World News Briefs -- May 23, 2012

Egyptians Vote To Elect New President -- Al Jazeera

High turnout expected as 50 million people are eligible to vote in the country's first democratic presidential election.

Egyptians are heading to polling stations across the country in the country's first democratic presidential election.

Fifty million people are eligible to cast their ballots, and voter turnout was expected to be high as two days of voting began on Wednesday.

Voters had already formed lines outside some polling stations before they opened at 8am local time (06:00 GMT).

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria rebels pounded, deny pilgrims kidnap.

Hezbollah appeals for calm after Syria kidnapping.

Protester shot dead as Yemen remains on knife-edge.

Saudis pledge $3.25 billion in aid to Qaeda-hit Yemen.

Iraq warns Turkey over Kurdistan pipeline deal.

ASIA

Philippines: China 'increasing ships at disputed shoal'.

China cancels high-level military visit to Japan.

U.S. hopes for breakthrough in Pakistan NATO supply route talks.

World Bank: East Asia 'vulnerable' to eurozone crisis.

OECD better life index says Australia is happiest country.

AFRICA

Tunisia to extradite former Gaddafi PM to Libya.

Somalia, African Union forces attack Islamist-held camp.

Eastern DR Congo clashes kill 100 in a week: group.

South Sudan accuses Sudan of new air attacks.

G. Bissau army to return to barracks.

Black farmworker acquitted of murdering Eugene Terreblanche.

EUROPE

EU leaders to tackle debt crisis at summit. Stage set for Hollande-Merkel showdown at EU summit.

Eurozone warned 'severe recession' looming.

Prisoners must be given the vote in UK, European court rules.

Russian lawmakers slap big sanctions on protesters.

Greek police clash with anti-immigrant mob.

AMERICAS

Colombian rebels kill 12 soldiers near Venezuela border. Colombia, Venezuela militarize common border in search of rebels.

Small bomb found in Argentina ahead of Uribe visit.

Argentina's long economic boom coming to an end.

Senator: Prostitution scandal wider than believed.

Mass arrests as Montreal student protest turns ugly.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Virtual terrorism: Al Qaeda video calls for 'electronic jihad'.

US missiles 'kill four in Pakistan'.

Pakistan jails doctor who helped CIA find Bin Laden.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google officially acquires Motorola Mobility for US$12.5 billion.

Google girds for war.

Inside job: Facebook I.P.O. shows system is broken.

Markets slump ahead of key EU summit.