World News Briefs -- February 27, 2010

An image generated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center shows the projected tsunami travel times following a 8.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked Chile early February 27, 2010. REUTERS/NOAA/Handout

Huge Earthquake Batters Chile, 78 Dead -- Reuters

SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) - A massive magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck south-central Chile early on Saturday, killing at least 78 people, knocking down buildings and triggering a tsunami.

President Michelle Bachelet said there were 78 confirmed deaths and that more were possible. Telephone and power lines were down, making it difficult to make an early assessment of the damage, but serious damage was reported in two southern cities.

"Never in my life have I experienced a quake like this, it's like the end of the world," one man told local television from the city of Temuco, where the quake damaged buildings and forced staff to evacuate the regional hospital.

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MIDDLE EAST

High-ranking military arrests stir fresh Turkey concern.

U.N. presses for more investigations into Israel-Gaza war.

A year after Israeli assault, uneasy peace settles over Gaza.

ASIA

Asia braces for tsunami after Chile quake.

US, Afghan forces clear last parts of Taliban area.

Thailand court orders much of Thaksin Shinawatra's assets seized.

Philippines: Suspected militant attack kills 11.

AFRICA

Sudan's SPLM reaches 'breakthrough deal' on poll.

Darfur fighting mars peace pact in Sudan.

Ex-UN nuclear chief: Egypt is desperate for change.

EUROPE

Swiss face 'holy war' with Gadhafi's Libya.

Greek PM to meet Merkel, Obama amid debt crisis.

Danish paper apologises for printing Muhammad cartoon.

AMERICAS

Olympic Wire...

Utility crews struggling to restore power in US NE.

Colombian Govt confirms death of FARC leader 'Edgar Tovar'.

Court blocks Colombia's Uribe from third term.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Congress extends Patriot Act, no new protections.

Freed French hostage speaks of al-Qaeda ordeal in Mali.

Judge expanded review on terrorism suspect.

Experts: Plenty of proof to convict alleged 9/11 mastermind.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Head of IMF proposes new reserve currency.

Fannie taps Treasury for $15.3 billion more after a 10th loss.

US senator warns of ‘financial meltdown’ risk.