World News Briefs -- February 15, 2012

A wounded man is carried on a stretcher at Escuela hospital in the capital Tegucigalpa, after a blaze that began late on Tuesday night at a prison in Comayagua, about 75 kilometers (45 miles) north of the capital, February 15, 2012. A fire that swept through a prison in Honduras overnight has probably killed at least 357 people, the attorney general's office of the Central American nation said on Wednesday. REUTERS/Stringer

Hundreds Of Inmates Burn To Death In Massive Honduras Prison Fire -- National Post/Reuters

TEGUCIGALPA — A massive fire swept through a prison in Honduras and killed at least 357 people, including many inmates trapped inside their cells, officials said on Wednesday.

Honduras has the highest murder rate in the world, according to the United Nations, and there are frequent riots and clashes between members of rival street gangs in its overcrowded prisons.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria to hold referendum over new constitution on Feb 26. Syria constitution vote called 'window dressing'. Syria’s crackdown on rebels continues as Assad schedules vote on new constitution.

Assad's forces storm central district of Damascus. Syrian forces raid Damascus, opposition cities despite outcry. US 'very closely' watching Syrian chemical weapons.

Iran says using new advanced uranium centrifuges. Iran trumpets atom advances, deepening standoff with West.

Sinai explodes into violence after years of chronic poverty and alienation.

Bahrain authorities block anniversary protests. Bahrain restricts protests on uprising anniversary.

ASIA

Thailand finds Iran link between Bangkok and Delhi attacks. 'Bangkok bombers' were assassins not terrorists, says Thai official.

Kim Jong-il awarded North Korea’s highest honour.

Philippines arrest Abu Sayyaf suspect in kidnap.

Rare visit to remote Chinese region shows depth of Tibetan despair.

Visit offers little insight into next China leader. China Vice-President Xi Jinping in US visit.

AFRICA

Sudan plans to resume oil talks with South Sudan by month-end.

Report: Zimbabwe president’s loyalists hide diamond cash, fears it will fuel election violence. Rights group: Diamonds may fuel Zimbabwe electoral violence.

AU forces capture rebel strongholds near Somali capital.

A year on, Libyans enjoy freedoms but anxieties abound.

Sahel food shortages put over 20 million at risk.

Egypt to hold presidential poll in May: report.

EUROPE

Europe ’plays with fire’ as Greek rescue hits barrier.

Portugal’s debt efforts may be warning for Greece.

Europe economy: Recession hits Italy and Netherlands.

French president tweets as election race looms. Nicolas Sarkozy to launch re-election bid on French TV.

Russia radio shake-up follows Putin criticism.

Kosovo Serbs hold defiant referendum.

Berlusconi 'should be jailed for five years' over David Mills 'bribe'.

AMERICAS

Inmates burn to death in 'hellish' scenes as fire kills at least 357 in Honduras prison.

Guatemala Pres: Drug war requires more than arms.

Ban hails Latin American nuclear weapon-free zone on 45th anniversary.

Mexican official: US travel warning 'ridiculous'.

MPs to visit Falklands amid UK tensions with Argentina.

Sean Penn: Prince William is provoking Argentina.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Leon Panetta will not approve Guantánamo Taliban releases without assurances.

Pakistan still holding bin Laden family months after raid.

FBI purges hundreds of terrorism documents in Islamophobia probe.

Guantanamo judge won't subpoena Yemen's Saleh.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Obama's budget would shrink annual deficits, but national debt still explodes.

Flights by U.S. airlines hit 10-year low.

Oil jumps on Iran supply threat.

Apple 'determined' to improve conditions at plants in China.