World News Briefs -- February 5, 2010

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen (L) and Prime Minister Gordon Brown (2nd L) in Hillsborough. Photo AFP

Leaders Meet In Northern Ireland After Deal Reached -- CNN

(CNN) -- The British and Irish prime ministers arrived in Northern Ireland early Friday after political parties reached a deal to save the province's power-sharing government.

Britain's Gordon Brown and Ireland's Brian Cowen made no comments as they entered Hillsborough Castle outside Belfast. Brown's office said a statement was expected later.

Sinn Fein party leader Gerry Adams called the deal a "wonderful chance" for Northern Ireland to move forward.

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MIDDLE EAST

Peace with Syria still in Israel's sights.

Iraq mortar attack kills 31 Shiite pilgrims.

Election panel puts off start of Iraq Parliament races.

ASIA

Thailand can quash insurgency by year-end: minister.


Pakistan nuclear arsenal safe: Top US spy chief.

Pakistan bombing targets bus, kills 12.

North Korea says it will release 'repentant' US missionary.

AFRICA

Africa warns international court over Sudan decision.

Nigeria cabinet split over sick President Yar'Adua.

Fractionalized, armed and lethal: Why Somalia matters.

Mandela celebrates 20 years of freedom.

Probe of African leaders' money-laundering reveals holes in regulations.

EUROPE

Romania 'to host US missile shield'.

Portugal near political crisis over debt.

Northern Ireland: DUP backs power-sharing deal with Sinn Fein. N. Ireland Protestants accept deal to save power-sharing govt.

Threat of new Orange protests raises Ukraine tension.

AMERICAS

Cubans mushrooming in Venezuela's sensitive sectors.

Venezuelan police break up anti-Chavez protest.

Uribe vows calm as Colombia awaits referendum ruling.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Cleric denies involvement in plane attack plot.

UK: Campus Islamic extremists under police scrutiny.

Pakistan denounces conviction of neuroscientist in US court.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global markets plunge on fears of U.S. jobs report.

Moody’s warns US of credit rating fears.

Is US bullying Toyota on recall?