World News Briefs -- September 28, 2009

The three ministers hope to "deliver a strong message" to North Korea

China, Japan, S.Korea Agree Deeper Cooperation -- AFP

SHANGHAI — Foreign ministers from China, Japan and South Korea on Monday pledged to deepen cooperation on non-proliferation and disarmament, as pressure grew on Pyongyang over its nuclear programme.

The three ministers, who met in Shanghai to prepare for an October 10 leaders' summit in Beijing, did not specifically refer to efforts to end North Korea's nuclear drive in a joint statement, read by China's Yang Jiechi.

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MIDDLE EAST

String of bombings kills at least 18 across Iraq.

Turkey, Armenia to restore ties.

Disunity threatens Sunni Iraq.

Palestinians mark 9 year anniversary of Intifada.

Palestinians and Israelis clash at Jerusalem Holy site. Erekat: Israel deliberately escalating tensions in Jerusalem.

Yemeni military says dozens killed in fighting with rebels. Yemen rebels vow to continue fight.

ASIA

India and Pakistan fail to restart negotiations.

US threatens to escalate operations inside Pakistan. Civilians flee Taliban stronghold in NW Pakistan.

Pakistan opens new terror camps after Mumbai assault.

Despite pressure, McChrystal to hold firm on request for troops to go to Afghanistan.

Chinese Premier Wen to visit North Korea in October.

Fiji troops excluded from UN peacekeeping role.

Manila hit over aid delay after storm kills 140.

AFRICA

Guinea soldiers shoot dead 'dozens' of protesters. 'Dozens killed' at Guinea protest.

Kenya to shut down refugee camp.

Zimbabwe court dismiss plot to kill Mugabe.

Somalia militants execute 'spies'.

South Sudan leader sees 'real chance' of secession. Sudan faces 'historic crossroads'.

EUROPE

Germany: Oktoberfest security tightened after 'al-Qaeda arrests'.

German Chancellor claims victory for Center-Right coalition. More news here and here.

Portugal election: Socialists stay in power but lose majority. Portuguese PM wins despite chafing reforms.

Georgia war report set to blame both Moscow and Tbilisi.

BBC stuns Gordon Brown with question on pill taking.

Anger in France and Poland after Polanski arrest.

AMERICAS

Canada gov't looks set to survive confidence vote.

Beleaguered Honduras curtails freedoms.

Fujimori pleads guilty in Peru corruption trial.

Swine flu surge closes schools, tests hospitals.

Olympics: Obama vs. Lula? Chicago vs. Rio? Which would you choose?

Dalai Lama opens 'peace summit' in Vancouver.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida No. 2 calls Obama a 'fraud'.

AP source: Accomplices in NYC terror plot known.

Spread of Jihadi "operations" inside America: a quantitative warning.

Gates says U.S. may not close Guantanamo prison by deadline.

Dallas terror sting signals new approach for FBI.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US income gap widens as poor take hit in recession.

G20 faces credibility test on markets.

Social Security strained by early retirements.

World Bank says don’t take US dollar’s place for granted.