World News Briefs -- April 16, 2012 (Evening Edition)

Syrian Clashes Continue as UN Monitors Begin Mission -- Voice of America

An advance team of six United Nations observers will begin monitoring a shaky cease-fire in Syria, as activists said government troops continue to shell rebel neighborhoods in the opposition stronghold, Homs.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Monday that security forces also shot dead two people in the central city of Hama when they opened fire on a car.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria UN observers begin work as fighting continues. U.N. monitors to begin work in Syria on Monday.6 U.N. observers arrive in Syria.

Israel suspends soldier who hit demonstrator with a gun.

Yemen president orders military trial for Saleh's rebelling half-brother.

Iran says ready to resolve nuclear issues.

Obama: More Iran sanctions coming if talks drag.

Gulf states to meet Tuesday on UAE-Iran island row.

PA has lost its 'raison d'etre', Abbas to tell Israel PM.

ASIA

US prepares for last major Afghan offensive.

India says Maoists are top internal threat.

Analysts: China broke sanctions if N. Korea using its missile launcher.

Attack in Afghan capital could spark fresh US-Pakistan tension at sensitive time.

US officials warn failed North Korea missile launch paves way for future tests.

Philippine president: No war with China over shoal.

Stalemate remains with China in maritime dispute: Philippines.

China's Premier Wen says corruption greatest threat. Neil Heywood killed 'because he threatened to expose Gu Kailai's money trail'.

E.Timor holds second round of presidential election.

Japan seeks to restart nuclear reactors after May stress tests.

AFRICA

New Arab order: In Morocco, uproar over marriage law tests Islamist government.

MPs in Khartoum brand South Sudan 'enemy' state.

South Sudan-Sudan clashes spreading, officials say. Analysis: Buckling economies key in Sudan's "war of attrition".

Boko Haram video brings threat to Nigerian government ‘doorstep’.

Guinea-Bissau military leaders, political parties announce transitional council.

Mali ready to talk to rebels, not 'foreigners'.

Egypt's Islamists threaten street protests over presidential election chaos. Disqualifications throw Egypt election into turmoil.

EUROPE

Italy begins Berlusconi prostitution trial.

Britain faces worst drought since 1976.

Nervous Kremlin seeks to purge Russia's internet of 'western' influences.

Spain bond yields jump above 6%, raising bailout fears.

Belarus frees high-profile opposition activists.

A rich exodus: Thousands of wealthy Britons expected to leave in next two years over fears about high crime and taxes.

Pope marks milestones amid signs of frailty, succession talk

Anders Breivik pleads not guilty at Norway murder trial. Norway killer admits massacre, claims self-defense.

AMERICAS

Americas meeting ends with discord over Cuba. Cuba casts big shadow over Summit of Americas.

US military chief says scandal distracts from summit.

Inside the Secret Service's hooker hot spot: Agents assigned to protect Obama found their girls at the Pley Club in Cartagena, Colombia, sources say. 20 US agents could be involved in Colombian hooker woe.

El Salvador marks murder-free day.

Mexican photographer captures suffering, endurance in 'murder capital of the world'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Supergrass ‘shoebomber’ secretly freed from jail after he agreed to testify against Al Qaeda terrorists in return for shorter sentence.

Experts: IRA dissidents could crash Olympics party.

NYC man faces terror trial.

Abu Zubaida’s clear ties to al-Qaeda (commentary).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oracle and Google's Android copyright row trial begins.

Titanic becomes second ever film to take $2 billion.

Jim Yong Kim chosen to lead World Bank.

US to make profit from bailouts, Treasury says.

Oil falls to near $102 after Iran nuclear talks.