KEY STORYLINES
- AFRICA: South Sudan said it repelled an attack by Sudan military forces in a disputed border area as skirmishes continued between the two countries.
- AMERICAS: The Colombian FM announced Venezuelan President Chavez would attend the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena.
- ASIA: The Chinese and Philippine governments agreed to diplomatically resolve the naval standoff in the South China Sea.
- EUROPE: Moscow police arrested opposition activists ahead of the planned address by PM Putin.
- MIDDLE EAST: The Yemeni government reported at least 25 militants were killed in clashes with troops near Lawdar.
- TECHNOLOGY: In the US, wireless carriers announced a partnership with the government to create a national stolen cell phone database.
TOP STORY
- Indonesia: 8.6 earthquake off the coast of northern Sumatra
- At least three tsunamis of up to 31 inches hit Indonesia’s coast after a massive 8.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Sumatra island.
- Indian PM Singh instructed government to take precautionary measures against tsunami threat.
- The Kenyan government warned residents in coastal areas to move away from beaches and ordered schools in the area to close, saying a tsunami might hit around 1700 GMT.
- Sri Lanka issued a tsunami warning and the disaster management center asked coastal residents to move inland.
- Coverage: AFP, Xinhua, AFP-1, Reuters
- Syria: Diplomatic efforts continued
- Kofi Annan made an overture to Iran to use its influence to help resolve the crisis in Syria during a visit to Tehran.
- The Syrian government assured Annan it would respect the ceasefire deal.
- Activists reported Syrian government forces continued a violent crackdown on unrest.
- Coverage: NYT, Al Jazeera, Reuters, LA Times
AFRICA
- Region: South Sudan said it repelled an attack by Sudan military forces in a disputed border area as skirmishes continued between the two countries. (Reuters)
- Egypt: The IMF announced it was working with the government to secure backing for a financial support package. (Reuters)
- Libya: A UN convoy in Benghazi was struck by a bomb, but no casualties were inflicted. (Reuters)
- Mali: The constitutional court set the speaker of the national assembly, Dioncounda Traore, to serve as interim president. (AP)
AMERICAS
- Mexico: Gunmen killed seven cab drivers in Monterrey. (Reuters)
- Mexico: Seven bodies were found in Acapulco, apparent victims of drug violence. (AFP)
- Venezuela: The Colombian FM announced Venezuelan President Chavez would attend the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena. (Reuters)
ASIA
- Region: The Chinese and Philippine governments agreed to diplomatically resolve the naval standoff in the South China Sea between a Philippine warship and two Chinese vessels. (AP)
- Afghanistan: DM Wardak announced the Afghan military would be reduced in size following the end of the NATO mission in 2014. (NYT)
- Afghanistan: A roadside bombing in Laghman killed a NATO soldier and a local government official. (AP)
- Myanmar: Opposition leader Aun Sang Suu Kyi met with President Sein in Naypyidaw. (Al Jazeera)
- North Korea: The government announced it had begun the fueling process for the planned rocket launch. (Al Jazeera)
- Philippines: A bus bombing in the southern part of the country killed at least two and wounded five. (AP)
EUROPE
- France: The government approved new anti-terrorism measures. (AP)
- Greece: Officials announced plans to call for early national elections on May 6. (Reuters)
- Netherlands: Police arrested eight following the seizure of almost a half-ton of cocaine in Antwerp. (AFP)
- Russia: Moscow police arrested opposition activists ahead of the planned address by PM Putin. (AFP)
MIDDLE EAST
- Bahrain: Shiite villages were attacked by angry mobs in apparent retaliation for a bomb attack against policemen. (AFP)
- Iran: President Ahmadinejad stated Iran could withstand an oil embargo for two to three years. (Al Jazeera)
- Israel: Authorities vowed to prevent hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from entering the country for a planned protest. (AP)
- Yemen: The government reported at least 25 militants were killed in clashes with troops near Lawdar. (Reuters)
TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS
- Phone Security: Wireless carriers announced a partnership with the US government to create a national stolen cell phone database. (The Hill)
WORLD
- Cyclones: Nothing to report
- Hurricanes: Nothing to report
- Earthquakes: North Indian Ocean
- Magnitude: 6.0
- Depth: 9.8 km
- Map
- Earthquakes: Off the West Coast of Sumatra
- Magnitude: 8.7
- Depth: 33 km
- Map
- Volcanoes: Nothing to report
TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (12APR)
- Global: Anniversary of Vostok 3KA (USSR) spacecraft launched, carrying Yugi Gagarin to space – 1961.
- Nepal: Former rebel fighters begin integration into the national army.
- North Korea: The government plans to launch a rocket to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il-Sung.
- Pakistan: Difa-e-Pakistan Council holds country meeting on Balochistan in Quetta.
- Pakistan: Supreme Court resumes case against PM Gilani.
- Syria: UN-supported ceasefire between Syrian troops and opposition forces goes into effect.
- Swaziland: Anniversary of the banning of political parties – 1973.
END