Czech convicts fix bikes for African pupils

In a jumble of bicycle frames, six burly men in drab gray overalls tinker with blue, purple and pink children's bikes, checking brakes and gears to make sure all will be in order for their future owners in Africa.

Kerry cites 'progress' in Gaza truce talks

US lifts flight ban over Tel Aviv, but Palestinian death toll passes 730

Israel: cease-fire not imminent

An Israeli Cabinet minister said on Thursday that a pullout of troops from Gaza was not imminent and that Israel's army would continue hunting Palestinian cross-border tunnels under any humanitarian truce.

Iraqi militants attack prisoner convoy; 60 killed in gunbattle

Gunmen attacked a prisoner convoy north of Baghdad on Thursday, setting off a gunbattle with troops in which scores of prisoners and eight soldiers were killed, brutally underscoring Iraq's instability as lawmakers convened to elect a new president.

Kurd official named leader

Iraq's Parliament elected on Thursday veteran Kurdish politician Fuad Masum as federal president, a move that paves the way for the much-delayed formation of a new government.

Suicide bombs in Nigeria's Kaduna kill 82; ex-leader Buhari targeted

At least 82 people were killed on Wednesday in two suicide bombings in the north Nigerian city of Kaduna, one aimed at opposition leader and ex-president Muhammadu Buhari and another at a moderate Muslim cleric about to lead a crowd in prayer.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Netherlands mourns as first bodies arrive

Royal family and PM meet planes; nation observes minute of silence

UK will send arms to Russia despite tough talk

Britain will continue to authorize the export of arms and military equipment to Russia despite the government's call for tough sanctions for Moscow's arming of separatist rebels in Ukraine, a group of lawmakers said on Wednesday.

Airline worker recalls joyful sendoff for passengers

An airline ground crew member who checked passengers in for Flight MH17 made an emotional post on Facebook, recalling sending off happy travelers, including children and grandparents, with wishes for "a pleasant flight".

Italy arrests 5 over 'massacre' of would-be refugees at sea

Italian police have arrested five migrants accused of the grisly murder of scores of fellow would-be refugees when fighting broke out on a boat making the treacherous crossing to Europe, local media reported.

Concordia makes final voyage after shipwreck

The Costa Concordia cruise liner began its final voyage on Wednesday as it was slowly towed away from the tiny Italian island where it capsized more than two years ago, killing 32 people.