BBC News with Mary Small.

With a clock ticking down towards a crucial vote, President Obama has made a further strong bid for support for his health care reforms. The plan has become a defining issue of Mr.Obama's presidency. It's expected to be put to a Congressional vote this weekend. At a rally outside Washington, the President said it was the culmination of a century of struggle.

"I do know the impact it will have on the millions of Americans who need our help and millions more who may not need the help right now, but a year from now, or five years from now, or ten years from now, my answer is the time for a reform is now. We have waited long enough, we have waited long enough. And in just a few days, a century-long struggle will culminate in a historic vote."

Republicans are united in opposition to the plan; more than 20 Democrats have said they'll vote against. Mr.Obama's critics say it runs counter to America's free market principles.

Switzerland has halted the deportation flights for failed asylum seekers, pending an inquiry into the death of a Nigerian man at Zurich airport. The Nigerian, who had been convicted of drugs offences, died on the tarmac as police were attempting to put him on a flight back to Lagos. Police said they shackled him because he was violent. He'd reportedly been on hunger strike.

The International Middle East Quartet has called for Israel to freeze all settlement activity. After meeting in Moscow, the Quartet, including the UN, the United States, the European Union and Russia, condemned Israeli plans to build new homes in occupied East Jerusalem. The Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat welcomed the statement, but urged action.