Iran is calling on the United Nations Security Council to pressure Israel to scrap its alleged nuclear weapons arsenal.

The Indonesian province of Aceh this month held its first direct elections for key officials, a landmark vote intended to cement a peace deal between the government and former separatist rebels.

Hamas' exiled leader Khaled Mashaal said the only road to peace runs through Hamas and, in comments to an Italian newspaper, disparaged Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas for having no influence.

Foreign Minister Walid Mualem of Syria has urged Israel to resume peace talks with Damascus and this time, without any preconditions.

Former President George H.W. Bush has praised the development of U.S.-China relations, calling them the most important this century for world peace and prosperity. While on a visit to Beijing, Mr. Bush commended China's role in international affairs, but warned that nuclear security concerns remain. Daniel Schearf reports from Beijing.