Rebels in Nepal declare unilateral cease-fire

KATMANDU, Nepal -- Communist rebels in Nepal said Saturday that they were unilaterally suspending attacks for the next three months. The cease-fire would take effect immediately, the rebel leader Prachanda said in a statement sent to news organizations. The elusive leader said his fighters would not attack any government or civilian targets during the period but would defend their positions.

Syrian troops kill five militants in clash

DAMASCUS, Syria -- Syrian troops clashed with members of a militant group in the northern city of Hama, a region that once saw bloody battles between the government and Muslim radicals. Five Islamic militants were killed, Syria's state-run news agency reported Saturday.

Fighting erupts in city north of Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Insurgents launched a series of assaults Saturday in a province north of Baghdad, killing at least 20 Iraqi security forces, officials said. U.S. and Iraq troops clashed with insurgents near the northern city of Tal Afar. Nine policemen died in a pair of shootouts in Baqouba, 35 miles northeast of Baghdad, officials said.

Abbas says peace talks should resume soon

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday that peace talks should resume immediately after Israel completes its Gaza withdrawal and expressed hope that a Palestinian state will be established by next year. He pledged to bring militias from the Fatah movement under control.

-- From wire reports

within three weeks. He said the U.S. has assured him that peace negotiations with Israel can resume as soon as Israel completes its withdrawal from Gaza, expected by Sept. 15.