January 12 News international

Thursday 12 January, 2012.

TOP STORY Zardari in Dubai as ties with Army worsens In the midst of a continuing army-govt stand-off, President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday surprisingly flew to Dubai but fears of a military coup waned with the focus shifting to a crucial hearing by the Supreme Court on Monday. HEADLINES China develops largest propellant tank for space vehicles  China has successfully developed its largest rocket propellant tank which will be used to store hydrogen fuel for the country's next-generation heavy lift space launch system, Long March-5. Presidential elections: Obama warns of tough race  Barack Obama, who came to power riding a wave in 2008, has cautioned his supporters that four years later it is not going to be the same and warned donors of a close race in the November 2012 presidential elections. Myanmar government and Karen rebels sign ceasefire  Myanmar's government and one of the country's most prominent ethnic rebel groups signed a ceasefire today after decades of fighting, the latest in the country's apparent bids to reform. Monitoring situation in Pak, committed to democracy : US The United States has said it is monitoring the situation in Pakistan and reiterated its commitment to a civilian-led democracy there. AFRICA & SOUTH AMERICA ASIA PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH AMERICA SOUTH ASIA WEST ASIA

OTHER TOP STORIES Zardari ready to resign and call early elections: Report Gilani takes Army head on, sacks Defence Secretary  Swiss central bank head resigns after scandal  Attacks kill 17 in Iraq, wound 15 Afghan pilgrims  Stern of wrecked cargo ship sinking off New Zealand  IAEA confirms new Iran plant up and running  Lawyers blame police, Mubarak for Egypt deaths  US orders expulsion of Venezuelan consul Pervez Musharraf announces Pakistan return date Malaysian oppo leader Anwar acquitted in sodomy trial