TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Iran’s economic growth during the first 9 months of the current (Iranian) year surpassed 6%, said president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad here on Sunday as he submitted the new Iranian year’s budget bill to the parliament.

AMMAN (JT) — King Abdullah on Sunday said the region was in urgent need of activating the Quartet of Mideast peace mediators.

DAMASCUS (Agencies) — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Sunday his negotiations with Hamas leader Khaled Mishaal had been “fruitful” and that talks to form a unity government would continue.