Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas says Palestinians must protect and rebuild the Gaza Strip to set an example to the world now that Israel is pulling out after 38 years of occupation.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi launched his political campaign today (Saturday) for the snap general election he has called on September 11.
Bangladesh is in the grip of a general strike today (Saturday), called as a protest against those who set off hundreds of bombs across the country earlier this week.
The second phase of a Chinese - Russian joint military exercise started in east China's Shandong Peninsula early today (Saturday).
Authorities in northeastern China say rescuers are trying to save 16 coal miners trapped in a flooded mine in Jilin province.
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