4/25/06 World News in Lao: Nepal's Maoists Reject King's Decision to Recall Parliament

Nepal: Nepal's Maoist rebels have rejected King Gyanendra's decision to reinstate Parliament, calling it a conspiracy to allow the King to hold onto power. Maoist leader Prachanda said in a statement today (Tuesday) the communist rebels would continue to blockade the capital, Kathmandu, until their demands are met. Nepal's seven main opposition parties welcomed the King's move. After a meeting this (Tuesday) morning in the capital, the alliance called off a crippling general strike and almost three weeks of anti-government protests.

Sri Lanka Attack: Sri Lanka's military says a female suicide bomber has blown herself up inside army headquarters in Colombo, killing at least eight people and seriously wounding the army chief, Sarath Fonseka.

Iran: Iran's top nuclear negotiator says his government will stop cooperating with the United Nations nuclear agency if the Security Council imposes sanctions. Ali Larijani also told a conference on nuclear issues in Tehran today (Tuesday) Iran will hide its nuclear activities if there is a military action against it.

Vietnam: Vietnam has formally announced that its Communist Party chief, Nong Duc Manh, will stay on as general secretary for another five-year term. The announcement came early Tuesday at the close of the party's 10th national congress in Hanoi. Nong Duc Manh has served as general secretary since 2001. Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and President Tran Duc Luong withdrew from the Central Committee during the congress, meaning they will not be continuing in their posts.

Listen to our World News for details