Peace process practicalities and lavish offers bring minority parties off the fence.

Don’t panic over bird flu says the United Nations

More than 6 million people have already died this year from the little-noticed chronic disaster of hunger and related diseases

Official responses aside, the reaction amongst Sri Lankans was sharply polarised.

Multi-lateral military exercises canvassed * Israel restricts Palestinian travel * Chechen claims responsibility for Nalchik attack * Turkey's losing patience over Iraqi haven for Kurds * Clashes in Sudan claim civilian lives * Kurds mourn dead from Saddam era

The new Norwegian Prime Minister announces his cabinet

Last minute changes break Sunni unity on 'no' vote