World News Briefs -- January 18, 2010

United Nations soldiers controlled access to a tent village in Port-au-Prince on Sunday as the World Food Program distributed aid. The United States is sending some 10,000 Marines and soldiers. Michael Appleton for The New York Times

Haiti Official Says Mass Graves Now Hold 70,000 Quake Dead -- McClatchy News

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Medical assistance, search and rescue teams, fresh water and food began reaching more Haitians on Sunday as logistics improved at the airport and international groups coordinated relief efforts.

Even as the likelihood of finding survivors grew slimmer, search and rescue teams from Israel, Turkey, the United States and elsewhere continued working around the clock. A total of 62 people, most of them Haitian citizens, have been rescued since the earthquake struck on Jan. 12, White House officials said Sunday afternoon.

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MIDDLE EAST

Marines exit Iraq in first wave of US forces out.

Candidate bans worsen Iraq’s political turmoil.

Beijing blocks talks on tackling Iran nuclear threat.

Israeli Defense Minister visits Turkey to mend frayed ties.

ASIA

Kabul "under control" after brazen Taliban assault.

Arrests, scandals in Japan could stall passage of budget bill.

NKorea's Kim calls for stronger army amid tension.

AFRICA

Nigeria: 17 feared dead in Jos crisis.

Somali pirates release oil tanker after ransom paid.

7 charged over violent protest in Kenya.

EUROPE

Ukraine vote heads for tense run-off: exit polls.

Turk who shot Pope John Paul released from prison.

Israel asks pope to open up WWII archives.

AMERICAS

In a chaotic capital, Haitians anxious for U.S. troops.

Foreigners dead and missing after Haiti quake.

Piñera wins presidency as Chile returns to the right.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Review of jet bomb plot shows more missed clues.

Qaeda says fighters alive, Yemen vows more strikes.

5 Americans held in Pakistan allege torture.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Saudi billionaire eyes new links with News Corp.

Union sets new strike vote against British Airways.

IMF head in 'double-dip' global economy warning.