Pakistani legislators cast votes for president in controversial election, but Supreme Court could later overturn result

Draft statement demands release of political prisoners

PM Brown met with group of Burmese democracy campaigners and monks at 10 Downing Street

Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council says group's leader, Abdel Aziz al-Hakim, and radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have agreed to cooperate through joint committee, unite supporters throughout Iraq

President Bush says all interrogation techniques used by US are lawful

Ismail Haniyeh says Saudi Arabia and Egypt in particular should reconsider decision to attend conference

High Commissioner Guterres says international community must pressure Sudan's government and rebel movements to negotiate in good faith

Robert Gates said he came to listen, seek new ways US can work with Peru to resolve shared problems

Contenders from both parties will intensify campaigns and advertising efforts in weeks ahead, leading to first votes in election process in early January in Iowa and New Hampshire

Former Olympic champion pleaded guilty to lying to US government investigators about using performance-enhancing drugs