World News

Yemen: Somali pirates hijack Panamanian cargo ship

SANA'A, Yemen - Yemen's coast guard says Somali pirates have hijacked a Panamanian cargo ship in the treacherous Gulf of Aden between the Arabian peninsula and the Horn of Africa.

Ugandan army kills 34 tribesmen on cattle raids

KAMPALA, Uganda - Ugandan officials say the army has killed 34 tribesmen who were stealing cattle in Uganda's volatile northeastern region.

Kenya unveils constitution to avoid vote violence

NAIROBI, Kenya - A government-appointed panel this week unveiled a draft constitution that is part of wide-ranging efforts to avoid a repeat of political violence that saw more than 1,000 people killed after Kenya's December 2007 presidential elections.

Floods devastate UK Lake District; much of Ireland

New German foreign minister on first Moscow visit

MOSCOW (AFP) - - Germany's new Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle emphasised strong relations with Russia during his first visit to Moscow Friday, but remained discreet on human rights issues.

Italian prosecutor: Knox hated murder victim

Guatemala reopening international adoptions

GUATEMALA CITY - Guatemalan officials on Friday announced the resumption of international adoptions after a nearly two-year suspension prompted by the discovery that some babies were being sold.

Honduras regime seeks to disarm citizens ahead of polls

TEGUCIGALPA (AFP) - - The Honduran de facto regime on Friday ordered citizens to turn in their weapons in a bid to avert violence around disputed presidential elections to be held at the end of the month.

Honduras interim president may take leave for vote

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras - Honduras' interim president said Thursday he may step down temporarily to allow voters to concentrate on the upcoming presidential elections.

Powers urge Iran to reconsider nuclear offer

By David Brunnstrom and Dave Graham

35 Egyptian police hurt as football violence simmers

CAIRO (AFP) - - Violent protestors injured dozens of police near the Algerian embassy in Cairo on Friday, fanning the flames of a diplomatic row that erupted over a football World Cup qualifier won by bitter rivals Algeria.

Iran has 'not responded positively' to nuclear offer

BRUSSELS (AFP) - - Major world powers expressed disappointment Friday that Iran has "not responded positively" to a plan for resolving the standoff over its nuclear programme or agreed to new talks.

Army announces review of how it tests body armor

WASHINGTON - The Army says there will be an outside review of how body armor for its soldiers is tested.

CA man allegedly paid teens to spit in his face

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - A 39-year-old Southern California man has been arrested for misdemeanor child annoyance after allegedly paying a teenager $31 to spit in his face.

More states add jobs, but many for temporary staff

WASHINGTON - In a sharp improvement, more than half of U.S. states added jobs in October, though economists said many of the gains likely occurred in temporary employment.