World News: Obama condemns Syria's 'outrageous' use of force

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has accused Syria of using "outrageous" force against protesters and of seeking help from Iran to quell weeks of unrest.

He condemned "in the strongest possible terms" yesterday's violence in which more than 70 protesters were killed.

He said President Bashar al-Assad had refused to respect protesters' rights and had used the same tactics as his Iranian allies. Yesterday's reported death toll was the highest in five weeks of unrest.

Large crowds were expected to attend funerals today for many of those killed, raising fears of further confrontations.

Syria's state news agency said security forces had used only tear gas and water cannon to prevent clashes.

"This outrageous use of violence to quell protests must come to an end now," Mr Obama said. "Instead of listening to their own people, President Assad is blaming outsiders while seeking Iranian assistance in repressing Syria's citizens through the same brutal tactics that have been used by his Iranian allies."

Syria is believed to be a key part of an alliance that includes Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and radical Palestinian groups opposed to peace with Israel.

Lohan out on bail after charges

Lindsay Lohan has been released on bail from a Los Angeles County jail hours after she was sentenced to 120 days for violating her probation. Earlier, a judge reduced the actress' charge from felony grand theft to a misdemeanour for allegedly taking a necklace.

Group reports Tibet deaths

An ACTIVIST group says two people have died in a clash with Chinese police raiding a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the western region.

The International Campaign for Tibet report marks some of the worst violence in the ongoing troubles at Kirti monastery.

Cambodian border clash

A BORDER clash between troops from Cambodia and Thailand resumed today, a day after at least six soldiers were killed and thousands of civilians forced to evacuate the battle zone.

The fighting springs from decades-old claims over land along the border, with nationalistic politics fueling tensions. Friday's fighting was the first reported since four days of fighting in February, when eight soldiers and civilians were killed.

Probe into Sheen's police escort

Police in Washington DC are investigating who authorised a controversial high-speed police escort for actor Charlie Sheen.

He was apparently escorted from an airport outside the city to his stage show, Violent Torpedo of Truth: Defeat is Not an Option because he was running late.

Helicopter crashes in Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Nato says a coalition helicopter has crashed in eastern Afghanistan.

The helicopter is said to have crashed on Saturday in Kapisa province. It's not known if there are any casualties.

Taiwan: President Ma Ying-jeou will bid for a second term in next year's election, riding on a strong economic recovery and improved ties with rival China.

He registered today with his Nationalist Party for next January's polls.