Wednesday, August 19, 2009

08/19/09

* UN watchdog hiding evidence on Iran nuclear program The world's nuclear weapons watchdog is hiding data on Iran's drive to obtain nuclear arms.

* Dozens killed in Baghdad attacks Truck bombs and a barrage of mortars have killed at least 75 people and hurt at least 310 in central Baghdad in the deadliest series of attacks in months.

* 'Russia to rethink S-300 sale to Iran' President Shimon Peres said Wednesday the Kremlin has promised to reconsider the planned delivery of air defense missiles to Iran.

* New Israeli settlements 'on hold' Israel's government has stopped issuing settler housing tenders in the West Bank, hoping to reach common ground with the US.

* Assad in Iran to congratulate Ahmadinejad, free academic Syrian President Bashar Assad opened talks with Iranian officials Wednesday in a visit expected to include an appeal to free a French academic accused of plotting to overthrow the Islamic regime.

* Mubarak: U.S. will unveil first draft of Mideast plan next month President Barack Obama has promised Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that he will present a rough draft of his Middle East peace plan in September.

* Turkey: Israel must show it wants peace Israel must take steps to show that it wants a resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

* German political parties agree Lisbon treaty law Germany's ruling political parties on Tuesday (18 August) reached agreement on how to implement the Lisbon treaty after week's of negotiations.

* Peres: Israel, PA, U.S. ready for 3-way summit President Shimon Peres told reporters during an official visit to Russia on Wednesday that he welcomed a future meeting between President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

* Violence Shakes Kabul on Afghan Election Eve Afghan security forces are making their presence felt in Kabul after gunmen wearing suicide vests stormed a bank in the capital on the eve of national elections.