AMMAN, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) — Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday called here on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to abide by the Mecca agreements and form an efficient Palestinian government.

President George Bush has sought to play down suggestions of a strike against Iran amid tension over Tehran’s alleged involvement in Iraq’s violence.

3 killed as bombs strike commuter buses on eve of Lebanon rally for slain PM

Commander of Baghdad crackdown says Iraq to close borders with Syria, Iran for 72 hours

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here Sunday that Iran considers a stable and secure Iraq as a strong factor in its favor and supports efforts to bring peace to the country.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here Sunday evening that the huge turn-out in the Feb 11 (Bahman 22) rallies proved Iranians are present in all scenes.

US Democrat Senator and presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s Iraq withdrawal plan, which is under attack by Prime Minister John Howard, calls for the removal of all US combat brigades by March 31, 2008.

Officials say they are working to equip vehicles with protection against deadly new weapons.

President Ahmadinejad celebrated the 28th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution yesterday by defiantly vowing to pursue his country’s nuclear programme.

The US military claimed yesterday that 170 soldiers had been killed in Iraq by sophisticated armour-piercing weapons supplied by Iranian agents acting on behalf of the highest levels of the Tehran Government.