Britain's Conservatives Claim Victory -- L.A. Times
With the most seats in the British parliamentary elections, but lacking a majority, David Cameron invites the Liberal Democrats to join in forming the new government.
Despite falling short of a majority in Parliament, Conservative leader David Cameron claimed the right to head Britain's next government Friday, inviting the smaller Liberal Democrats to join him in an effort to soothe world markets nervous over legislative stalemate.
Cameron tried to seize the momentum of the Tories' strong finish in Thursday's national poll, which landed them the most seats in the House of Commons and ended 13 years of Labor Party dominance.
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MIDDLE EAST
Hezbollah says it's ready for fresh war with Israel – and stronger now.
Taliban threatens new attacks in Afghanistan.
Iran positive on fresh nuclear talks with West.
PLO convenes, to agree peace talks with Israel. PLO approves indirect peace talks with Israel.
ASIA
Popular pressure spurs Nepal Maoists to end general strike. Despite end of Maoist strike Nepal's crisis continues.
North Korea's Kim committed to disarmament talks: KCNA.
Thai gov't warns of violence if protests don't end. Two more die in Thai violence.
Fighting for votes in the Philippines: the boxer, the rich and bizarre.
Asia-Pacific region stands at pivotal point.
AFRICA
ICC prosecutor wants to use Kenya as an example.
Two Egyptian peacekeepers killed in Darfur.
World Cup welcome: A billion condoms and 40,000 sex workers.
EUROPE
UK Election: Clegg meets Lib Dems over election deal with Tories. Brown's 'angry exchange with Clegg'.
Europe races to flesh out new crisis fund.
A celebration is haunted by the ghost of Stalin.
Ash delays, reroutes trans-Atlantic flights. Ash cloud closes Spanish and Portuguese airports.
AMERICAS
Bubble of methane triggered rig blast in the Gulf.
Argentina denounces British ‘pirates’ after oil discovery in Falklands waters.
'Chavez fatigue' challenges regime in Venezuela. Venezuela annual inflation rate hits 30 percent.
US extends Mexico travel warning over drug violence.
Haitians' deep aftershocks.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
An FBI team arrives in Pakistan to probe ties of N.Y. bomber.
Times Square suspect 'inspired by radical cleric with links to Christmas Day plot and Fort Hood shootings'.
Why full-body airport scanners might reveal too much.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Plunge highlights fragmented markets, fast traders. Wall Street share plunge to be investigated by SEC.
Germany approves biggest cheque in history to save debt-swamped Greece.
iPad global launch date confirmed by Apple.