Iraqi fighters moved through a throng of Muslim pilgrims near Najaf's shrine of Imam Ali today (Friday) to begin laying down their arms, as ordered by their spiritual leader Moqtada al-Sadr, under a peace agreement meant to end three weeks of bloodshed in the city.
South Korean officials say they are trying to confirm news reports that the wife of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has died after a long illness.
China and Laos have signed an agreement for Beijing to provide Vientaine with aid to held Laos host the upcomimg Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.
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