US – Mideast: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has begun her latest Mideast peace mission by saying she does not expect any breakthroughs between Israel and the Palestinians.
Rice arrived in Israel today (Sunday) at the start of a four-day regional tour aimed at preparing for a U.S.-sponsored Mideast peace conference next month.
She meets Israeli Minister Ehud Olmert today and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas later in the week to try to narrow their differences on a document outlining Palestinian statehood.
Mr. Abbas's government wants Israel to agree on a timetable for resolving key disputes, such as the status of Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees and final borders. Israel prefers a vague declaration of principles.
Rice said today that parties in the region should be careful to avoid actions or statements that erode confidence in a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Burma: Burmese citizens say the military government has relaxed a curfew and restored Internet access in Rangoon for the first time since a deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protests last month.
Residents in Rangoon said today (Sunday) the curfew has been reduced from six to four hours a night. And Internet users say their connections have been up since Saturday.
The government severed its main Internet link last month after Burmese citizens used the Web to transmit pictures and video clips of the military's violent response to the mass anti-government rallies.
Despite the ease in restrictions, authorities are still arresting pro-democracy activists. Amnesty International says Burmese authorities recently arrested four more prominent activists.
Rights groups says thousands of monks and activists have been detained since last month in Burma.
Burma – PM: Burmese state media say the military government is holding a state funeral for late Prime Minister Soe Win in Rangoon today (Sunday).
The "New Light of Myanmar" newspaper also says the official three-day mourning period for the prime minister will end today (Sunday).
General Soe Win died Friday at the age of 59, after a long battle with leukemia.
His death is not expected to have a major impact on the country because Senior General Than Shwe holds most of the power and influence in the government.
Soe Win took power in 2004, a year after he allegedly planned an attack on democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. She was then placed under house arrest, where she remains.
Soe Win handed his duties to acting Prime Minister General Thein Sein last May.
Thailand Flash Flood: Thai police say at least eight people, including six foreign tourists, have died after a flash flood trapped them in a cave in southern Thailand.
Police said today (Sunday) the victims include two Thai tour guides, a German boy and four Swiss citizens. Authorities have not released the nationality of the other victim.
Police say a British woman trapped in the cave survived the flood.
Police say the group was exploring a cave in the Khao Sok national park in Surathani province late Saturday afternoon when a heavy rainfall caused a flash flood.
Thailand's heavy rains often trigger unexpected surges of water.
Last April, at least 37 people died at two waterfalls in the southern province of Trang when a flash flood inundated the area after a heavy rain.
Thailand King: Hundreds of people have gathered outside a Bangkok hospital where revered Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej is being treated for poor blood flow to the brain.
Well-wishers, including coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin, wrote words of goodwill in books set out for the 79-year-old king today (Sunday).
On Saturday, the palace said the king received eight hours of treatment after he experienced weakness on the right side of his body. After the treatment, the palace said only that the king's right leg had improved.
The U.S.-born king is highly revered in Thailand. He has been a force of unity for the country throughout periods of political upheaval and military coups. King Bhumibol is the world's longest-serving monarch. He celebrated his 60th year on the throne in June, 2006.
Listen to our World News for more details.