World News Briefs -- June 23, 2009

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to report, film or take pictures in Tehran. Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (C), parliament speaker Ali Larijani (L) and Judiciary Chief Mahmood Hashemi Shahroodi attend Tehran's Friday prayers June 19, 2009. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl

Britain Expels Iran Diplomats As Tensions Rise -- Yahoo News/AP

LONDON (AFP) – Britain expelled two Iranian diplomats on Tuesday and European nations hauled in ambassadors to express alarm over fresh post-election violence on the streets of Tehran.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the expulsion of two diplomats after Tehran ordered two British diplomats to leave.

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MIDDLE EAST

Obama talks tougher on Iran violence.

Israel pushing for Hamas prisoner swap deal.

Palestinian Premier sets 2-year statehood target.

Medvedev: Moscow to hold Mideast peace conference by end of 2009.

ASIA

Kyrgyzstan agrees to allow US troops to stay in country.

Pakistan villagers revolt against Taleban after militants want women they widowed.

Pakistan prepares Anti-Taliban operation in Afghan border zone.

NATO troops stage air assault on Taliban stronghold in Southern Afghanistan. German troops die in Afghanistan.

North Korea tries to ramp up tech infrastructure.

AFRICA

Sudan, southern rebels agree to accept arbitration ruling: US.

The latest from Somalia.

Zimbabwe's mines minister barred from Britain.

Tribunal sentences former Rwandan Interior Minister to 30 years for genocide role.

Rioting Congo prisoners rape 20 women.

EUROPE

Burka makes women prisoners, says President Sarkozy.

Berlusconi in crisis after allegation of affair.

Far eastern city sees Kremlin as cause of its troubles.

Official: No black box signals from Flight 447.

UK lawmakers elect new speaker of House of Commons.

AMERICAS

Uruguay compensates ex-political prisoners.

Colombia police killed in ambush.

Mexico deploys 1,500 extra soldiers to border city.

Quebec Liberals elated after beating separatists.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

More than 800 gun buyers on US govt's terrorist watchlist.

India declares Maoists as terrorists.

Detainees fear Palau cannot protect them from China.

Judge orders Guantanamo detainee's release.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

US files trade case against China over exports.

U.S., EU start WTO case against China on raw materials.

Bank bailouts in EU could reach 16 pct of GDP: study.