A volcanic eruption in southern Chile on June 4 shot smoke and ash miles into the sky and forced the evacuation of some 3,500 people.  

British and French attack helicopters struck inside Libya for the first time overnight on June 4, hitting targets in the oil port of Brega as NATO forces stepped up their air war against Muammar Gaddafi.  

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived in Cuba on June 5 for a three-day visit expected to accelerate fast-growing economic relations between the two countries.

Yemeni Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi took over Ali Abdullah Saleh's responsibilities as president on June 4, Yemeni government spokesman Abdu Ganadi announced.  

One of Pakistan's most senior militants has been killed in a US drone strike on June 5, locals and officials say.  

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on June 4 there could be political talks with the Afghan Taliban by the end of this year, if the US-led NATO alliance continued to make military advances on the ground, putting pressure on the insurgents.

The operator of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in Japan said June 4 extremely high radiation was detected at the No. 1 reactor building of the plant.

NATO employed attack helicopters to hit targets in Libya for the first time on June 4, an alliance statement said.

Canada's 41st parliament officially opened June 3 afternoon as Governor General David Johnston delivered the Speech from Throne which outlines the ruling Conservative Party's plan for the next four years of majority rule.

John Edwards, a Democratic hopeful for president in 2008, was indicted on June 3 for using nearly US$1 million in illegal campaign funds to help cover up an extramarital affair during his run for the White House.