Nobel laureates in call for Obama to visit Hiroshima

A visit to Hiroshima, which the US bombed in 1945, killing about 140,000 people and hastening the end of Second World War would be unprecedented for a sitting US president and would be highly controversial.

Many Japanese feel the bombing was an unjustified use of excessive force, while many in America believe it saved countless lives by forcing Japan to surrender.

Hiroshima is seeking to have Mr Obama join the 11th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, which it will host in November.

The White House said Mr Obama currently has no plans to visit Hiroshima, but he is expected to be in Japan at around that time to attend another summit meeting in Yokohama. Mr Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.

The letter was signed by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, Lech Walesa of Poland, former South African President Frederik de Klerk, East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta and former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez.

Gibson waits over charges

US detectives have given prosecutors the results of their investigation into domestic violence allegations against Mel Gibson.

The actor is now waiting to see if charges will be filed over the claims made by former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.

Japan's PM fights for job

Japan's prime minister will have to fight for his job next month when the ruling party holds its leadership election.

Senior politician Ichiro Ozawa said that he will run against Prime Minister Naoto Kan for the leadership of the Democratic Party in its September 14 election.

People told to flee floods

Pakistani officials today urged anyone left in three southern towns to evacuate immediately as water broke through an embankment, endangering areas previously untouched by the country's flooding disaster.

The swollen Indus River broke through the Sur Jani embankment late yesterday, threatening the towns of Sujawal, Daro and Mir Pur Batoro, Most of the 400,000 people who live in the area are thought to have fled already.

Oz tax row grounds Hogan

Actor Paul Hogan, star of the Crocodile Dundee movie trilogy, has been barred from leaving Australia until he pays a disputed tax bill.

Hogan was served with an Australian Taxation Officer order after arriving in Sydney last week to attend the funeral of his mother, Florence Hogan.

New frog found

A newly discovered species of mini frog, dubbed Microhyla nepenthicola, sits on the end of a pencil. The species was found on the island of Borneo.

Cuban state television said Mr Chavez expressed satisfaction at Mr Castro's "magnificent" health.