World News Briefs -- October 1, 2009

US President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, DC. Obama Thursday called on Iran to take "constructive" steps after crucial nuclear talks in Geneva and warned that Washington was ready to up pressure if Tehran delayed. (AFP/Jim Watson)

Obama: Iran Must Follow Through On Nuke Promises -- Yahoo News/AP

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Thursday called landmark nuclear talks with Iran a constructive beginning, then challenged Tehran to match words with deeds by giving international inspectors "unfettered access" to a previously secret uranium enrichment plant within two weeks.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. and allies begin nuclear talks with Iran.

Kidnapped Israeli soldier shown alive in traded videotape.

Israel prepares for battle over war crimes claims.

Unity is rallying cry ahead of Iraq elections. Iraq's al-Maliki joins with Sunnis in election bid. Iraq's al-Maliki joins with Sunnis in election bid.

ASIA

China puts on its Party best for 60th anniversary.

Obama's war council divided on Afghanistan. Obama to take weeks to study Afghanistan strategy.

Indonesian quake toll at 1,100, thousands missing.

Death toll in tsunamis nears 200, could go higher.

Philippines faces second storm as typhoon approaches.

AFRICA

Nestle to stop buying milk from Mugabe's farm.

In Guinean hospital, wounded attest to military attack. U.S. calls military crackdown 'brazen and inappropriate'.

Somali Islamists reportedly prepare for battle over port city. SCENARIOS: What do rebel clashes mean for Somalia?

Piracy decline 'a fact'.

The talk of Kenya: What does Obama have against us?

Kenyan corruption chief resigns.

EUROPE

Final push in Ireland's crunch vote on European treaty.

Romanian leftists quit coalition government.

What does the E.U.'s Georgia report mean for Kosovo? The E.U. Georgia report: Nobody looks good.

In Balkans, a daunting money pit for the E.U.

Dominique de Villepin denies plotting Nicolas Sarkozy smear.

President Blair ‘within weeks’.

Georgia clashes with Abkazia in border after EU releases report.

AMERICAS

Ecuador, Indians trade blame for bloody clash.

Canada set to avoid early election again.

Honduran police crack down, but pressure mounts. Honduran power brokers, priests push talk plans.

Fujimori sentenced for corruption.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Suspected IRA dissident detained over cop killing.

NY judge: CIA can keep 9/11 videotape info secret.

Judge urges new policy for terrorism victims.

Qaeda roping in women.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Swiss banks as a model for financial regulation?

Super rich are $300 billion lighter.

Economy sends numerous signals of rebound.