World News Briefs -- June 17, 2009

President Barack Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak take part in a joint news conference, Tuesday, June 16, 2009, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

N. Korea Threatens Strike After US-S. Korea Summit -- Christian Science Monitor

In South, decisive tone of 'joint vision' is seen as sending a strong message to the North.

President Barack Obama appears to have convinced many South Korean skeptics of the United States' commitment to the defense of South Korea during his White House meeting Tuesday with South Korean President Lee Myung Bak.

South Korea's defense ministry was quick to respond with obvious relief, characterizing the promise of a continued "nuclear umbrella" in the statement issued by the two presidents as "a warning to North Korea."

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MIDDLE EAST

Mitchell hints of possible accord on Mideast peace talks within weeks.

Killing of US soldier casts light on Mosul police.

Report: Egypt preparing final Hamas-Fatah deal.

Gazans flock to Hamas-run religious summer camps.

Arabs largely silent on Iran unrest.

ASIA

Russia, China trumpet ties following meeting.

Leaders of Pakistan, India move to ease tensions.

China cleans up corruption.

India Maoist violence escalates.

AFRICA

UN Official: Human Rights situation in Sudan 'critical'.

South Africa tightens security around Confed stadiums.

South African President wants immunity for Africa despots.

Battle kills Somali police chief. Fighting in Somalia capital kills at least 22.

Mutinous Congo troops fire at UN.

Bubonic plague reported in Libya.

EUROPE

Gunmen kill Greek anti-terrorist policeman.

The Pirate Bay helps Iran critics dodge censorship.

400 pieces of Air France debris found.

Minister becomes latest victim of expenses row.

AMERICAS

Peru's prime minister to step down.

Canada's Liberals back government, election averted.

Military finds one of Mexico's largest meth labs.

5 FARC guerrillas killed in bombings.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Mali army 'takes al-Qaeda base'.

CIA fights full release of detainee report.

Report says terrorism finance laws hurt charities.

Yemen hostage killings: the work of Al Qaeda?

FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC CRISIS

U.S. dollar drops on reserve currency doubts.

China sells US bonds to 'show concern'.

Russia, China to promote ruble, Yuan use in trade.