The top US health official was reviewing Indonesia’s ability to identify and contain bird flu outbreaks today, warning it will be almost impossible to halt a pandemic if the virus mutates into a more dangerous form.

The top US health official arrived in Jakarta today to discuss ways to respond to the bird flu outbreaks.

The UN agency helping feed tsunami victims said today it was sending its first ship to deliver food to ravaged west coast areas in Indonesia’s Aceh province - a sign that civilian groups are preparing to fill the gap as foreign troops begin pulling out.

Cindy Sui, Banda Aceh

Foreign relief workers could be expelled if they don’t declare travel plans in Indonesia’s tsunami-devastated Aceh province, the government said today citing security concerns, as the United Nations appealed to donors to follow through with promises of aid.

Peter Dejong, Banda Aceh

Opposition to his candidate for a key EC post left Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi with a tough decision today: Whether to stand by his choice or give in to protests over the conservative Catholic’s positions on gays and the family.

Indonesia today ordered a mandatory mass cull of chickens in areas affected by an outbreak of bird flu, reversing its earlier insistence that a large-scale slaughter was not necessary.

The Simon Community says the proposed changes to the rental allowance scheme should be put on hold until the Government can guarantee that it won't cause homelessness.

SOCIAL Welfare Minister Mary Coughlan has asked officials in her department to be extra vigilant in the fight against welfare fraud.

SOCIAL Welfare Minister Mary Coughlan has taken action against greedy landlords who have been hiking up rents for tenants on low incomes.

Explosions which killed three people at a McDonald's restaurant and a car dealership in Indonesia were caused by bombs.