G8 finance ministers from industrialised nations wrapped up talks today after struggling with soaring world prices of almost everything from oil to grain, presenting serious and complex challenges with no quick fixes.

Former Foreign Minister Taro Aso declared his candidacy today to replace Japan’s prime minister, running as the conservative choice against dovish former Cabinet secretary Yasuo Fukuda.

Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi today announced the withdrawal of 600 ground troops from southern Iraq, saying they had accomplished their humanitarian mission.

Japan’s defence chief visited Japanese troops in southern Iraq amid rising expectations that Tokyo will extend its humanitarian mission there into next year, local news agencies said.