KABUL (Reuters) – Afghanistan’s foreign minister on Sunday declined to confirm a report that said the government was in contact with Taliban insurgents to negotiate an end to the conflict.

Hopes of a Mid-East peace deal before the end of the Bush administration appear to have been quietly put aside by certain parties involved in the process.

Today is crunch day for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko as far as his reputation in the West is concerned. His country is electing a new parliament.

A fire has destroyed the main hall of Egypt’s National Theatre in the centre of the capital, Cairo. More than 20 engines responded to the blaze, which officials said was caused by an electrical fault.

At least 12 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in two car bombings in a western district of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, police have said.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran said on Saturday it would sell gas to Crescent Petroleum of the United Arab Emirates if the price previously agreed was raised, cautioning that it would channel rich reserves into home consumption otherwise.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani will visit Tehran in the next few days to discuss bilateral cooperation with Iranian officials.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran and Azerbaijan are due to sign an agreement to enhance mutual cooperation in area of sports.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Mashallah Shakeri urged Islamic nations to enhance unity, saying that Tehran and Pakistan play a pivotal role in strengthening solidarity among Muslims.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Thousands of Shiites rallied Friday against a proposed US-Iraqi security pact, while one of Iran’s most influential politicians urged Iraq’s government and religious leaders to block the deal.