World News: Protesters killed as Syrian troops open fire on crowds

Troops opened fire on protesters in cities across Syria and pro- and anti-government crowds clashed in the capital's historic old city as the regime sought to put down demonstrations that exploded nationwide demanding reform.

The upheaval sweeping the region took root as an eight-day uprising centred on a rural southern city dramatically expanded into protests by tens of thousands in multiple cities.

Protesters wept over the bodies of dead comrades and crowds chanted anti-government slogans, then fled as gunfire erupted, according to footage online.

Security forces shot dead more than 15 people in at least six cities and villages, including a suburb of the capital, Damascus, witnesses said. Their accounts could not be independently confirmed.

The regime of President Bashar Assad, an ally of Iran and supporter of militant groups in the region, had seemed immune from the Middle East's wave of popular uprising.

His government had offered to consider lifting Draconian emergency laws and promise increased pay and benefits for state workers but massive crowds rejected the offers and violence erupted.

Participants perform belly dances on stage during the rehearsals for Miss Piranda 2011 Roma beauty contest, being held in Bucharest.

Arrest warrants dismissed

A SUPREME court judge dismissed arrest warrants for former Honduran president Manuel Zelaya, allowing him to return without detention to the country where he was deposed in June 2009. The ruling, however, did not dismiss corruption charges levied against him.

Carter set for Cuban visit

Former US President Jimmy Carter is expected to visit Cuba next week to meet with President Raul Castro to discuss economic policies and ways to improve relations between the US and Cuba.

The visit, under the auspices of the Carter Centre, is not an official US mission.

Government falls in Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government has fallen after a no-confidence vote passed in parliament.

The vote, engineered by the opposition Liberal Party and backed by two other parties, triggers an election expected in early May.

The move stemmed from a ruling on Monday that the minority government was in contempt of parliament. The Conservatives are thought likely to keep power in a May election.

Store offers free gun in TV deal

A US store is offering would-be satellite television customers a free gun.

The Ravalli Republic newspaper reports customers who sign up for some Dish Network packages at RadioShack in Hamilton, Montana will receive a coupon for a pistol or shotgun. Those not interested in a gun get a $50 Pizza Hut gift card.

US navy bids to aid stricken nuclear plant

Japan: US naval barges loaded with fresh water sped toward Japan's overheated nuclear plant to help workers who scrambled today to stem a worrying rise in radioactivity and remove dangerously contaminated water from the facility.

Myanmar: A powerful earthquake in northeastern Myanmar has killed more than 70 people, and there were fears the toll would mount as conditions in more remote areas became known.