Officials in southern Yemen say gunmen kidnapped six soldiers in two separate incidents Saturday and Sunday after a court sentenced a man to death for twin bombings that killed three people in October.

The sentencing also sparked protests in the southern town of Dalea, where hundreds took to the streets and blocked traffic.

The court sentenced Faris Abdullah Saleh to death Saturday for his role in the bombing of a sports club in Aden. The attack was blamed on the Southern Movement, which is fighting for independence and increased autonomy for the south.

By James Simpson
http://www.examiner.com/independent-in-washington-dc/a-conversation-with...

A senior member of Sudan’s governing National Congress Party (NCP) has told VOA an agreement with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) over outstanding “oil issues” ahead of the next month’s referendum shows his party’s commitment towards the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

Rabie Abdelati Obeid said the agreement is also an indication that a solution could soon be found to resolve disputes surrounding the oil-rich Abyei region.

Croatia has issued an international arrest warrant for former prime minister Ivo Sanader on corruption charges.

The Interior Ministry said Friday, Mr. Sanader left for Slovenia just before his immunity from prosecution expired.

An attorney claiming Mr. Sanader contacted him says he plans to return in three to four days after his planned business trip.

The government said Mr. Sanader is wanted for allegedly taking part in a criminal activity and abuse of power for personal financial gain.

A judge has already ordered Mr. Sanader to serve one month in jail.

A group supporting the WikiLeaks website has vowed to step up what it is calling its "data war" against groups that have cut funding for the website.

In interviews Thursday, spokesmen for the group, calling itself "Anonymous," vowed to intensify attacks in defense of the website and its founder, Julian Assange, whom the group views as a martyr for free speech.

The group claims it has recruited volunteers through online social networks to help them with the attacks.

Efforts in Thailand to promote reconciliation have continued months after the military ended anti-government protests. The opposition movement, known as the Red Shirts, is preparing for the general elections next year, despite divisions among its members.

Central Bangkok's Rajaprasong commercial district, the scene of bitter anti-government protests this year, recently was transformed by a symphony performance.

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says he blames the United States, not WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, for the release of secret U.S. diplomatic cables.

Rudd said Wednesday that the people who originally leaked the documents were legally liable for their distribution by the WikiLeaks website. He said the leaks pointed to problems with U.S. security.

The founder of the website WikiLeaks, which has posted U.S. diplomatic cables and other government documents on the Internet has been arrested on a European arrest warrant in London. Julian Assange surrendered to London's Metropolitan police Tuesday morning in connection with a rape case in Sweden.

"He vehemently denies the allegations and as we have maintained the entire time and as demonstrated by his numerous voluntary offers for cooperation with Swedish prosecuting authorities, he is very keen to clear his name," said Jennifer Robinson, one of Assange's London lawyers.

China rejects U.S. criticism that it is enabling North Korea to build its arsenal and behave aggressively by helping Pyongyang develop nuclear weapons and by protecting it internationally.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said U.S. accusations that China is helping and protecting North Korea are irresponsible.

Jiang says China is against any actions that undermine peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, and does not seek to protect any side.