World news: Tunisia blasts Gaddafi as battle spills over border

A BATTLE between Libyan troops and rebels spilled over the western border into Tunisia, drawing a sharp rebuke of Muammar Gaddafi's regime from the neighbouring government.

Clashes along the Tunisian border have escalated since Thursday, posing a new challenge for Gaddafi within the western half of the country, where he must consolidate his control to cling to power. Rebels captured most of the east early on in the uprising against Gaddafi that began in February.

The Tunisian Foreign Ministry summoned Libya's ambassador to convey its "most vigorous protests" for the "serious violations" at the Dhuheiba border area on Thursday and yesterday, a ministry statement said.

The Tunisian army has swept through Dhuheiba searching for Gaddafi forces who fled to Tunisia following combat with rebels over control of the border crossing.

Meanwhile, at least two Nato air strikes hit a government complex in the capital Tripoli early today, damaging offices of parliamentary staff and a building officials said housed a commission for children and women.

Trump attacks 'stupid leaders'

Property mogul Donald Trump fuelled speculation that he would enter the 2012 White House race with an expletive-laden speech in which he attacked America's "stupid" leaders. He assured supporters at a Las Vegas casino he was seriously considering a presidential run.

42 killed in Syria protests

At least 42 people have been killed across Syria - many of them villagers who tried to approach the besieged city of Daraa, a Syrian human rights group said today.

Thousands of people took to the streets across the country, calling for President Bashar Assad's downfall and pledging support for the citizens of Daraa, which is at the heart of the country's uprising.

The regime has unleashed the army, backed by tanks and snipers, to crush the protest movement.

Ortega slams royal wedding

Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega has attacked the British monarchy and said he was offended by William and Kate's gala marriage ceremony.

Left-winger Mr Ortega said the hands of the monarchy "are stained with blood because they are celebrating while Libya is being bombed".

Laos goes to the polls

Laos, one of the world's last communist nations, is holding a parliamentary election.

But the vote will only preserve the country's oppressive status quo since most candidates are members of the all-powerful political group that has ruled the one-party state for 36 years.

800 inmates escape after fires in cells

Tunisia: More than 800 inmates have escaped from two prisons after fires were set in some cells.

A reported 522 inmates from the prison in Kasserine escaped after a fire in two cells. Later, another 300 inmates escaped from the Gafsa prison.

Iraq: Ten people have been killed in attacks across the country, including the eight-year-old daughter of an imam who preached against violence and three police officers.