TWO more Australian athletes withdrew yesterday and a South African competitor reportedly found a snake in his room as complaints over cleanliness, security and construction continued to dog the troubled Commonwealth Games a week before the sporting event opens in New Delhi.

Two more Australian athletes withdrew today and a South African competitor reportedly found a snake in his room as complaints over cleanliness, security and construction continued to dog the troubled Commonwealth Games a week before the sporting event opens in New Delhi.

The mother of a five-year-old British boy kidnapped by gunmen in Pakistan spoke of her joy today after he was released unharmed.

The mother of a British boy held captive in Pakistan today said she forgave the kidnappers as she made an emotional plea for the safe return of her son.

British police investigating an alleged al-Qaida terror plot in north west England were today searching an additional address.

Three Islamic militants who tried to murder the British ambassador to Bangladesh were sentenced to death today.

KENYAN President Mwai Kibaki’s government last night warned opposition supporters it would crack down on planned protests against his disputed poll win, after it lashed out at critics, including Britain’s ambassador.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela joined the nation today in mourning his long-time friend and fellow veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle, Adelaide Tambo.

An extra €800,000 has been granted to aid the United Nations’ refugee agency, which is under enormous strain coping with a large number of natural disasters, it was confirmed today.

New Zealand and Britain have signed a landmark open skies deal, allowing New Zealand’s airlines to operate unlimited flights into and out of the UK.

A YOUNG woman, who held dual New Zealand and Irish citizenship, was yesterday confirmed as missing presumed dead following the London bombings.

PAKISTAN’S highest Islamic court has thrown out the controversial acquittal of five men convicted of raping a woman on orders from a village council in a case that shocked the world.

Pakistan’s highest Islamic court has thrown out the controversial acquittal of five men convicted of raping a woman on orders from a village council in a case that shocked the world.

Pitcairn islanders have been ordered to hand their guns to British authorities over fears that a six-week sex trial could lead to violence.

PAKISTAN is ready to discuss India’s concerns about terrorism, Islamabad’s new ambassador to New Delhi was reported to have said yesterday.

Pakistan is ready to discuss India’s concerns about terrorism, Islamabad’s new ambassador to New Delhi was reported to have said today.

THE re-partition plan presented to Ted Heath in July 1972 attracted more attention than any of the other documents released this week.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer today rejected calls by legislators to ban Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe from a Commonwealth summit in October.