World News Briefs -- June 24, 2010 (Evening Edition)

President Obama and President Dmitri A. Medvedev of Russia (second right) talking after ordering lunch on Thursday at Ray’s Hell Burger in Arlington, Va. Brendan Smialowski for The New York Times

Obama and Medvedev Talk Economics In Latest Meeting -- New York Times

WASHINGTON – With recent national security accords behind them, President Obama and President Dmitry A. Medvedev of Russia engaged in some economic summitry on Thursday, with the United States pushing its exports and its former superpower rival seeking more business investment, especially in technology.

The actual achievements on the economic front were modest. The United States redoubled its support for the accession of Russia to the World Trade Organization by pushing to complete negotiations by September. And Russia agreed to lift barriers on American chicken imports.

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MIDDLE EAST

Jerusalem plan to demolish Palestinian homes raises tensions.

Lieberman changes tune on Gaza.

Syria jails leading rights lawyer.

Iran steps up production of enriched uranium.

U.S. urges flotilla backers to deliver Gaza aid by land.

Moscow still hasn't delivered air defense missiles to Iran.

Turkey detains 27 after bombing by rebels.

ASIA

Why is North Korea demanding $65 trillion from the U.S.?

Kyrgyzstan says Islamist groups sparked violence.

Taiwan and China agree terms of landmark trade deal.

June deadliest month of Afghan war for NATO.

Rudd dumped as Gillard becomes Australia's first female PM.

Tibetans fear a broader crackdown.

Kyrgyz refugees returning home from Uzbekistan camps.

AFRICA

Regulators deadlocked on Zimbabwe diamonds.

Report optimistic on Africa economies.

Kenya opens special piracy court in Mombasa.

South Africa drops two charges over Rwanda shooting.

EUROPE

Bomb rocks Greek law enforcement ministry, 1 dead.

Greece puts its islands up for sale to save economy.

French unions stage protests against plans for retirement age hike.

12 killed as train hits festival-goers in Spain.

Russia reopens Belarus gas tap but dispute goes on.

AMERICAS

Alleged Jamaican drug Lord Coke extradited to US.

Obama requests $600 million for border security.

Peru leader rejects indigenous land rights law.

G8/G20: Police state in, power suits out as Toronto goes into security shock.

Canada earthquake shakes area.

Obama and Medvedev to focus on global economy in Thursday's meeting.

Joy, relief in Latin America over World Cup success.

Napolitano highlights steps to secure border.

Mass grave in Taxco, Mexico, is largest discovered in violent drug wars.

Jamaica appeals for calm after surrender of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Two men guilty in final Toronto 18 terror trial.

Pakistani province funds terrorism-linked charity.

Pakistan: Anti-terror court convicts 5 Americans.

S.Lanka to block UN visits to probe war crimes.

China breaks up Xinjiang terror group.

Armed US 'Bin Laden hunter' is back home.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Deutsche Bank: U.S. financial conditions just collapsed back to crisis levels.

G20 to warn on complacency as fiscal fight looms.

Google's YouTube wins Viacom copyright case. More news here.