World News Briefs -- April 6, 2009

Photo released by the Italian Guardia Forestale (Forestry Police Force) showing an aerial view of the destruction in the city of L'Aquila, central Italy, Monday, April 6, 2009. A powerful earthquake in mountainous central Italy knocked down whole blocks of buildings early Monday as residents slept, killing more than 90 people in the country's deadliest quake in nearly three decades, officials said. Tens of thousands were homeless and 1,500 were injured. (AP Photo/Guardia Forestale, HO)

MIDDLE EAST

Dubai Police link murder of Chechen to Russian.

Israel's Netanyahu pledges to produce peace policy soon.

Series of bombings in Baghdad Shiite areas kill 37.

Iran reform candidate says open to US negotiations.

Christian pilgrims mark Palm Sunday in Jerusalem.

ASIA

3 attacks kill at least 7, injure 60 in India.

China in bold move on volatile health care issue.

Sri Lanka says rebel defeat imminent, urges surrender.

Japan announces $100bn stimulus package to curb recession.

AFRICA

Somalia's Government requires aid agencies to register.

Somali pirates avoid warships to hijack 3 ships.

South African Presidency in sight for Zuma after multiple corruption charges dropped.

Financiers pledge $1 billion for Africa infrastructure.

EUROPE

Italy earthquake leaves 130 dead and scores more trapped under rubble. More news here, here, and here.

Obama touts growing friendship with Turkey.

Obama declines to call Armenian deaths in World War I a 'genocide'.

Obama declares 'America is not at war with Islam' as Sarkozy warns him to keep out of Turkey's relationship with EU.

Russia's Putin earns more than boss Medvedev.

Communists win Moldova Parliament majority. Many Moldovans are not happy.

AMERICAS

Opponents of Venezuela's Chávez fight moves to sideline them.

Chavez says he wants to 'reset' relations with US.

Castro: Americans Summit to keep 'excluding' Cuba.

Haiti's hurricanes caused $1 billion in damage.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Detainee lawyer for Canadian reassigned in Guantanamo.

France finds 'Eta bomb factory'.

Taliban threaten 2 attacks per week in Pakistan.

Mumbai suspect trial is delayed.

Notorious terrorist indicted in US eludes capture in Iraq, slips into Syria.

'Qaida-Taliban combo has chemical weapon formula'.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Comparing today's economic/financial crisis with the Great Depression.

US recovery is far off, banks are 'basically insolvent': Soros