* Abbas denies report of planned talks between Hamas and Fatah Palestinian Authority President denied reports on Saturday that he had agreed to begin talks with Hamas.

* Rice encourages Russian activists US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has pledged support for human rights activists in Moscow, during a Russian visit that has been coolly received.

* Ayatollah to Muslims: Boycott Annapolis Iranian spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomeini, called on all Arab countries planning to attend a US-sponsored Middle East peace conference to cancel their participation.

* US general damns Iraq ‘nightmare’ A former US military chief in Iraq has condemned the current strategy in the conflict, which he warned was “a nightmare with no end in sight”.

* U.S. military looking at alternatives in case Turkey cuts access U.S. military planners quietly have stepped up a review of alternatives in case the Turkish government restricts U.S. access to Turkish airspace.

* PA Demands Kotel as Failed Taba Accords Revived Israel and the Palestinian Authority have agreed to take a second look at the principles discussed during the January 2001 Taba Summit.

* Putin warns U.S. to back off on missile talks President Bush’s top two Cabinet officials, expecting a polite photo op, were ambushed by a Russian leader who fears Eastern Europe may be turned into a U.S. staging point for a new Cold War.

* Darfur refugees to settle in Negev Yaacov Ganot, who was appointed by the government to oversee the care of the Darfur refugees who fled to Israel, called on the head of Ramat HaNegev Regional Council, Shmulik Rifman, to help find employment for some 200 refugees.

* Brown threatens ‘red line’ veto over EU treaty Just one week before EU leaders meet in Lisbon to adopt a new EU treaty, the UK prime minister has pulled the veto card.

* Vatican bars prelate in gay row The Vatican has confirmed local newspaper reports that a high-ranking Catholic priest has been suspended.