World News Briefs -- April 17, 2009

Photo: Christian Orthodox pilgrims hold crosses as they wait to enter Calvary during Good Friday processions in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, traditionally believed to be the site of the crucifixion, in Jerusalem's Old City, Friday, April 17, 2009. Christian followers of the Eastern Churches are marking the solemn period of Easter.(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

MIDDLE EAST

Officials say Hamas and Fatah no nearer to reconciliation.

Hamas chiefs make first public show since Gaza war.

U.S. envoy to press Israel on two-state solution with Palestinians

Army ambush puts spotlight on Lebanon's Wild West.

Dig 'may reveal' Cleopatra's tomb.

ASIA

Afghan earthquakes kill 21, destroy homes.

Australia: Navy crew warned of high threat as another asylum boat arrives.

Bangladesh on alert for cyclone. Cyclone hits Bangladesh; thousands ordered out.

Afghan Shia cleric defends law said to legalise marital rape.

Millions of Indians go to polls.

AFRICA

US sending top envoy to Somali conference.

Warrant for Madagascar ex-leader.

Togo displays 'coup plot arsenal'.

Nations look to Kenya as venue for piracy trials.

West Africa faces 'megadroughts'.

Is South Africa going the way of Zimbabwe?

EUROPE

Russia's 'short victorious war' in Chechnya is over - for now. Chechnya move worries Russian press.

Russia's Medvedev warns NATO over Georgia war games.

Sarkozy insults Obama, Merkel, Zapatero.

AMERICAS

Bolivia: Police 'stop attempt on Morales'.

Colombia's ELN asks FARC for ceasefire.

Obama pledges help to slow US arms flow to Mexican drug dealers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trial begins of Pakistan suspect in Mumbai attacks.

Terrorists using Internet as a weapon: experts.

British Tamil leader convicted of terrorism charges.

Al-Qaeda prepares terrorist attacks in Russia.

Spain: No torture probe of US officials.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Stress tests deepen headache for Obama.

IMF warns over parallels to Great Depression.