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A gathering of 14 Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo gave the green light on Wednesday for Palestinians to enter indirect...

Arabs approve indirect Israeli-Palestinians talks

CAIRO: A gathering of 14 Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo gave the green light on Wednesday for Palestinians to enter indirect negotiations with Israel for a preliminary four-month period,a decision likely to break the months-long deadlock over resuming West Asia peace talks. The Arab approval gives Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas the political cover he needs to accept the offer. Despite the lack of conviction in the seriousness of the Israeli side,the committee sees that it would give the indirect talks the chance as a last attempt and to facilitate the US role, said Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.

Ahead of polls,deadly blasts kill 30 in Iraq

Baghdad: A string of three deadly suicide bombings killed at least 30 in the former insurgent stronghold of Baqouba on Wednesday,including a blast from a suicide bomber who rode in an ambulance with the wounded before blowing himself up at a hospital,police said. The bombings come as Iraq is preparing for March 7 elections that will help determine whether Iraq can overcome the sectarian tensions that have divided the nation since the 2003 US-led invasion.

Greece announces new 6.5 bn austerity plan

ATHENS: Greece announced painful new austerity measures on Wednesday worth Euro 4.8 billion 6.5 billion to deal with a financial crisis that has hammered the euro and unsettled financial markets. The government also said it wouldnt rule out turning the International Monetary Fund for help,a move that could be unpalatable for the European Union.

Thailand refuses visa to Dalai Lamas sister

Bangkok: Thailand has refused to grant a tourist visa to the sister of the Dalai Lama for fear of angering China,the foreign ministry said on Wednesday. Jetsun Pema,the younger sister of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader,who lives in India,was due to take part in a cultural show in Bangkok beginning Friday until the Thai Embassy in New Delhi refused her.

Five days after teen goes missing,body found

SAN DIEGO: The body of 17-year-old Chelsea King is believed to have been found five days after she went missing and two days after a registered sex offender was booked on suspicion of rape and murder. A body was found buried in a shallow grave on the south shore of Lake Hodges,said San Diego County Sheriff William Gore. He said there was a strong likelihood it was Chelseas. Prosecutors say criminal charges will be filed against John Albert Gardner III,the suspect.

Israel aborts raid as soldier posts details on Facebook

Jerusalem: An Israeli soldier posted details of an impending West Bank raid on his Facebook page,leading to the mission being aborted,reports said on Wednesday. The soldier updated his page,saying: On Wednesday we are cleaning Qatanna,and on Thursday,God willing,going home, Army radio reported. Other soldiers alerted officers and the planned raid in a village near the Palestinian city of Ramallah,was called off,the Army said.