World News Briefs -- May 3, 2009

Incoming travelers from Japan, wearing a protective mask as a precaution against swine flu, arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport Sunday, May 3, 2009 in Shanghai, China. Chinese state media said authorities have traced and isolated all 128 passengers and crew aboard the flight from Mexico to Shanghai who had either remained in Shanghai or transferred to Beijing or other mainland Chinese cities. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Official: Swine Flu In 'Declining Phase' In Mexico -- Yahoo News/AP

MEXICO CITY – Mexico's health secretary said the swine flu epidemic in his country "is now in its declining phase," even as the U.S. and five other countries in Europe and Latin America reported new cases Sunday.

China quarantined more than 70 Mexican travelers and Hong Kong isolated 350 people in a hotel as a precaution even though no new swine flu infections appeared in Asia. In Egypt, authorities' attempt to kill all pigs as a precaution against the disease prompted pig owners to clash with police who were helping to seize their animals for slaughter.

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MIDDLE EAST

Clashes erupt over Egypt pig cull.

Babylon ruins reopen in Iraq, to controversy.

Hamas open to Israel-Syria negotiations.

Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza.

Iranian President Ahmadinejad accused of fabricating crowds.

Rights groups condemn Iran for execution.

ASIA

US official: North Korean nuclear test likely.

Nepalese army general fired by PM. Turmoil feared as Nepal sacks army chief.

Australia in $70 billion boost to military.

Burma cyclone survivors mark Nargis anniversary.

Communists’ land plan could backfire in India.

AFRICA

Somali pirates seize Greek ship. France captures 11 suspected Somali pirates.

Chad-Sudan thaw crucial to Darfur peace: Mbeki.

India joins race for land in Africa, China way ahead.

Algeria welcomes UN push for Western Sahara talks.

Africans have world's highest genetic diversity, study finds.

EUROPE

Death toll from Queen's Day crash at seven.

Berlusconi’s wife says she wants a divorce.

Spain hits 20 swine flu cases, most in Europe.

273 German police injured in May Day riots.

AMERICAS

Panama chooses new president amid canal expansion. Change expected as Panama votes.

Swine flu scare doesn't stop Mexico's drug war.

Mexico reacts angrily to China flu measures.

Helicopter crash kills 18 soldiers in Venezuela.

Colombia's president wants to ban the personal use of cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US asks Germany to take Gitmo prisoners.

'9 Beduins attempted to attack Israelis'.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Obama: Wall Street will play less dominant role.

Joblessness probably rose to 25-year high: U.S. economy preview.

Fiat eyes new company with GM Europe, Chrysler