World News from the BBC
Israeli bulldozers have
flatten
ed part of a building in occupied East Jerusalem to make way for new homes for Jewish settlers. The partial
demolition
of the Shepherd Hotel complex went ahead
in spite of
international objections including from the United States. A spokesman for the Palestinian president said the demolition had ended any possibility of the Palestinians returning to peace talks with Israel.
The doctors treating the American congresswoman shot in the head on Saturday while meeting constituents say she's able to respond to simple instructions. Dr Peter Rhee said the bullet passed through only one side of Gabrielle Giffords' brain, but she remained in critical condition. Another member of the medical team, Dr Michael Lemole, said he was happy with progress so far.
"Congresswoman Giffords is able to communicate with us this morning through following simple commands, and we are very encouraged by that. We are still, still in critical condition. Brain swelling at any time can take a turn for the worse, but I am cautiously optimistic."
The others wounded in the shooting are now out of danger. Six people were killed. Federal prosecutors have charged a 22-year-old man, Jared Loughner, with attempted assassination and four other offences.
The Vatican has ordered the Roman Catholic Church in Malta to set up a
tribunal
to deal with allegations of child abuse. Victims have repeatedly urged quicker action, accusing the Church and Maltese authorities of taking too long to deal with the case. Three priests are suspected of abusing boys at an orphanage 20 years ago in the town of Santa Venera.