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Moscow is ready to sell new weapons to Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.



Mr Lavrov said any sales of weapons of "a defensive character" would not change the strategic balance in the Middle East, without elaborating.

His comments came as the Syrian and Russian leaders held talks in Russia.

Before the talks in Sochi, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had spoken on the need to speed up military and technical co-operation with Russia.

The two countries are preparing deals on anti-aircraft and anti-tank missile systems, reports say.

Israel and the US have been critical of Russian arms sales to Syria.

Syria was a close ally of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Support over Georgia

Relations between Moscow and Damascus have been getting closer recently - this visit is Mr Assad's third to Russia in three years.

Mr Assad said on Thursday Russia's military campaign in Georgia was justified.

"I want to voice support for Russia over the situation around Abkhazia and South Ossetia... We understand the essence of the Russian position and consider its military reaction a response to provocation by the Georgian side," Mr Assad said according to the Russian news agency Itar-Tass.

Russia has been strongly criticised by the West for its military operations in Georgia launched earlier this month.

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Iraq's foreign minister has said Iraq and the US are "very close" to a deal on the future of US forces in Iraq.



Hoshyar Zebari says both sides were redoubling efforts to bring 10 months of tough negotiations to a conclusion.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice - on an unannounced trip to Baghdad - said the final deal would be in line with Iraqi laws and sovereignty.

US troops' immunity from prosecution and the timing of a US pull-out remain to be resolved, correspondents say.

The draft deal being discussed includes a commitment that US troops will start to pull out of Iraq's cities from next summer, moving to large bases out of public view, says the BBC's Crispin Thorold in Baghdad.

In a joint news conference, Mr Zebari and Ms Rice said they had agreed timetables should be set for a withdrawal, adding that a framework was close, but not final yet.

"We have agreed that some goals, some aspirational timetables for how that might unfold, are well worth having in [the Status of Forces Agreement]," Ms Rice said, after meeting with Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.

She said the aim remained to hand over responsibility for security to Iraqi forces.

"We are trying to put together an agreement that protects our people, that respects Iraqi sovereignty, that allows us to lay the kind of foundation that we need for making certain that we complete the work we've all sacrificed so greatly to see accomplished," she said.

Mr Zebari said officials had hoped to conclude the negotiations earlier, but he cited internal political factors for the delay.

"Really, we are very, very close to closing this agreement, and as we said from the beginning, there is no hidden agenda here," he said.

"Time is of the essence, but, really, we are redoubling our efforts to bring this to a successful conclusion," he added.

Approval process

Earlier, Ms Rice said any aspirational timeline for a US troop withdrawal had to take into consideration the situation on the ground.

Any future agreement on the status of US troops in Iraq must be approved by the US president as well as Mr Maliki and Iraq's parliament.

Other issues up for possible discussion included the status of some 20,000 prisoners held by US forces without charge and Iraqi electoral law.

A United Nations mandate for US troops to stay in Iraq expires in December.

Iraqi officials have said they would like to see US forces end routine patrols of Iraqi towns by the middle of next year, and withdraw all combat troops in the next couple of years.

There are currently around 147,000 US troops in Iraq.

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Hundreds of Swazi women have marched through the streets of the capital to protest about a shopping trip taken by nine of the king's 13 wives.



They chartered a plane last week to go to Europe and the Middle East.

The BBC's Thulani Mthethwa says the protesters handed in a petition to the finance ministry saying the money could have been better spent.

"We can't afford a shopping trip when a quarter of the nation lives on food aid," they chanted.

Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarchy, is one of the poorest countries in the world and more than 40% of the population is believed to be infected with HIV.

The march was organised by Positive Living, a non-governmental organisation for women with Aids.

Our correspondent says there was a cross-section of women on the march from professionals to rural representatives.

"We need to keep that money for ARVs [anti-retrovirals]," was another slogan shouted by the women.

King Mswati III, 40, has been criticised in the past for requesting public money to pay for new palaces, a personal jet and luxury cars.

News of his wives' trip broke in the local press a day after they left, our reporter says.

Earlier this week, senior princes warned the women not to march, saying it defied Swazi tradition.

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US combat troops could leave Iraq by 2011 under the terms of a deal awaiting approval by Iraq's parliament and presidency, an Iraqi official has said.



The draft security agreement also calls for US forces to withdraw from all Iraqi urban areas by June 2009.

The 27-point agreement reportedly includes a compromise allowing US soldiers some immunity under Iraqi law.

The final date when US troops leave will depend largely on security, the BBC's Crispin Thorold in Baghdad says.

The decision will be taken by a joint committee, which could reduce or extend the amount of time US troops spend in the country.

Mohammed al-Haj Hammoud, the top Iraqi official negotiating with the US on the status of US forces in Iraq, said a deal had been agreed that envisaged all US combat troops leaving Iraq by 2011.

Some US troops could remain beyond 2011 "to train Iraqi security forces", the AFP news agency quoted him as saying.

"The combat troops will withdraw from Iraqi cities by June 2009," Mr Hammoud said.

"Both the parties have agreed on this... The negotiators' job is done. Now it is up to the leaders."

A White House spokesman has however said details of the draft agreement were still being discussed.

Gordon Johndroe said US President George W Bush had spoken with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki about the deal.

They "had a good conversation", Mr Johndroe said, adding that "there are a lot of details that have to be worked out".

Handover aim

A deal also appears to have been struck on the controversial issue of granting US troops immunity from prosecution under Iraqi law.

Mr Hammoud said the deal allowed US troops to remain immune from prosecution on military bases and while on operation.

All other cases would be considered by a joint judicial committee.

The draft deal still needs to be approved by the Iraqi Presidential Council, and critically, by the parliament.

The deal marks the end of 10 months of difficult negotiations.

Speaking on a visit to Baghdad on Thursday, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the final deal would be in line with Iraqi laws and sovereignty.

Ms Rice said the aim remained to hand over responsibility for security to Iraqi forces.

There are currently around 147,000 US troops in Iraq.

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The arrests of three men over terror offences are linked to an investigation into threats to kill Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the BBC has learned.



The threats, also against former prime minister Tony Blair, were made in January on a recognised jihadi website.

The group posting the statement called itself "Al Qaeda in Britain" and demanded the withdrawal of British forces from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The men were arrested at Manchester Airport and in Accrington, Lancashire.

They were held in connection with the website threats, which included a demand for the release of Muslim prisoners from Belmarsh high-security prison in London.

Two of the men were about to board a flight to Finland. Counter-terrorist officers from Greater Manchester and Lancashire are now in Scandinavia continuing their investigations.

The arrests were a joint operation between Lancashire Police and Greater Manchester Counter Terrorism Unit.

Detectives have searched the homes of the men, aged 21, 22 and 23.

Two of the addresses searched were on Percival Street, Whalley Range, and Cromwell Street, Audley Range, in Blackburn.

Police have until Thursday to charge the men, release them or seek an extension to their custody.

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US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is expected to reveal his choice of vice-presidential running mate within hours.



His decision is due to be announced by text message and e-mail to party members, journalists and anyone who signs up to receive it.

Democrats gather for their party convention in Denver on Monday.

Mr Obama and his running mate are set to make their first campaign appearance together in Illinois, on Saturday.

"I've made the selection, that's all you're gonna get," Mr Obama told reporters while campaigning in Virginia on Thursday.

Text alert

In an interview with USA Today newspaper, the Illinois senator said he had selected a running mate who was independent and would challenge him in the White House.

He added that he had opted for someone who would help him strengthen the economy, and was also ready to act as president.

But Mr Obama gave no clue as to whether he had notified his preferred running mate yet.

It is possible the Obama camp might keep the name of the vice-presidential selection a secret until just before the appearance in Springfield on Saturday but, realistically, that seems unlikely, says the BBC's North America editor, Justin Webb.

The expectation is that during the course of Friday a text message will be received by those who have signed up for it, revealing the name.

Surprise in store?

The conventional wisdom is that vice-presidential candidates do not swing elections, our editor reports.

But Mr Obama's choice is interesting because it will reveal a little more about the style of the man and how willing he is to be adventurous.

Most commentators believe he will play it safe, opting for a governor, perhaps Tim Kaine of Virginia, or a political veteran like Senator Joe Biden.

Some Democrats are hoping he has a surprise up his sleeve - a Hillary Clinton or an Al Gore.

Mr Obama's rival, Republican presidential hopeful John McCain, has reportedly not settled on a running mate.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney are reported to be under serious consideration for the role.

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Russia has seen foreign reserves decline, a sign that the market is more nervous about investing in the region since the recent conflict in Georgia.



Central Bank figures show reserves were sharply down in the week ending 15 August, marking a fall of $16.4bn (£8.8bn) from $597.5bn a week earlier.

Tensions with the west have also been strained by Russia's objection to the US placing a missile defence in Poland.

Georgia has urged the west to invest in the region as it seeks to rebuild.

According to the Financial Times, the latest drop in capital reserves is the largest "since comparable figures began" in 1998, though similar funds were taken out during the currency crisis.

Reconstruction

Finance ministers from the group of seven richest nations have said they are "ready to support" Georgia's economic reconstruction in the wake of conflict with Russia.

The US Treasury issued a statement on the G7 countries' behalf saying they would be ready to help Georgia "to maintain confidence in Georgia's financial system and support economic reconstruction."

He also called on Georgian authorities, the World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and European Commission to "identify and support reconstruction needs and the restoration of services that will build a base for future economic growth".

Officials from the World Bank are visiting Georgia on Friday to assess the extent of damage to its economy and how the process of reconstruction can begin.

The development body has pledged to help Georgia access funding to rebuild crucial infrastructure, such as roads and railway lines.

It has also promised to assist people displaced by the fighting in South Ossetia and in Georgia itself.

The US and Poland signed a deal earlier this week to locate part of the US missile defence system on Polish soil, but Russia has warned the base could become a target for a nuclear strike.

Such geopolitical concerns have been a factor pushing up oil prices, amid fears that supplies might be hampered.

"Investors are realising that the bear has put its paw on the pipeline, and geopolitical risk is likely to remain a theme for the next month or so," said Justin Urquhart Stewart, investment director at Seven Investment Management.

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The UK's most senior policeman has been accused of a racist campaign against one of his closest colleagues.

According to a source close to Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, his legal representatives formally submitted his employment tribunal claims on Friday night.

They include allegations that Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir Ian Blair and other senior members of the Met played a role in a campaign of harassment and discrimination against him.

The source said: "Ghaffur is very unhappy because the Met is briefing against him.

"Details of the claim will not be available to anyone until next week."

Sir Ian has rejected the claims and said he has a "long, honourable and occasionally blood-stained record on the championing of diversity".

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said he was not aware any papers had been lodged.

No one at the tribunal was available to comment.

It is the first time an officer of such seniority has sued the Met and it threatens to plunge the force's leadership into crisis.

Mr Ghaffur is understood to be claiming hundreds of thousands of pounds in loss of earnings and damages.

A rift between the two senior officers emerged in June with news of an allegedly damning dossier of evidence prepared by Mr Ghaffur.

Colleagues said the officer, who is responsible for Olympic security preparations, has been treated "extremely poorly".

Attempts to head off a full-scale employment tribunal with mediation failed after the two parties could not even agree the terms for talks.

It emerged earlier this week that Mr Ghaffur was bugged and photographed as part of an investigation into another senior officer.

Officers recorded meetings between Mr Ghaffur and Commander Ali Dizaei in 2000 and 2001 as part of an ill-fated corruption inquiry.

Mr Dizaei was cleared of perverting the course of justice and fiddling his expenses at the Old Bailey in 2003.

Sir Ian has already been forced to defend his record on diversity at an employment tribunal this year.

Commander Shabir Hussain, another of his most senior colleagues, claimed he was repeatedly overlooked for promotion in favour of white candidates.

The 45-year-old officer has alleged racial discrimination against the Metropolitan Police Authority, its chairman Len Duvall and Sir Ian.

A decision by the tribunal panel is expected within the next month.


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The head of the opposition party in the Indian state of West Bengal has called for an indefinite siege of the factory building the world's cheapest car.



Mamata Banerjee's call came after Tata, one of India's biggest firms, threatened to halt production of the Nano in the communist-ruled state.

Opposition groups have been protesting over claims the state seized 403 hectares (997 acres) of local farmland.

Tata plans to launch the Nano at about $2,500 (£1,340) later this year.

Fears for state's future

Mamata Banerjee, leader of the Trinamool Congress party, is not a woman who looks like she is about to change her mind.

In spite of the threat by Tata's owner, Ratan Tata, to move the plant from Singur if the agitation continues, her party has announced an indefinite siege of the factory from Sunday.

She wants 160 hectares (400 acres) of land returned to local farmers and she told me that she is not in the mood for a compromise.

"We are not interested who is Tata or data," she said.

"A good industrialist has also to be a good human being. The road is very clear - we are in favour of positive development. But if someone tries to blackmail us we will not bow our heads."

As the uncertainty over the plant continues, a number of other states in India have come forward and said they are more than happy to build the Nano.

That will worry the state government here who are desperately trying to attract investors who for years have been put off by its communist policies.

"Generally the government of West Bengal and the people should understand that the end result of what Tata is doing will be good for the state and the people of West Bengal," one businessman said.

Another was concerned about the message Tata's departure would send out about the state's image.

"We do not want Tata to go - we want them to expand," he said.

Negotiations are continuing to try and resolve this impasse. At the moment though the future of the world's cheapest car appears to be in doubt.

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Two boats carrying members of a US-based pro-Palestinian group have arrived in the Gaza Strip, despite an Israeli blockade of the territory.



Israel earlier said they would be let in, saying they would not be given the chance to have a "provocation at sea".

The boats left the port of Larnaca in Cyprus on Friday morning.

The Free Gaza protest group said about 40 activists from 14 countries were on board the boats to highlight the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza in June 2007 when the militant group Hamas took control of the territory by force.

Since then, Israel has allowed in little more than basic humanitarian aid as a means of isolating Hamas and persuading militant groups to stop firing rockets into Israel.

The closure of Gaza's borders by the Israeli and Egyptian authorities has also meant that very few Gazans have been able to leave.

'No provocation'

Before Free Gaza's boats set sail on Friday, the Israeli foreign ministry had said they wanted the activists to steer clear of the Gazan coastline, which it said was "the subject of an [Israeli Navy] advisory notice" that warns off foreign vessels from the "designated maritime zone".

But on Saturday, an Israeli spokesman said they would be allowed in.

"They wanted provocation at sea, but they won't get it," foreign ministry spokesman Aviv Shiron told the AFP news agency.

"We know who the passengers are and what they are bringing with them and so we have no problem letting them through."

The two vessels - named Liberty and Free Gaza - are carrying 200 hearing aids for children and 5,000 balloons.

"No matter what happens we have already achieved our goal by proving that ordinary citizens with ordinary means can mobilise a defence of human rights for Palestinians," organiser Paul Larudee told the AFP news agency.

"We want people to see the Palestinian problem as one of human rights, not feeding them rice," he added.

The activists on board the boats include Lauren Booth, sister-in-law of UK former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is now an international Middle East peace envoy. Also on board is left-wing Greek MP Tasos Kourakis.

Israel withdrew its settlers from Gaza in 2005, but it still controls its coast, airspace and borders, and, until a ceasefire with Hamas was agreed in June, carried out regular military operations in the territory.

However, correspondents say the truce has not improved the situation for Gaza's population, except to reduce the number of Israeli incursions and the number of rockets fired by Palestinian militants.

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Benazir Bhutto's widower, Asif Ali Zardari, has agreed to run for the presidency of Pakistan, says his Pakistan People's Party (PPP).



The announcement was made by a party official, a day after Mr Zardari's nomination by the PPP, the biggest party in the coalition government.

Parliament will vote next month to choose a successor to President Pervez Musharraf, who resigned on Monday.

Mr Zardari became PPP leader after Ms Bhutto was assassinated in December.

He had spent years in exile following corruption charges,

The parliamentary and provincial assembly elections to replace Mr Musharraf, who quit in the face of the threat of impeachment by his political enemies, will take place on 6 September.

There will be plenty of political horse-trading, but Mr Zardari is clearly the favourite to win, says the BBC's Chris Morris in Islamabad.

But his decision to accept the nomination is not without controversy and could lead to the collapse of the PPP's coalition, our correspondent adds.

Mr Zardari's main coalition partner, Nawaz Sharif of the PML-N, has said he is not in favour of Ms Bhutto's widower getting the job and prefers what he calls a consensus president.

The two men are also deadlocked over how many of the judges sacked by Mr Musharraf during emergency rule last November should be reinstated.

Mr Zardari is worried the deposed chief justice might seek to overturn an amnesty on corruption charges, which allowed Mr Zardari and Ms Bhutto to return to Pakistan, our correspondent adds.

The latest political developments come against a backdrop of increasing violence.

Pakistani troops say they killed 35 militants in fighting in the Swat Valley, north-west of Islamabad, on Saturday, shortly after a suicide bomber killed eight policemen.

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