Announcement comes on day of intense diplomatic activity and easing of tensions in Gaza Strip

On the Republican side, Senator John McCain wrapped up his party's presidential nomination

Venezuela, Ecuador have ordered troops to their borders with Colombia, cut diplomatic ties after Colombian forces attacked rebels just inside Ecuador Saturday

Admiral William Fallon encouraged by improved security situation, but favors wait-and-see approach when it comes to making further commitments to withdraw US troops

In the opening session of the Chinese legislature, Premier Wen Jiabao's first order of business was the Chinese economy

Residents in Mogadishu, say city on brink of economic collapse, following what they describe as a massive looting spree of the main Bakara market by government forces loyal to country's interim President Abdullahi Yusuf

Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried says Serbian government faces key decision: whether to move toward European integration or self-imposed isolation

VOA's Cathy Majtenyi reports from Somaliland on long quest for international recognition as independent nation

Kidnapping was the first abduction of a foreign national for almost five months and raised fears that a period of relative calm in the Niger Delta could be coming to an end

As part of Kpadeh Koikoi's many government duties, he is also director of livestock resources, helping to  prevent bird flu, following outbreaks in nearby countries