The troubled Iraqi city of Fallujah is reported relatively calm today(Monday) on the second day of a fragile cease-fire after a week of deadly fighting between U-S forces and insurgents that killed hundreds of people.
China has called on Iraq's Governing Council to rescue seven Chinese citizens held hostage in Fallujah, the scene of intense fighting over the past week between U-S troops and Iraqi insurgents.
Meanwhile, Vice President Dick Cheney has pledged the United States will do all it can to win the release of three Japanese civilians being held hostage in Iraq.
The prime ministers of Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to speed up economic development projects in their border area to help combat violence.
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