World News Update

Iraq restaurant bomb kills 15: police
Kirkuk (Iraq), Dec 11: At least 15 people were killed and 45 were wounded today in a bomb attack on a restaurant near the oil-rich city of Kirkuk in northern Iraq, police said.
Mugabe says no more cholera in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said today that "there is no cholera" in his country, saying doctors have tamed an outbreak, despite UN reports of a growing death toll.
Ireland will vote again on treaty next year: EU
France says Ireland will vote again on the European Union`s stalled reform treaty next year.
US captures 6 in raids against al Qaeda in Iraq
US troops launched raids in at least four Iraqi cities, detaining six people believed associated with al Qaeda in Iraq, the US military said on Thursday.
N Korean leader visits cosmetics factory
North Korean state media has reported that Kim Jong il paid a visit to a cosmetics factory on November 24, providing a rare exact date for an appearance by the leader since he reportedly suffered a stroke in August.
Hawaii man charged with threatening to kill Obama
Federal agents have arrested a Hawaii man after he allegedly threatened to attack and kill President-elect Barack Obama when he visits Hawaii on vacation this month.
Vatican team discusses papal visit to Israel
Israeli President Shimon Peres has met a Vatican delegation to discuss preparations for a possible visit by Pope Benedict XVI next year, his spokeswoman said on Thursday.
S Africa declares cholera disaster on Zimbabwe border
South Africa has declared a cholera disaster on its border with Zimbabwe, as a spill over from a deadly epidemic strains health resources, a government official said on Thursday.
Somalia urges Russia to give technical aid to combat piracy
Somalia has urged Russia to co-ordinate with it in the struggle against piracy, Somali Ambassador to Russia Mohamed Mahmud Handule said.
Number of people seeking refuge in Japan likely to hit record
The number of foreign nationals applying for refugee status in Japan is likely to hit an all-time high of around 1,500 in 2008 mainly due to political instability in countries such as Myanmar, sources said on Thursday.