World News Briefs -- April 21, 2009

In this photo released by the Sri Lankan army Tuesday, April 21, 2009, ethnic Tamil civilians who escaped from the Tamil Tiger controlled areas are seen arriving Monday, April 20, 2009 at the government controlled areas in Putumattalan, north east of Colombo, Sri Lanka. (AP Photo/Sri Lankan Army, HO). Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Obama invites Middle East heads.

US tech giants head to Iraq.

Cairo claim on Hezbollah line in the sand.

Iraq: No long-term role for ex-Blackwater units.

Iran hints US reporter's sentence may be eased.

Israel marks annual Holocaust Remembrance Day.

ASIA

Sri Lanka troops move in on Tigers, 52,000 flee. Refugee tide threatens to overwhelm camps in Sri Lanka, says UN.

Pakistan's Swat's Taleban expand operations.

Inter-Korean talks end shortly after starting. More news here.

Thai protesters 'plan new action'.

Rights groups warn Fiji heading towards civil unrest.

AFRICA

Pirate attacks jump tenfold off Somalia this year.

South Africans prepare to vote as election campaign winds down.

Sudan leader in Ethiopia despite war crime warrant.

Burundi rebels starting to disarm.

EUROPE

Russia moves troops closer to Georgia's capital.

UK ranked low on youth wellbeing. Little room to maneuver on budget for Britain.

Dutch navy under fire for 'idiotic' pirate release.

AMERICAS

Somali pirate due to appear in New York court.

Bolivia opposition deny links to alleged plot.

Cuban prisoners don't want to be traded for spies.

Bishop: Church knew Lugo allegedly fathered kids.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

FBI's newest 'Most Wanted' terrorist is American.

Who will take the 104 Yemenis from Guantanamo?

Turkish police detain 37 in al Qaeda raids.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Meltdown losses of '$4 trillion'.

IMF estimates necessary global write-downs: $4.1 trillion.

U.S. to give Chrysler, GM new aid.

Geithner tells overseers banks still in distress.