Israel-Lebanon: Envoys from France, Turkey, Pakistan and Malaysia are arriving in Beirut today (Wednesday) to work out details of the U.N. force that is to keep the peace in southern Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah militants. France is expected to lead a U.N. force of 15 thousand troops that will join (an equal number of) Lebanese army soldiers and take up positions near the Israeli border. The troops are intended to preserve and extend the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that began two days ago.
Iran Nuclear: Iran's foreign minister says Tehran is ready to
discuss the dispute over its nuclear program with the world powers that have raised the issue before the U.N. Security Council. (Speaking to reporters in Tehran today / Wednesday) Manouchehr Mottaki says his government is ready to discuss all issues, including demands for a suspension of Tehran's sensitive work on uranium enrichment.
Laos-World Bank-Bird Flu: A new Avian flu center, created by the World Bank, has awarded its first grant to Laos for projects aimed at controlling and preparing for bird flu outbreaks. The Avian and Human Influenza Facility announced (Tuesday) that it approved a two-million-dollar grant for Laos.
China Typhoon: China's official Xinhua news agency says the death toll from last week's Typhoon Saomai has risen to 319. Xinhua says the typhoon's effects were most deadly in the port of Fuding, in Fujian province. More than 200 people died in Fuding city alone, and another 94 are missing.
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