AP - Pakistan's recent arrests of top Taliban leaders have halted the United Nation's secret talks with the insurgency, the U.N.'s former envoy to Afghanistan said.

AP - Japanese fish dealers on Friday welcomed the rejection of a proposed trade ban on Atlantic bluefin tuna — a prized ingredient of sushi — while urging that existing quotas be more strictly enforced to protect the species from overfishing.

AP - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and her Russian counterpart clashed openly Thursday over the planned launch this summer of Iran's first, Russian-built nuclear power plant, highlighting a split in views over how to steer Iran away from nuclear weapons.

AP - Venezuela has asked authorities in Spain to detail their accusations against an alleged ETA operative accused of helping the Basque separatist group arrange explosives training with Colombian rebels in Venezuela.

AP - Hoping to defuse a fight between friends, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton agreed Thursday to meet next week in Washington to confront an embarrassing dispute over Israeli land claims.

AFP - The Cheltenham Festival reaches its climax on Friday when Paul Nicholls' duo Kauto Star and Denman - jump racing's two prize fighters - trade punches again in the Gold Cup.

AP - A rocket fired by Gaza militants smashed into a greenhouse in an Israeli border village Thursday, killing a Thai worker in the first such death since Israel's massive offensive against Hamas-ruled Gaza more than a year ago.

AFP - Nigeria on Thursday recalled its ambassador to Tripoli after Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi's "irresponsible" suggestion that the country be partitioned between Muslims and Christians.

AFP - The Japanese government, sushi lovers and seafood traders at Tokyo's massive Tsukiji fish market on Friday cheered the defeat of a proposed ban on trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna.

AFP - Mining giant Rio Tinto announced a huge iron ore deal with China's state-run Chinalco Friday, days before four if its staff go on trial in a case that has threatened diplomatic and trade ties.