Suicide Bomber Kills 35 in Pakistan

PAKISTAN: Pakistani security officials say a suicide bomber has killed at least 35 people and wounded scores of others in an attack on a tribal meeting in northwestern Pakistan. Security officials say today's (Sunday's) attack took place at a traditional council, or jirga, in the tribal region of Darra Adam Khel in North West Frontier Province. The outdoor meeting, attended by hundreds of people, was called by elders from five local tribes to discuss the security situation in the area. A government official says the elders were finalizing an agreement to fight against Islamic militants.

IRAQ-IRAN: Visiting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his trip to Iraq has opened a new chapter in relations between the two former enemies. After his arrival in Baghdad today (Sunday), Mr. Ahmadinejad was taken directly to a meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. At a joint news conference after the meeting, the Iranian leader said the talks were very positive. He said the two leaders had a mutual understanding of things, and were determined to strengthen political, economic and cultural ties. Mr. Ahmadinejad said a developed, powerful and united Iraq is to the advantage of everyone.

ARMENIA PROTEST: Armenian authorities say eight people have died in clashes between police and protesters in Yerevan - the capital. A police spokesman said today (Sunday) 33 police were also wounded in the overnight violence. Armenia's president, Robert Kocharian, declared a 20-day state of emergency Saturday, after political tensions erupted into violence following the disputed February 19th presidential election.

RUSSIA ELECTION: Russians are voting today (Sunday) for a successor to President Vladimir Putin. It is generally expected that Mr. Putin's handpicked candidate - 42-year-old First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev -will win the election. Mr. Putin - who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term - has made it clear that he intends to be a powerful prime minister if Medvedev wins.

THAILAND ELECTION: Thais are going to the polls today (Sunday) to vote in the first Senate elections since a military coup that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Voters will choose one senator to represent each of the country's 76 provinces. The other 74 senators have already been appointed, by a government commission that was established last year by a new, military-backed constitution. Mr. Thaksin, who returned from exile Thursday, is not eligible to vote. He was banned from political activities for five years after a court found him guilty in absentia of electoral fraud.

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