It's 15: 00 Universal Time, and here is the news from the Voice of America. I'm Bob Galkan from the VOA News Center in Washington. Pakistani officials say a (suicide) bomber (struck) a crowded market in northwest Pakistan, killing an anti-Taliban mayor. At least 11 other people were killed in the (blast) and dozens were wounded. (Initially), Mayor Abdul Malik was reported to have (survived) the early morning attack on the (outskirts) of Peshawar. Officials say Malik, a former Taliban supporter, had switched sides and raised a militia to fight the Taliban. He had survived several (attempts) on his life since shifting his (allegiance). China says it will (loan) African countries 10 billion dollars (at favorable rates) over the next three years. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao made the announcement today in Egypt at the opening of the two-day forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The (premier) also said China will (cancel) the debts owed by some of Africa's poorest countries, and promised to help build 100 (clean energy projects) on the continent. Thousands of Buddhists (lined the roadways) today to welcome the Dalai Lama to a Tibet (monastery) in Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India along the disputed (border) with China. The spiritual leader (brushed off) China's (accusation) that his visit is part of a scheme to separate Tibet from China, saying he hears that (criticism) from Chinese officials wherever he goes. China strongly opposed the Dalai Lama's trip to the Himalayan monastery and demanded Indian authorities cancel it. U.S. (Secretary of State) Hillary Clinton left Washington early today for Europe and Asia to consult with allies on (curbing) North Korea's and Iran's nuclear ambitions and (stabilizing) Afghanistan. The top U.S. (diplomat) will give a speech in Berlin today before joining German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other world leaders in celebrations Monday to (mark the 20th anniversary)of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The (House of Representatives) has (approved) a more than $1 trillion plan by majority Democrats to (overhaul) the U.S. health care system. VOA’s Dan Robinson reports from Washington. About 12 hours after the House began its debate, the final (tally) was 220 to 215, with 39 Democrats choosing to vote against their leadership, despite personal lobbying by President Obama to keep Democrats (on board). Republican opposition was not a surprise, with all but one rejecting the bill (on grounds) that it would sharply increase the federal (deficit), raise insurance costs and give the government control of the health care system. (Estimated) at more than $1 trillion over 10 years, the measure would require most employers to offer health insurance to employees, and (prohibit) insurance companies from denying (coverage) based on existing medical problems or (impose) limits on coverage. Dan Robinson, VOA News at the Capitol. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum has started (annual) meetings of leaders in Singapore. The APEC forum will bring together leaders from 21 of the world's largest economies to (work toward) improving trade and world growth. VOA's Daniel Schearf reports from the forum in Singapore. The APEC leaders' week started Sunday in Singapore with meetings of senior officials. They discussed working toward a global (economic recovery) and making world growth more (inclusive). Michael Tay is Executive Director of this year's APEC Secretariat in Singapore. He says globalization has produced great rewards for APEC economies. But he says the (global financial crisis) has shown there are also large imbalances to be addressed. "And, on a larger level, how do you close the gap between the developing economies of APEC with the developed economies of APEC." The eight days of meetings in Singapore will include meetings of finance, trade and foreign ministers and end with a (summit) of APEC leaders, including President Obama. Daniel Schearf, VOA News, Singapore. Japan's foreign minister said today that no decision on moving an American military (base on) the southern island of Okinawa is expected when President Obama visits Japan late this week. Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada told a talk show that a plan for relocating marines could be delayed until next year. Britain's military chief says he does not believe Afghan forces will be able to (take over) the security of their country until 2014, a year later than U.S. estimates. Air Chief Marshal Jock Stirrup told British radio today that the timeline described by the U.S.-NATO commander, General Stanley McChrystal, was optimistic. President Obama has been (deliberating) whether to send more troops to fight the war. Stirrup said Washington's delay has (frustrated) British officials. I'm Bob Galkan, VOA News. More news on the Internet at voanews.com.