World News Briefs -- December 19, 2009

Climate Change Agreement 'Noted,' Not Yet Adopted -- Voice Of America

The nearly 200 countries attending the Copenhagen conference agreed only to 'take note' of the non-binding accord negotiated by U.S. President Barack Obama, falling short of a full endorsement.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon says climate talks in Copenhagen have sealed a deal.

However, the nearly 200 countries attending the conference agreed only to "take note" of the non-binding accord negotiated by U.S. President Barack Obama, falling short of a full endorsement.

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MIDDLE EAST

Lebanon PM Hariri to make landmark Syria visit.

Iran seeks diplomatic fix for Iraq border dispute.

Lebanon: At least 11 die as ship sinks.

U.S. aids Yemeni raids on Al Qaeda, officials say.

ASIA

President Zardari convenes Pakistan crisis talks.

Insurgents forced out of Pakistan's tribal havens form smaller cells in heart of nation .

Karzai tries to please all with new Afghan cabinet.

Doubts grow in Japan about premier amid money scandal.

Mumbai attacks suspect retracts confession in court.

AFRICA

U.S. charges 3 Malians in drug plot. More news here.

Nigeria rebels attack oil pipeline.

Madagascar leader Rajoelina sacks prime minister.

Independence activist returns home to Western Sahara.

EUROPE

US and Russia close to an arms control agreement. More news here and here.

Poland tightens border in hunt for Auschwitz sign.

Tensions grow for Muslims as French debate national identity.

Thousands freed from Channel Tunnel after trains fail. Eurostar services cancelled as snow brings havoc.

AMERICAS

Venezuela's Chavez sees US threat in Dutch islands.

Mexican drug lord killed in gunfight with federal forces.

Eastern US prepares for severe winter storm.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. prosecution links drugs to terrorism.

U.S. to make stopping nuclear terror key aim.

Napolitano responds to surge of homegrown terrorism cases.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Regulators shutter 2 big Calif. banks, 5 others.

UK public borrowing at new high.

GM to end Saab brand after talks with buyer fail.