FRANKFURT/MOSCOW (Reuters) – European and Russian policymakers urged U.S. politicians to pass a new version of a $700 billion bank rescue package on Wednesday as a new Senate vote on the bailout loomed.

The US defence department says the fundamental character of the conflict in Iraq remains unchanged, despite dramatic security improvements there.

TEHRAN (FNA)- An oil pipeline, which went on fire in the city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran on Tuesday, will resume operation within the next few hours.