World News Briefs -- November 3, 2009

Fire-fighters wearing protective gear take part in an anti-terrorism drill against possible attacks from North Korea in Seoul November 3, 2009. REUTERS/Choi Bu-Seok

N.Korea Says Has Made More Arms-Grade Plutonium -- Yahoo News/Reuters

SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea said on Tuesday it had completed reprocessing spent fuel rods at its Yongbyon nuclear plant and turned it into arms-grade plutonium, giving the mercurial state more material to produce atomic arms.

The announcement comes after the reclusive North, hit with fresh U.N. sanctions to punish it for a nuclear test in May, has warmed up to the outside world in recent months and indicated it could return to stalled international nuclear talks.

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MIDDLE EAST

Clinton: Nuclear offer to Iran will not change. Iran nuclear program: Clock is ticking as uranium collects.

Iran Guards warn opposition against rallies.

Growing concern over Iraqi election impasse.

In face of Arab anger, Clinton amends view on Israel's offer to curb West Bank growth.

UN assembly draft urges action on Gaza "war crimes".

ASIA

N. Korea threatens to expand nuclear arsenal.

NKorea still silent on SKorea's food aid offer.

U.S. delegation in Myanmar for rare junta talks.

China launches "strike hard" crackdown in restive west.

Blaze at leaking Australian oil rig 'contained'.

AFRICA

Pirates face gun battle to hold Paul and Rachel Chandler.

Al-Shabab tightens grip in Somalia.

Africa boycott U.N. climate talks, demands CO2 cuts.

Congolese army units lose UN aid.

EUROPE

Cameron on brink of dropping referendum promise over Lisbon treaty.

Karadzic to attend special session of Hague Tribunal.

Czech court clears Lisbon Treaty.

Reports: Berlusconi seeks to postpone fraud trial.

AMERICAS

Honduran lawmakers study deal on Zelaya reinstatement.

Water rationing for Venezuela's capital city.

Panama building 4 anti-drug sea, air stations.

In Mexico, fears of a 'Lost Generation'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Are Somalia's pirates linked to Al Qaeda?

Qods Force 'acting like a nation-state-backed terrorist organization' - US general

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

At a glance: Lloyds, RBS finalize bailout deals RBS and Lloyds set for sell-offs.

Oil hovers near $78 amid positive US economic data.

Eurozone jobless rate to rise into 2011: EU.