions -- from Davos to Dalian, known as the "Summer Davos", that will be held in northeast China's Dalian city from September 6 to 8.

China,Vietnam DMs Agree to Promote Ties Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and his Vietnamese counterpart Phung Quang Thanh held talks Monday in Beijing, agreeing to promote bilateral military ties.

Chinese Selected to Lead UN Peacekeeping Force in W Sahara UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday appointed Major-General Zhao Jingmin as the new Force Commander for the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

Wen: UN's Role Should Be Strengthened Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Monday the United Nations' function should be enhanced when he met with New President of UN General Assembly Srgjan Kerim.

Top Legislator Meets IPU President, US Congressmen Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo met respectively with Pier Ferdinando Casini, president of the Council of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Ike Skelton, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee who heads an eight-member congressmen delegation from the United States.

Suicide Bomber Kills 9 in Fallujah A suicide bomber blew himself up among worshippers at a mosque in the city of Fallujah in west of Baghdad on Monday night, killing at least nine people and wounding 11 others, local police said.

Musharraf's Envoys Meet Bhutto Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has sent representatives to London to negotiate with former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on a power-sharing pact, an official and newspapers said yesterday.

US, N Korea to Meet in Geneva The United States and North Korea will hold talks on normalizing their relations on September 1-2 in Geneva, the US State Department said yesterday.

S Korea, Taliban to Resume Direct Talks Today South Korean officials and the Taliban would resume face-to-face talks on 19 South Korean hostages at 10:00 AM (05:30 GMT) on Today in Ghazni province of central Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi said yesterday.

Russia: Bombers Not Flying with Nuclear Weapons Russian bombers which this month resumed their Soviet-era practice of flying long-range patrols near NATO airspace are not carrying nuclear weapons, a senior air force commander said on Monday.

US Attorney General Gonzales Steps Down US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned yesterday, ending a controversial tenure as chief US law enforcement officer that blemished the administration of President George W. Bush.

'No First Use' of Nuclear Weapons Reiterated A senior officer of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) told the visiting chairman of the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives Ike Skelton on Monday that China's policy of "No first use of nuclear weapons at any time under any circumstances" is firm and consistent, and will never be changed.

Consensus Reached on Energy, Green Tech Energy and the environment were among the key issues discussed between China and Germany as the two countries' leaders reaffirmed their commitment to push forward their strategic partnership.

State Councilor Chen to Visit Russia At the invitation of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov, Chinese State councilor Chen Zhili will visit Russia from Sept. 1 to 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry announced in Beijing on Monday.

Israeli Official Warns of Hamas Plan of Mega-terror Attack An Israeli security official on Sunday warned the cabinet that Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) is planning to carry out a mega-terror attack against Israel.

Premier Wen Declares Opposition to Hacker Activity Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday that China firmly opposed hackers and promised full cooperation with Germany on the prevention and tracking of any hacker activity.

Indonesia to Discuss Food Standards with China Indonesia is expected to send a team representing a number of institutions to China early next month to discuss safety standards for food and other products, an Indonesian diplomat has said.

Abe Names New Executives of LDP Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Monday appointed Foreign Minister Taro Aso and two other lawmakers as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's new key executives, after the LDP's crushing defeat in July's upper house election.

Maliki Lashes out at Hillary Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki lashed out yesterday at US Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton who had called for him to be replaced and criticized the US military for killing civilians.

Abbas, Olmert Meet to Push Forward Peace Efforts Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet on Tuesday in Jerusalem to push forward peace efforts, official sources from both sides said late Sunday.

Presidents of Uganda, DRC Agree to Meet The presidents of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to hold a face-to-face summit in two weeks to discuss the tension at their common border, according to foreign ministry sources.

Iran: Nuclear Program Has Not Slowed Down Iran said yesterday its nuclear activities have not halted or slowed down, rejecting reports that it has not significantly expanded its uranium enrichment program this summer as planned.

Chinese Top Advisor Meets Former Japanese PM Chinese top advisor Jia Qinglin Sunday met with former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, proposing that the two countries should seize key opportunities to step up the development of bilateral relations.

CPC Delegation to Visit Five Countries A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) left Urumqi, capital of northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday night for a visit to five countries in Asia and Europe, including Tajikistan, Georgia, Macedonia, Albania and Turkmenistan.