WORLD BRIEFS

SYRIA: 32 more slain despite UN

A day ago, crowds in Hama welcomed a UN team sent in to observe a shaky truce. On Monday, government troops opened fire on the same streets, killing at least 32, activists said, raising fears the regime is targeting opponents emboldened to protest by the UN monitors. It was the worst violence in the central city of Hama in months.

SUDAN: Jet bombers strike in south

Sudanese warplanes bombed a market and an oil field in South Sudan on Monday, killing at least two people after Sudanese ground forces had reportedly crossed into the south with tanks and artillery. The international community urged the two countries to talk out their disputes, which include arguments over where the border lies and over ownership of oil resources. But Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir vowed Monday to press ahead with his military campaign until all southern troops or affiliated forces are chased out of the north. The bombs fell from two MiG 29 jets onto Rubkona's market, turning stalls where food and other household items are sold into fiery heaps of twisted metal. South Sudan military spokesman Col. Philip Aguer said Antonov bombers accompanied by MiG 29 jets also bombed Abiemnom in Unity State and the Unity State oil field. Fighting between ground troops, which started Sunday, was continuing in Panakuac, Laloba and Teshwin, Aguer said.

MYANMAR: EU lifting major sanctions

In the biggest rollback yet, the European Union confirmed Monday it was suspending most of its sanctions to reward Myanmar's wave of political reforms. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he will visit Myanmar this weekend at President Thein Sein's invitation. While April 1 by-elections were overwhelmingly won by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the process has not been glitch-free. Her party refused to take its new seats in the parliament Monday because part of the oath of office pledges to "safeguard" the constitution. They would prefer it said "respect" the constitution.