From Washington, this is VOA news. More violence reported in the city of Homs in Syria. Libyans celebrate the anniversary of the overthrow of the dictator. I’m Dave Deforest, reporting from Washington.
Activists say Syrian troops are heavily shelling (rebel-held) areas in the city of Homs. The activists said tank fire and artillery shelling hit four neighborhoods in the city today. On Thursday, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution that calls on President Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria to immediately put an end to attacks against (civilians). It also endorsed an Arab League plan for a democratic transition in Syria. General Assembly resolutions though are non-binding.
People in Libya are celebrating the first anniversary of the (revolution) that overthrew the regime of dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Hundreds of flag-waving people gathered today at the main square in the eastern city of Benghazi, the birthplace of the (opposition movement). Security officials are on high alert. Celebrations have also been reported in the capital, Tripoli, and in other towns throughout the country.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says foreign interference is the source of all problems in the region. He did not (identify) which powers he meant when he made the comment today in Islamabad. Mr. Ahmadinejad is holding talks with the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan on steps needed to stabilize the region.
Indian police have yet to locate a suspect in a (bombing) attack on an Israeli vehicle that Israel blames on Iran. Kurt Achin reports.
Israel has made it very clear it believes Iran is responsible for the explosion that seriously wounded a defense attache's wife in the Indian capital. India's influential daily, The Indian Express, reported Friday Israel is seeking New Delhi's support for a (measure) by the United Nations Security Council condemning the attack and censuring Iran. India says it will not contemplate any action against Iran unless and until there is (concrete) evidence implicating Iran in this week's attack. Still, the unambiguous accusation that Iran was behind the attack is already creating concern among members of a massive (trade delegation) scheduled to head to Iran this month. Kurt Achi, VOA News, New Delhi.
German President Christian Wulff has resigned amid allegations he accepted favors during his time in a previous political post. The announcement comes a day after prosecutors requested Mr. Wulff's (immunity) be lifted so they could investigate whether he abused his position as governor of the state of Lower Saxony.
Authorities in Thailand are looking for at least two more suspects in connection with this week's explosions in Bangkok that police say were part of an (assassination) plot targeting Israeli diplomats. Two Iranian men were arrested immediately after Tuesday's bomb blasts in the Thai capital, Bangkok, which left four civilians wounded. A third suspect was arrested Wednesday in Malaysia at the international airport in Kuala Lumpur.
Officials in Pakistan's northwest Kurram tribal region say a (suicide bomber) has attacked a market. They say at least 19 people have been killed and 45 wounded.
And new president of the Maldives has agreed to hold early elections. It’s an apparent concession to his ousted predecessor, who claims he was forced from office in a coup.
Senegalese opposition groups are calling for new (protests) today against President Abdoulaye Wade's decision to run for a third term.
I’m Dave Deforest. More news on the Internet at voanews.com.