Conflict in Iraq: On the third day of the assault on Samarra, which has left 125 insurgents and 70 civilians dead, U.S. and Iraqi government officials say they have secured 70 percent of the city. (AP) (BBC)
Frenchpolice announce that they have arrested Mikel Albizu Iriarte ("Mikel Antza") and Maria Soledad Iparraguirre, who are suspected of being important leaders in the Basqueseparatist group ETA. Sixteen other people were detained. (BBC)
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
In interview with the CBC, UNRWA commissioner Peter Hansen says that he is sure that members of Hamas are also members of UNRWA. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, which has designated Hamas a terrorist organization said it "will immediately seek clarification from Mr. Hansen directly and from UN authorities". (CBC)