Iraqi PM calls for response to recount demands (AP)
AP – Iraq’s prime minister is pressing the electoral commission to respond to calls from several political blocs for a recount in the March 7 parliamentary elections.
UN chief slams Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip (AFP)
AFP – UN chief Ban Ki-moon slammed Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip saying it caused “unacceptable sufferings,” during a visit Sunday to the impoverished coastal enclave.
US-Russia deal on nukes could build momentum (AP)
AP – Nearly a year after President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered negotiators to start work on a new treaty to reduce their nuclear arsenals, the two countries say they are finally close to completing a deal — taking a small but important step toward the U.S. leader’s goal of a nuclear-free world.
UN chief visits Gaza, urging end to Israeli blockade (AFP)
AFP – UN chief Ban Ki-moon crossed into the Gaza Strip on Sunday, expressing solidarity with the plight of the Palestinians and urging an end to an Israeli blockade of the Hamas-run territory.
UN chief visits Gaza, seeks end to blockade (AP)
AP – U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon has entered the blockaded Gaza Strip, where 1.5 million people have been under lockdown by Israel and Egypt for nearly three years.
UN chief crosses into Gaza for talks (AFP)
AFP – UN chief Ban Ki-moon crossed into the Gaza Strip on Sunday for an hours-long visit as part of a regional tour aimed at reviving the Middle East peace process, an AFP reporter said.
Volcano erupts in southern Iceland (AP)
AP – Iceland’s civil protection agency says a volcano has erupted in southern Iceland.
Mexico’s drug war takes growing toll on Americans (AP)
AP – More Americans in Mexico are falling victim to a wave of drug violence sweeping the country, a change driven home by the recent killing of a U.S. Consulate employee and her husband who were gunned down after leaving a children’s birthday party.
New tip leads Aruba to search for missing US teen (AP)
AP – Authorities will search once again for a missing U.S. teen after an American couple took an underwater picture of what they believe might be Natalee Holloway’s remains, a spokeswoman for the prosecutors’ office told The Associated Press on Saturday.
Colombian journalist slain in militia stronghold (AP)
AP – The killing of a veteran radio reporter by a motorcycle gunman in a northwestern state capital reignited concerns Saturday about the safety of journalists in Colombia.
