Reuters World News Highlights

SUKKUR, Pakistan – Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari tried  to comfort victims of devastating floods yesterday on his  first visit to the area after criticism of his trips abroad and  his government’s perceived slack response.

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TAGANROG, Russia – Drought has destroyed a quarter of  Russia’s grain crop this year, President Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday, pushing some farmers to the brink of bankruptcy and  hurting Russia’s bid to expand food exports.

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BAGHDAD – With Washington determined to stick to its  timetable for a pullout, an Iraqi general has called into  question whether his troops are ready to defend Iraq against a  stubborn insurgency and external threats.

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KABUL – Eight foreign medical workers and two Afghans shot  by unidentified gunmen were likely killed in an “opportunistic  ambush”, the international Christian aid organisation for which  they worked said yesterday.

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JERUSALEM – Major powers are working on a statement to set  the basis for direct peace talks between Israel and the  Palestinians, the European Union’s foreign policy chief told EU  foreign ministers yesterday.