TEHRAN (FNA) – Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)have begun top-level talks to boost economic relations, despite efforts by the United States to disrupt trade ties between the two Muslim neighboring states.

TEHRAN (FNA) – While Washington, facing European Union discomfort and frank opposition from Russia and China, remains obsessed with another round of United Nations sanctions against Iran, the facts on the ground spell an overwhelming “expansion of mutual cooperation” in the energy sector between Iran and Russia.

TEHRAN (FNA) – Iran will finally sign a contract with China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) this week to develop its northern Pars gas field.

TEHRAN (FNA) – Iran warned from the repercussions of adopting a third round of sanctions thru approving the draft decision submitted by Paris and London to the UN in order to tighten the international sanctions against Tehran.

ANKARA – Turkey’s military General Staff said on Monday the number of Kurdish PKK rebels killed during its ground and air offensive in northern Iraq had risen to 153.

BAGHDAD – Iraq fears that a prolonged Turkish incursion into northern Iraq could trigger clashes between Turkish troops and Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga security forces, the country’s national security adviser said on Monday.

BELGRADE – Serbia intends to rule parts of Kosovo where “loyal citizens” still look to Belgrade for government, Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said on Monday.

BEIT HANOUN, Gaza Strip – Thousands of Palestinians formed a human chain in the Gaza Strip on Monday in a protest against an Israeli blockade that has deepened hardship in the Hamas-controlled territory.

ANKARA – Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul has postponed a planned trip to Africa this week due to a major Turkish ground offensive against Kurdish PKK rebels in northern Iraq, the state Anatolian news agency said on Monday.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – A blast that shook Afghanistan’s southern province of Kandahar on Monday, was a controlled explosion carried out by the Afghan army, officials said.