from early on

.

World News from the BBC

The President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, has told neighboring South Sudan that his country will respond vigorously to attacks on his territory. In a televised speech, he warned South Sudan against supporting rebels oppose to his government. He said that if they did, he'd respond by backing rebels in the south. "If they want tit for tat", the president said, "we are ready."

A sheriff in the US state of Arizona, who's known for his tough

stance

on immigration, is being sued by the federal authorities. Sheriff Joe Arpaio's department is accused of racially profiling Latinos during their patrols. From Washington, Paul Adams has more.

The Department of Justice began investigating Joe Arpaio almost four years ago, following allegations that his police officers were discriminating against Latinos. Last December, the department accused him of fostering a culture of disregard for basic constitutional rights. Months of subsequent negotiations failed to result in a deal to train the sheriff's officers in how to avoid racial profiling while conducting routine traffic stops. The sheriff accuses federal government of

undermining

his authority, and says he's not afraid of going to court.

The Olympic torch has been lit at an elaborate ceremony in Greece before it begins its journey to London for the Games which start in July. Actresses dressed as priestesses in queen pleated robes performed ritual dances at the ceremony at the site of the ancient Games in Olympia. The torch was lit by the sun's rays reflected from a