Laos Party Congress: The government of Laos is opening the eighth congress of its Communist Party, which has led the country since the mid-1970s. Organizers say this congress will enact major reforms, but until now Laos has only pursued cautious, gradual changes.
The senior leadership of the Lao Communist Party is meeting in Vientiane. The Congress convenes every five years and Lao government Spokesman Yong Chanthalangsy says the theme this time is growth and renewal.
Iraq: A senior Iranian leader says his country is willing to negotiate with the United States to resolve the conflict in Iraq.
Rice-Asia: China says its military policies are completely transparent.
Burma-US: Burma has rejected a U.S. State Department report on human rights that branded the country as one of the world's worst human rights violators.
Thailand-Unrest: Authorities in Thailand say at least five people were killed when militants opened fire on a government office building in the country's restive south.
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