World News: Cairo protesters face fresh gunfire in wake of deaths

Heavy automatic weapons fire pounded the anti-government protest camp in Cairo's Tahrir Square before dawn today in a dramatic escalation of what appeared to be a well-orchestrated series of assaults on the demonstrators.

At least three protesters were killed by gunfire, according to one of the activists.

The crowds seeking an end to President Hosni Mubarak's nearly three decades in power were still reeling from attacks hours earlier in which Mubarak supporters charged into the square on horses and camels, lashing people with whips, while others rained firebombs and rocks from rooftops.

The protesters accused Mubarak's regime of unleashing a force of paid thugs and plainclothes police to crush their unprecedented nine-day-old movement, a day after the 82-year-old president refused to step down. They showed off police ID badges they said were wrested from their attackers.

The violence intensified overnight, as sustained bursts of automatic gunfire and powerful single shots rained into the square starting at around 4am and continuing for more than two hours.

Chavez marks 12 years in power

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has marked his 12th anniversary of coming to power by urging supporters to go ahead with his socialist revolution.

Mr Chavez, 56, also asked Venezuelans to forgive any "mistakes" he had made in office.

Pakistan police hold US worker

A judge ruled today that police can keep holding a US Embassy employee accused of killing two Pakistanis for at least eight more days - the latest development in a case that has heightened tensions between the US and Pakistan.

The US says the American, identified by Pakistanis as Raymond Allen Davis, has diplomatic immunity and that Pakistan must free him. US officials say he shot the two Pakistanis in self-defence.

'Male lover' inspired Mona Lisa

A male apprentice, long-time companion and possible lover of Leonardo da Vinci was the main influence and a model for the Mona Lisa painting, an Italian researcher said.

But Silvano Vinceti said the portrait also represented a synthesis of da Vinci's scientific and philosophical beliefs.

Myanmar to choose leader

Myanmar's new parliament met today to elect two of the country's three vice presidents, one of whom will become president and lead the new military-dominated government.

The army has held power in Myanmar since 1962 and is now handpicking the president.Buddhists are killed by Muslim rebels

Thailand: Suspected Muslim insurgents opened fire today on a grocery store in the insurgency-plagued south, killing five Buddhist bystanders, police said.

Haiti: The nation waited nervously into the early hours today for election officials to announce who will compete in March's presidential run-off vote, with many fearing the result could spark widespread protests and rioting.