Syrian president said National dialogue to be commenced soon….

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said national dialogue would commence soon to resolve the issues.

He said that national dialogue was not restricted to certain sectors, nor did it mean dialogue between the government and the opposition, and it need not be restricted to political matters.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague asks Syrian president to step down….

British envoy hopes Turkey will tell Syrian leader to introduce reforms or step down.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Monday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must implement reforms in his country or step aside, as the embattled leader prepared to make a major speech.

Second nuclear plant closed in US.….

A nuclear power plant in the US state of Nebraska has been issued a flood alert.

A flood warning was issued for the Cooper nuclear power plant in Nebraska state as the nearby Missouri River continued to rise.

Authorities said the plant would be taken off-line as a precaution, if the river levels reached 13.9 metres.

India restores defence ties with China….

An eight-member Indian military delegation arrived in Beijing on a week-long visit to China.  The multi-command delegation is headed by Major Gen Gurmeet Singh of the Northern Command.

 During the tour, the delegation will visit Chinese military units and hold talks with their counterparts in Beijing, Xinjiang and Shanghai, official sources in Beijing said.

Thousands rally in Madrid to protest.....

Thousands rally in Madrid to protest politicians, bankers and the economy.

 Tens of thousands of Spaniards abandoned their customary quiet day with families and friends on Sunday (June 19) to march against the so-called "Euro Pact" and the handling of the economic crisis.

Thousands protest against cuts outside Greek parliament....

Thousands of citizens are protesting against austerity measures in front of the Greek parliament.

 The protesters are furious about the latest austerity package being pushed by Prime Minister George Papandreou.