Foreign dignitaries are continuing to arrive in Rome to pay their last respects to Pope John Paul and to attend his funeral on Friday. Extraordinary security measures are in effect for the pope's funeral. These include a defense shield that features a no-fly zone and anti-aircraft missiles.
Burma's prime minister has downplayed concerns that his country's lack of progress on democratic reforms and human rights will tarnish its leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year.
India and Pakistan have resumed a trans-Kashmir bus service afetr nearly 60 years, in a move seen as a key part of the ongoing peace process bet ween the nuclear-armed rivals.
Iraq's three-member presidential council is due to be sworn-in today (Thursday), in another step toward the formation of a new government. The council is expected to appoint Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a Shi'ite Muslim, as prime minister. He will have up to two weeks to name a cabinet.
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