World News Briefs -- March 30, 2009

President Barack Obama announces that he is appointing Ed Montgomery, right, as the Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, as he makes remarks about the American automotive industry, Monday, March 30, 2009, in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds). More news here.

MIDDLE EAST

Arab Summit: New Syrian-Jordan unity.

'No halt' to Gaza arms smuggling.

US seeks to reassure Sunni allies in Iraq. Also .... UN suggests power-sharing for Kirkuk.

US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,262.

ASIA

N. Korea to indict detained 2 American reporters.

No U.S. plans to stop Korea on ICBM test. Further news from Def. of Sec. Gates: US not planning to shoot down N. Korean missile.

U.S. deploys anti-missile ships before N.Korea launch.

Brisk traffic on North Korea's forbidden border.

Trials of Khmer Rouge officials begin. More news here and here.

AFRICA

Sudan's leader arrives in Qatar. More news here and here. Also .... Often split, Arab leaders unite for Sudan’s chief.

Drop in Nigerian oil revenues foreshadows economic downturn.

Mauritania's military ruler running for President.

Zimbabwe to arrest farm invaders.

EUROPE

Hungary parties back Bajnai as PM.

Turkey ruling party wins, but opposition makes gains. Also .... AK Party wins Turkish vote but reforms less clear.

Ex-Georgia leader says Saakashvili should resign.

Deal in Basque Country to oust nationalists.

AMERICAS

U.K. dismisses Falkands talks demand.

Momentum grows for relaxing Cuba policy.

Drug Smugglers: Thwarted on land, they're smuggling by sea.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Police identify 200 children in Britain as potential terrorists.

US judge orders Iran to pay $25M for Hamas killing.

Five arrested in G20 'bomb plot' as London goes into lockdown for world leaders.

Spain to consider Prosecuting Bush officials over torture allegations.

FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC CRISIS

Russia, China cooperate on new currency proposals.

FOCUS: G20 countries damp expectations for April 2 summit.

George Soros: Britain may have to seek IMF rescue.

Obama outlines plans for GM, Chrysler.

U.S. Sales of second homes fall 22 percent.