Unidentified North Korean explosion 'not nuclear'

A large explosion in North Korea was "not nuclear," according to U.S., U.N, and North Korean officials. The explosion, which occurred near the North Korean/Chinese border, was large enough to cause a mushroom cloud, resulting in speculation that it was a nuclear blast. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, which monitors for nuclear activity, reported no signs of a nuclear blast. North Korean officials insist the blasting was part of the construction of a hydroelectric power plant.

Sudanese peace talks collapse

Peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebels in the Darfur region of the nation collapsed, even as the United Nations prepares to vote on a new resolution against Sudan. The talks had resumed after a three-week postponement, but one of the groups walked out of the talks, saying they were unable to come to an agreement. As a result, the peace talks will likely be postponed for a month. Meanwhile, the United Nations will be voting on a resolution authorizing sanctions against Sudan. The resolution was drafted by the United States, but several nations, including China and Russia, had objections. Either country could veto the resolution.

Afghan court convicts three Americans of torture

An Afghan court convicted seven people, including three Americans, of torturing Afghani prisoners in a private jail. Sentences for the Americans ran from eight to ten years, and four Afghan accomplices were sentenced to lesser terms. Attorneys for the three Americans contend that the jail was operated with the backing of the United States government, a charge the government denies.

Annan: War in Iraq 'illegal,' elections in jeopardy

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan called the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq "illegal" and an act "not in conformity with the UN charter." Annan said that the decision to invade Iraq should have been made by the U.N. Security Council, not by the U.S. alone. The United States denied the war was illegal, citing several U.N. resolutions against Iraq as a "sound legal basis." In an interview with the BBC, Annan also spoke about the upcoming elections in Iraq. He said that there could not be "credible elections if the security conditions continue as they are now," but the U.N. would provide assistance and advice to the Iraqi government regardless.