* Abdullah: Next weeks critical for ME The next few weeks are critical in reviving the Middle East peace process, Jordan’s King Abdullah II said.

* Lieberman: Iran approval for UN inspection of reactors is a ruse Minister of Strategic Affairs Avigdor Lieberman warned Saturday that Iran’s announcement it would allow UN officials to inspect its nuclear reactors is a diversionary tactic.

* Pope urges Peres to advance peace Pope Benedict XVI urged Shimon Peres to advance peace between Israel and the Palestinians in his new capacity as the President of the Jewish State.

* Battle rages at Lebanon camp The Lebanese army has continued its bombardment of the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp with artillery and tank fire.

* Russia suspends arms control pact Russian President Vladimir Putin has suspended the application of a key Cold War arms control treaty.

* Bahrainis want Iranian ambassador out Over a hundred demonstrators gathered outside the Iranian Embassy in Bahrain.

* Hamas rejects ‘illegal’ government Hamas has dismissed a new Palestinian caretaker government appointed by Mahmoud Abbas, the president, as illegal.

* NATO: Suspension of treaty is step in wrong direction NATO expressed regret Saturday over Russia’s decision to suspend a key arms control treaty in Europe.

* UN chief urges opening of Gaza crossings to avert economic collapse UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday urged Israel to open all border crossing points into the Gaza Strip.

* Israel blows hot and cold towards Syria While inviting new negotiations with Syria, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gives no sign that he is prepared to withdraw from the Golan Heights.