Top story: Honduras is facing growing international pressure to reinstate ousted President Manuel Zelaya. The Organization of American States has given the country a 72-hour deadline to reinstall the president. The United Nations also voted for a measure condemning the coup which was co-sponsored by the United States. President Barack Obama has called the coup a "terrible precedent" for democracy in the region.
Acting President Roberto Micheletti is holding strong, saying "no one can make me resign" and vowing that Zelaya could only return through another country invading Honduras and installing him.
Zelaya had planned to return to Honduras on Thursday, but because of the 72-hour ultimatum, he will not wait until this weekend for what is sure to be a tense showdown with the acting government, which has promised to arrest him if he enters Honduras. In a reversal, Zelaya now says he will not run for reelection or seek to extend his term.
Under the radar: A trade dispute may be brewing as reports indicate that China will ban the import of U.S. chicken.
Middle East
- At least 33 people were killed in a bombing in Kirkuk as Iraqis celebrated the withdrawal of U.S. troops from cities.
- Iran's Basij militia has called for an investigation into the activities of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi.
- Few companies are bidding on Iraq's oil fields.
Asia
- The North Korean ship being tailed by the U.S. navy has changed course and seems to be heading back the way it came.
- Malaysia has loosened its system of ethnic preferences in hiring.
- Thousands of pro-democracy protesters rallied in Hong Kong on the 12th anniversary of Chinese rule.
Africa
- At the last minute, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad cancelled an appearance at the African Union summit in Libya.
- The African Union dropped sanctions on Mauritania, imposed after the country underwent a military coup last August.
- Niger's main opposition leader was arrested after being accused of plotting a coup.
Europe
- Sweden assumes the presidency of the European Union today.
- Albania's election is headed for deadlock with neither party able to gain a majority and accusations of fraud.
- Al Qaeda has issued a threat against France in response to a public debate over whether to ban the burqa.
Americas
- Democrat Al Franken has finally been declared the winner in Minnesota's senate election after a drawn-out court battle. This gives the Democrats 60 seats in the senate and the ability to stop a filibuster. [Corrected.]
- For the first time, Cuba will allow workers to hold multiple government jobs.
- Several parts of Latin America, including Buenos Aires, have declared a swine flu emergency.
AFP/Getty Images
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