Ukraine has inaugurated pro-Western reformer Viktor Yushchenko as the country's new president. Mr. Yushchenko was sworn in today in a parliamentary ceremony in the capital, Kiev. He replaces President Leonid Kuchma, who ruled the former Soviet republic for 10 years.
Mr. Yushchenko's inauguration was attended by a number of international dignitaries, including U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who said on Saturday the United States will help promote political reform and economic growth in Ukraine.
Indonesia has added more than 7,000 people to the death toll from last month's earthquake and tsunami, bringing the total number of dead in that country to nearly 174,000. Welfare Minister Alwi Shihab said Saturday taht an estimated 100,000 people are still missing and he added that the death toll may rise as officials begin focusing on rebuilding the devasted province.
Israel and some Palestinian militant groups say they are willing to observe a ceasefire, if certain conditions are met. The Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades-- the armed wing of the Fatah movement-- said Saturday it would agree to a truce if Israel promises to release Palestinian prisoners and top military operations, including raids to make arrests, and targeted killings of Palestinian militants. Other groups have made similar comments.
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