World News Briefs -- October 28, 2011 (Evening Edition)

Saif al-Islam gestures as he talks to reporters in Tripoli on 23 August, 2011. Photograph: Paul Hackett/Reuters

International Criminal Court Confirms That Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Has Made Contact -- The Guardian

The court has established an indirect link with Gaddafi's son, who is believed to be attempting to reach Niger or Mali

Muammar Gaddafi's fugitive son Saif al-Islam has been in contact with the international criminal court in the Hague about surrendering to face charges of inciting the murder of thousands of Libyans.

The judicial body confirmed establishing an indirect link with the elder Gaddafi scion, who is believed to be in southern Libya where he is attempting to reach either Niger or Mali.

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MIDDLE EAST

Billions in Iraqi reconstruction money finally accounted for.

Amid Syria protests, businessmen remain loyal to President Assad.

Syrian protesters renew call for protection, 20 killed.

Deadly bombings rip through Shiite neighborhood in Baghdad. Death toll in Baghdad's twin bombings rises to 32.

Yemen's military kills six militants in south - official. Car bomb kills anti-terror chief in south Yemen.

Prince Naif named Saudi crown prince.

Iranian actress spared 90 lashes over role in Australian film.

Israel ready to submit borders proposal to Quartet.

ASIA

NATO: 30 insurgents killed in eastern Afghanistan.

Bangkok facing 'perfect storm'.

North Korea is talking, but Panetta is skeptical.

Situation in S. Philippines worsens as military steps up offensive against Moro rebels.

Australia calls for tougher anti-piracy action in Indian Ocean.

AFRICA

New US drone base operational in Ethiopia.

Sidi Bouzid under curfew as violence erupts following Tunisian election.

Libyans want back property confiscated by Gadhafi.

Int'l Court in indirect talks with Gadhafi son. Court contacts Kadhafi son as NATO ends mission.

Kenyans in first al-Shabab battle in Somalia.

Protesters in Egypt call on military to leave power.

Egypt saves face in swap of alleged Israeli spy Ilan Grapel.

EUROPE

Italy at heart of crisis as borrowing costs climb.

Terrorist attack outside US Embassy in Bosnia.

Judgment due next week in Assange extradition case.

Michael D. Higgins wins Irish presidential election.

Europe plan raises hope but will need to prove itself in practice.

Eurozone crisis: Sarkozy says Greece was not ready to join euro.

After 18 years, Russia on verge of WTO membership.

If Kate and William have a girl, she'll be queen! Commonwealth realms agree to historic change that gives sex equality in Royal succession.

AMERICAS

Brazil is the latest country to get angry about corruption.

Zetas drug cartel 'accountant' detained.

‘El Chapo,’ wanted drug lord, grows stronger in Mexico’s Sierra Madre.

New rules for dictatorship crimes in South America.

Hundreds occupy dam construction site in Brazil.

Ash cloud rises above restive Chilean volcano.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Leon Panetta to toast Osama bin Laden's death with $10,000 bottle of wine.

Lithuania to be investigated for CIA rendition links.

Drone attack in Pakistan kills key Taliban leaders, say officials.

G.O.P. pushes military custody for terror suspects.

Global nature of terrorism drives biosurveillance.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China says emerging economies will not play 'Good Samaritans' to Europe.

Netflix takes up 32.7% of Internet bandwidth.

Samsung overtakes Apple in smartphone shipments.

Eurozone seeks bailout funds from China.