Libya's prime minister said his government has been in talks with the rebel fighters, despite denials from the rebels themselves.

The Australian PM Julia Gillard has said she will pursue a deal with Malaysia on handling asylum seekers despite a rare parliamentary rejection.

China has mobilized troops to help with flood relief and raised its disaster alert to the highest level after days of downpours forced the evacuation of more than half a million people in central and southern provinces.

Two members of the British House of Common, George Howarth, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Vietnam and Mark Hendrick, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for China, petitioned against the growing tension in the East Sea.

The US will hunt down and kill new al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri as it did Osama Bin Laden, Washington's top military officer has vowed.

Syrian troops traveling on tanks, armoured personnel carriers and buses have moved into two northern towns.

Mexican officials say 33 people have been killed in the space of 24 hours in Mexico's industrial capital, Monterrey.

Up to 750,000 public sector workers will hold a co-ordinated strike later this month after members of a third major union backed industrial action.

The Thai army has reiterated its political impartiality in the upcoming general election and ruled out speculation that it will help some parties to form new government in military camps.

Al-Qaeda has appointed Ayman al-Zawahiri as leader following the death of Osama Bin Laden, the organisation's general command says in a statement.