Wikinews:Briefs/July 31, 2006

The time is 19:30 (UTC) on July 31st, 2006, and this is Audio Wikinews News Briefs.

Israel suspends air strikes after deadly strike on Qana
Lebanon

After one of its raids killed at least 56 civilians, Israel agreed on Monday to suspend its aerial activities in south Lebanon for 48 hours. The announcement came after extended meetings between Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, and Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister.

Israeli jets attack southern Lebanon despite partial halt to air strikes
Yet, despite agreeing to halt air attacks for 48 hours, Israeli jets have carried out strikes in southern Lebanon. An army spokesman has confirmed the action saying it was intended to support ground troops in the area and was not targeting anything specific.

Security Council sets deadline over Iran nuclear program
United Nations

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution today demanding Iran halt all "enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development" before August 31. The resolution was passed under Article 40, Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which sets the stage for possible economic sanctions if Iran does not comply with the resolution, but does not authorise military action. Iran's envoy to the UN has rejected the move.

Lesbians lose High Court marriage bid
United Kingdom

Two lesbians who married lawfully in Canada have failed in their High Court bid to have their matrimony accepted under law in the United Kingdom.

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