* Iraq set for anti-US protests Protests are expected to get under way in Iraq against a deal between Baghdad and Washington over the US’s long-term military role in the country.

* Europe fuel protests spread wider Fuel protests triggered by rising oil prices have spread to more countries across Europe, with thousands of fishermen on strike.

* Report: Iran, al-Qaeda holding clandestine talks In recent months there have been secret contacts between the Iranian government and the leadership of al-Qaeda.

* World Bank unveils $1.2bn food plan The World Bank has announced a $1.2bn program to respond to the current global food crisis.

* Olmert, Abbas due to meet next week The Prime Minister’s Office requested a meeting between Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

* Isolated tribe spotted in Brazil One of South America’s few remaining uncontacted indigenous tribes has been spotted and photographed on the border between Brazil and Peru.

* Germany honors Israel’s 60th The German parliament recognized Israel’s 60th Independence Day Thursday, and honored the occasion with a speech given by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

* EU plans ‘political MySpace’ Plans are being developed to launch a social networking site for MEPs and MPs.

* Israel, Syria said to have made progress in talks In their latest round of indirect talks, Israel and Syria made progress on the contentious issues of water, security, borders and normalization of relations.

* French deputies uphold anti-Turkey referendum clause The lower house of the French parliament on Thursday (29 May) approved an amendment to constitutional reforms.