* IDF moves large-scale training from Golan Heights to South The IDF has decided that war with Syria is unlikely and is moving training forces out of the Golan Heights after months of cross-border tension.

* Turks elect ex-Islamist president Turkey’s controversial Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has been sworn in as the country’s new president.

* ‘Hamas offers Abbas renewal of unity government’ Hamas was prepared to cede to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas control of PA institutions and bases in the Gaza Strip.

* Sadr set to ‘rebuild’ Mehdi Army The radical Iraqi Shia cleric, Moqtada Sadr, has announced the “rebuilding” of his Mehdi Army militia over a maximum period of six months.

* EU officials holding talks with Hamas EU security officials have been conducting secret talks with Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip over the past few weeks.

* Policeman Assaulted Trying to Stop Illegal Temple Mount Dig A policeman trying to stop an Arab tractor engaged in illegal Temple Mount excavations was assaulted.

* Sarkozy seeks to give EU greater world role President Nicolas Sarkozy has indicated he wants to turn the 27-nation bloc into a decisive player in the global arena.

* UN Chief to Visit Darfur, Chad and Libya U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced Tuesday that he will visit Sudan, Chad and Libya next week.

* Beit Horon refuses to host refusenik ceremony The municipality of Beit Horon said Wednesday that it would not allow the ceremony to take place in its community center.

* Iran Ready to Fill Any Vacuum in Iraq Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad boldly declared Tuesday that U.S. political influence in Iraq is “collapsing rapidly”.