* French FM: Nothing justifies settlement expansion A Palestinian business conference has raised investments for projects worth $1.4 billion, including in housing, high-tech and telecommunications.

* Presidents condemn US shield plan Russia and China have condemned a US plan for a missile defence shield, saying it will set back international disarmament efforts.

* Meridor: Iran is winning the nuke race Despite years of economic sanctions, Iran is winning the race to acquire nuclear weapons, posing an unprecedented threat to the future of the West.

* Demand grows for remote-controlled drones on front lines The demands of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are behind a new push by the Pentagon to increase the ranks of one of its most tireless fighting machines.

* Netanyahu denies saying he wouldn’t abide by Syria deal Opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu on Friday denied ever saying that he would not abide by a peace agreement signed with Syria.

* McCain rejects minister’s endorsement In the face of mounting controversy over headline-grabbing statements from the Rev. John Hagee, CNN has learned that presumptive Republican nominee John McCain decided Thursday to reject his endorsement..

* Analysis: Bush wondering whether PM knows what he’s doing President Bush nearly gave the game away last week. In his White House interview with this and three other Israeli journalists, when he was asked about American reluctance to see Israel legitimating Syria.

* New Russian leader visits China Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has arrived in Beijing as he continues his first official foreign tour.

* World Christian legislators meet in DC to buttress support for Israel A delegation of Christian parliamentarians from around the world whose countries have formed pro-Israel parliamentary lobbies gathered Thursday on Capitol Hill.

* Israel, Syria to resume talks shortly in Turkey Israel and Syria will resume indirect peace talks shortly mediated by Turkey.