* ‘Swiss seize Iran nuke plant equipment’ Swiss customs authorities seized mechanical equipment weighing over two tons which they suspected was destined for an Iranian nuclear plant.

* A first step to save Darfur The UN Security Council has at last taken a meaningful step toward stopping the genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region.

* India-US nuclear details released India and the United States have released details of how they intend to share civilian nuclear technology.

* Pro-Syria summer camp starts in Golan A pro-Syria summer camp for Druse children has started on the Israeli side of the Golan Heights.

* Iraqi progress ‘disappoints’ US US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said he is disappointed by the lack of political progress in Iraq.

* Gold rush under the ice Russia’s foray into the Arctic is an audacious geopolitical adventure, as popular at home as it is troubling for outsiders.

* European group agrees Libya missiles deal The way in which Europe negotiated the release of six Bulgarians imprisoned in Libya came under fresh scrutiny on Friday morning.

* APEC Says Flexible Currencies Will Reduce Imbalances Currency “flexibility” is needed to reduce imbalances in the global economy, Asia-Pacific finance ministers said today.

* Army to crack down on draft dodgers In an effort to curb the growing number of youth who evade military service.

* Russia ‘amazed’ by Western mockery Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday he was “amazed” by Western mockery of Russia’s landmark expedition to the North Pole seabed this week.