World News Briefs -- July 6, 2009

The President of the United States, Barack Obama, left, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev exchange documents during their meeting at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, Monday, July 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Obama, Medvedev Agree To Pursue Nuclear Reduction -- Yahoo News/AP

MOSCOW – President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a preliminary agreement Monday to reduce the world's two largest nuclear stockpiles by as much as a third, down to the lowest levels of any U.S.-Russia accord, and counter what Obama called "a sense of drift" in the countries' relations.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq bans organized visits to Saddam's grave.

Iraqis skeptical about significance of US pullback.

100 U.S. activists arrive in Egypt in bid to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel to deport Gaza activists.

Hamas alleges Israel spying network had support of Abbas.

ASIA

Ethnic riots spread in China's west; 156 killed. China vows to crush unrest in Xinjiang.

N. Korea possibly tested improved Scud.

Islamic group planning coup in Pak: Report.

UN chief rebukes Burma's leaders.

Three die during riots in China's Xinjiang region: state media.

AFRICA

African move on Bashir dismissed.

US warns Ethiopia on Somali role.

Somali civilians killed by shells.

Nigerian militants claim pipeline blast, tanker crew's seizure.

Report: Mugabe calls top US official 'an idiot'.

Zimbabwe vows to pull troops out of diamond fields.

EUROPE

Election victory of ex-karate coach brings strongman tactics to Bulgaria.

Britain, France sign accord on immigration controls.

Egypt mourns 'headscarf martyr'.

Turkey roadside blast kills four.

Britain 74th in world happiness rankings.

AMERICAS

Ousted Honduran president expected in Washington.

Venezuela assumes control of Spanish-owned bank.

Uribe raises rewards for FARC chiefs.

Old ruling party gains in Mexico midterm election.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Germany ups terrorism alert before election.

Plot to bomb mosques in Britain unearthed, 32 arrested.

Canadian police probe sixth gas pipeline bombing.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Oil falls 4 percent on economic recovery concerns.

California’s nightmare will kill Obamanomics.

Earnings drop worldwide as job losses hurt consumers.