World News: Syrian crackdown leaves 16 more protesters dead

Syrian forces have renewed their crackdown on protesters, with activists saying at least 16 people have died.

Protesters came under fire in the city of Homs, the capital Damascus, Deir al-Zour in the east and Aleppo and Idlib near Turkey's border.

More than 1700 people have died and tens of thousands have reportedly been arrested since the uprising against the 41-year rule of President Bashar al-Assad's family began in March.

Syrian state television admitted there had been small demonstrations after Friday prayers, but activists said they were far bigger and more widespread.

The highest reported casualties were in Douma, a suburb of Damascus, where a woman and a 16-year-old were named among those who died. Syrian state TV said two security men had been shot dead in the capital.

Activists said thousands of people had come out to protest after prayers in two mosques in Deir al-Zour. Soldiers reportedly fired live ammunition as people left the mosques, sending worshippers running for cover in alleyways.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged other countries to cut ties with the Syrian regime.

Berlusconi reveals fresh cuts

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, has announced a fresh round of austerity measures.

The 40 billion plan aims to balance the budget by 2013, a year earlier than planned. It follows an emergency cabinet meeting.

One victim as train crashes

A PASSENGER train has crashed in central Poland, killing one passenger and injuring at least 40.

Emergency services said the train from Warsaw to Katowice was derailed at the town of Baby, near the city of Piotrkow Trybunalski.

The engine and three carriages went off the tracks.

Serial killer faces death

A US man has been sentenced to death for the murders of 11 women whose remains he kept in his house in Ohio.

Anthony Sowell was found guilty last month of aggravated murder, kidnapping and other charges in the 11 deaths.

At court in Cleveland, the 51-year-old sat with eyes closed as Judge Dick Ambrose read out the details of each murder, before passing sentence.

His execution by lethal injection was scheduled for October 29, 2012.

Pirates jailed for seven years

A DUTCH court has sentenced two Somali pirates who hijacked a South African yacht last November to up to seven years in jail. The men were convicted of seizing the boat off Tanzania and abducting a South African couple, who remain missing. Three other Somalis were also convicted of piracy.

Anti-gangs judge killed outside home

Brazil: A judge renowned for her work against organised crime has been shot dead in Rio de Janeiro State. Patricia Acioli was gunned down outside her home in the city of Niteroi by masked men travelling on two motorbikes.

Sri Lanka: The first nationwide survey of elephant population has begun, aimed at better protecting the animals and their habitat. Around 3500 people are counting the elephants from watchtowers.