World News: Obama backs mosque near former World Trade Centre

Mr Obama said Muslims have the same right to follow their religion as anyone else.

He said that includes the right to build a place of worship on private property in lower Manhattan.

The president made his remarks at an Iftar dinner at the White House celebrating the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

In doing so, he waded into a national controversy that sparked passionate and at times angry debate.

Mr Obama had not previously commented on the controversial matter.

The White House said it was a local issue.

The site is near where almost 3000 people died on September 11, 2001, after Muslim hijackers flew two hijacked jetliners into the centre's twin towers, which crumbled as New Yorkers fled in terror.

"As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practise their religion as anyone else in this country," Mr Obama said, weighing in for the first time on a controversy that has split New York and the nation.

Rapper charged for mooning

Rapper Foxy Brown has been charged with violating a protection order by mooning at her neighbour in New York.

Prosecutors said Brown screamed at neighbour Arlene Raymond, before bending over, baring her buttocks and showing her underwear while shouting an obscenity.

11 killed as train derails

A TRAIN derailment at a railway construction site in China killed 11 people and left at least one injured.

An official with the government of Inner Mongolia's Baotou city said the train that derailed yesterday morning was carrying stones for the construction of a rail line.

UN demands access for aid

The UN humanitarian chief demanded that Sudanese authorities allow aid agencies into a camp in Darfur and surrounding areas, where more than 80,000 displaced people were unable to receive food and other relief supplies for nearly two weeks.

John Holmes said that following recent violence five international aid organisations and UN humanitarian agencies were prevented from entering Kalma Camp by local authorities.

Toy Story 3 top animated film

Toy Story 3 is now the highest-grossing animated film of all time.

The third movie in the Pixar series about cowboy Woody, space ranger Buzz Lightyear and the toys' owner, Andy, raised more than 920 million US dollars at box offices worldwide since opening.on June 18.

Pakistan halts independence celebrations

Pakistan cancelled Independence Day celebrations amid a flooding disaster that displaced millions of its citizens.

Officials cancelled the colourful ceremony normally held at midnight on August 14, the anniversary of Pakistan's creation in 1947.

But prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani participated in a flag-raising this morning, while TV broadcast stories of the country's early years.