Java earthquake toll passes 5,800

Indonesia has upped the death toll from the earthquake which hit the island of Java on Saturday to more than 5,800.

Large quantities of aid started flowing into affected areas, and the UN spoke of "enormous progress" being made.

Bush invokes resolve of Cold War

“President George W Bush has likened the US "war on terror" to the Cold War fight against communism after World War II, at a military graduation ceremony.

Speaking to cadets at West Point military academy in New York state, Mr Bush said the US would not rest until the threat of terror had been removed.” From the news.

Olmert urges Palestinian action

“Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says he is ready to negotiate peace with the Palestinians but not until Hamas rejects violence and recognises Israel. "I extend my hand in peace to Mahmoud Abbas, the elected president of the Palestinian Authority," Mr. Olmert said in a keynote speech to the US Congress.” From the news.

Blair welcomes Iraq's 'new start'

“Mr. Blair said this was a "new beginning" which would allow Iraqis to "take charge of their own destiny".

He was speaking at a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki after landing in
Baghdad on Monday.” From the news.

Montenegro 'chooses independence'

“Montenegro has voted for independence from its union with Serbia, according to unofficial projections. If confirmed, the vote would erase the last vestige of the former Yugoslavia.

Initial indications are that 56.3% of voters elected to secede from Serbia. The pro-independence bloc needs to win 55% of the vote to succeed.” From the news.