World News: Fears as radiation in sea at plant hit highest level yet

Seawater outside the crippled nuclear power plant in north-eastern Japan was found to contain 3335 times the usual amount of radioactive iodine - the highest rate yet and a sign that more contaminated water was making its way into the ocean, officials said today.

The amount of iodine-131 found offshore 300 yards south of the coastal Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant did not pose an immediate threat to human health, but was a "concern", said Hidehiko Nishiyama, of the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency.

"We will nail down the cause, and will do our utmost to prevent it from rising further," Mr Nishiyama said.

The power plant has been leaking radiation since the March 11 tsunami slammed into Japan's north-east, knocking out power and back-up systems.

The government acknowledged yesterday that its safeguards had been insufficient to protect the plant against the earthquake and tsunami.

"When the current crisis is over, we must examine the accident closely and thoroughly review safety standards," said chief cabinet secretary Yukio Edano.

Star rules out singing in court

A Texas judge says Willie Nelson will not have to sing in court to resolve marijuana possession charges.

Attorney Kit Bramblett had joked that country music star Nelson, 77, could resolve the charges by pleading guilty, paying a fine and singing Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain.

Food aid plea for N Korea

South Korea says UN officials believe North Korea needs massive international food aid, but Seoul has no immediate plans to resume food shipments.

The Unification Ministry says world food programme officials briefed South Korea today on their assessment.

US 'may yet arm rebels'

US President Barack Obama has said he does not rule out arming the rebels seeking to overthrow Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Asked by reporters if he supported arming the rebels, President Obama said: "I'm not ruling it out, but I'm also not ruling it in."

He confirmed America would supply assistance to opponents of Col Gaddafi in the form of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and communications equipment. Prime ministers are good sports

The prime ministers of India and Pakistan will mix politics with pleasure in joining tens of thousands of cricket fans in a north Indian stadium to watch a match between their rival nations.

The attendance of Manmohan Singh and Yousuf Gilani at the World Cup semi-final coincides with a resumption in talks.

56 die in siege at government offices in Iraq

Iraq: Gunmen wearing military uniforms over explosives belts charged into a government building in Tikrit in an attack that left 56 people dead, including 15 hostages who were shot execution-style.

The five-hour standoff in Tikrit ended only when the attackers blew themselves up.

Philippines: The government said China today executed three Filipinos convicted of drug smuggling despite last-minute appeals.