THE US has dismissed demands from North Korea to have sanctions against it lifted as a precondition for returning to the talks on its nuclear programme. US envoy Christopher Hill accused North Korea of trying to divert attention from its "reckless" missile tests. But he said he supported a Chinese plan for informal six-party discussions to try to re-engage the North Koreans. Hill is on a tour of the region to co-ordinate a response to the missile tests held by North Korea on Wednesday. The missiles failed and fell into the Sea of Japan.

Three US soldiers die in Iraq

INSURGENTS killed three US soldiers in Iraq's western province of Anbar yesterday, the US military said. Earlier, Iraqi police said a roadside bomb had caused US casualties in Karma, near Falluja. It was not clear if it was the same incident.

Ten Taliban fighters killed

US-LED forces in Afghanistan say they have killed 10 suspected Taliban militants in the south of the country. A coalition spokesman said eight of its soldiers and one Afghan army soldier had been wounded in the battle in Kandahar province. The fighting is part of a massive operation by coalition forces to flush out militants in the south.

Terror suspects flee Saudi jail

SEVEN terrorist suspects have escaped from prison in Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi interior ministry. Saudi-owned television Al Arabiya said the fugitives . . . six Saudis and one Yemeni . . . were linked to al-Qaeda. The suspects fled Malaz prison in Riyadh, where they had been held over "security-related issues".

Nobel winner is new Timor PM

NOBEL Peace Prize winner Jose RamosHorta has been named as East Timor's new prime minister. The appointment follows months of violence and political instability.

The ex-prime minister, Mari Alkatiri, resigned last month after criticism of his handling of a wave of violence which left 21 people dead.

Pope begins Spain visit

POPE Benedict XVI has arrived in the Spanish city of Valencia for a gathering on family values. The visit is aimed at boosting the Catholic Church in Spain, which has been angered by liberal government reforms including gay marriage.

Briton gives birth at 62

A 62-YEAR-OLD child psychiatrist has become the oldest woman in Britain to have a baby. Patricia Rashbrook of Lewes, East Sussex, and her 6lb 10oz boy, nicknamed JJ, were said to be doing well by her husband John Farrant, 60.