Iraq: An Iraqi Shi'ite political party has pulled out of talks on forming a new government and criticized other parties for the way top cabinet positions were being distributed.
Iran Nuclear: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is urging the United States to join European countries in direct talks with Iran to end the standoff over Tehran's nuclear program.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels have warned that they will attack any navy ships that approach coastal areas under their control.
Indonesia-Suharto:
Suharto Indonesia has dropped a graft case against ailing former President Suharto.
South Korea-Stem Cell: South Korean prosecutors say they have charged stem cell researcher Hwang Woo-suk with fraud, embezzlement and violations of bioethics laws.
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