Parliamentary elections have taken place in Guinea for the first time in more than a decade. Early indications suggest a high turnout although some logistical problems have been reported. The vote was due to be held within month of Alpha Conde becoming transitional president in 2010 following a military coup but it was repeatedly delayed.

The three-month investigation into the deaths in June of 19 firefighters who died battling a wildfire in the US state of Arizona has cited poor communication between the men and support’s staff and revealed that an aircraft carrying flame-retardant was circling overhead as the firefighters were overcome. All but one member of the fire crew died while protecting the small town of Yarnell from a wildfire.

A day ahead of a rare meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that for any progress to be made Pakistan must put a stop to attacks against its territory.

“India is committed sincerely to resolving all issues with Pakistan. However, for progress to be made, it is imperative that the territory of Pakistan and the areas under its control are not utilized for aiding and abetting terrorism directed against India.”

Mr. Singh was addressing the UN General Assembly in New York. He is expected to meet the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday.

A retired Chilean General who led the country's intelligence agency during the rule of Augusto Pinochet has killed himself while on release from prison for the weekend. Odlanier Mena was serving a 6-year jail term for three killings in the 1970s. He was found guilty of belonging to a group of military officers accused of executing more than 100 members of the opposition in the month following