Iran Nuclear: Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says he has received assurances that Russia and China will oppose punitive action against Tehran over its nuclear program. In an interview with Iran's Kayhan newspaper, Mottaki says Chinese and Russian diplomats have officially told Iran they are against economic sanctions and military action. Senior officials from Russia, China, and the other permanent members of the U.N. Security Council are meeting in Paris today (Tuesday) to seek consensus on the U.N.'s approach to Iran. Germany is also taking part in the talks.
Nepal: Nepal's new prime minister has appointed a seven-member Cabinet as part of efforts to restore democracy to the country and negotiate peace with Maoist rebels. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and leaders of Nepal's main opposition parties today (Tuesday) gave several key appointments to the prime minister's Nepali Congress party. K.P. Sharma Oli was named both deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs. Oli is a leader in Nepal's second largest party, the Communist Party of Nepal.
US-Quartet: The special envoy to the diplomatic quartet on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has resigned over concerns about the Hamas-led Palestinian government. James Wolfensohn said Monday there can be no "business as usual" as long as the Hamas-dominated government refuses to accept Israel's right to exist.
Israel Palestinians: Israel's incoming vice premier, Shimon Peres, says prime minister-designate Ehud Olmert is likely to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas later this month. Peres told the Jerusalem Post newspaper the meeting may take place after Mr. Olmert returns to Israel from a trip to Washington.
UNICEF: A new report by the United Nations Children's Fund says about 5.6 million children die every year in part because of poor nutrition. The report says another 146 million children are at risk of dying early because they are underweight.
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