Israel 'to co-operate with UN flotilla inquiry'

Israel's top ministers decided have decided to co-operate with a UN committee proposed by the UN chief Ban Ki-moon to probe a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, the Haaretz daily reported on its website. The forum of seven senior ministers decided to give Mr Ban "a positive response, in principle, to allow him to move forward with establishing the panel of inquiry," Haaretz said, without citing a source. An Israeli government spokesman would not immediately comment on the report, but said a statement might be issued later. Mr Ban today announced a four-member panel, including an Israeli and a Turk, would probe the raid on the flotilla. *AFP

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EDITOR'S PICKS

America's hidden agenda in Syria's war

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Exclusive: Influential Syrian rebel commander claims US intelligence officers are trying to enlist rebels to fight their fellow insurgents, the Al Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat Al Nusra, instead of helping them overthrow Bashar Al Assad. Phil Sands reports America's hidden agenda in Syria's war

Egypt's pursuit of Mubarak's cronies falters

Egypt vowed to pursue men like Hussein Salem, the 'Father of Sharm El Sheikh', for riches gained under ousted premier Hosni Mubarak. But hard times may have blunted its zeal. Bradley Hope reports from Cairo Egypt's pursuit of Mubarak's cronies falters

Muslim Brotherhood opens direct link to rebels in Damascus

Members of the Free Syrian Army walk with their weapons in Al Izaa district in Aleppo February 16, 2013. REUTERS/Muzaffar Salman (SYRIA - Tags: CONFLICT POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) *** Local Caption *** SYR09_SYRIA-CRISIS-_0216_11.JPG

Brotherhood opens direct contacts with opposition groups in Damascus, providing them with cash for the first time and promising political influence in an effort to gain their support. Phil Sands reports Muslim Brotherhood opens direct link to rebels in Damascus

Regional violence batters Algerian tourism industry

Algerian tourists admire the view from atop a mud minaret in the old town of Beni Isguen on April 24, 2013. Tourism has been a significant source of income for the oasis towns around Ghardaia, but security concerns have led to a drop in visitor numbers this year. Photo: Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

Wildly, naturally beautiful, with hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline, mountains that look like Swiss Alps and endless desert, Algeria was a drawcard for tourists to North Africa. But not anymore. Alice Fordham reports from Beni Isguen Regional violence batters Algerian tourism industry

Cypriots draw on spirit of '74 to see them through euro crisis

Caption:Greek Cypriots refugees wait for their departure to the South of the island, under control of Greek Cypriots authorities, after Turkish authorities give the authorisation, Nicosia, on November 14, 1974. During Atilla II, second stage of Turkish operation on August 14, 1974, more than 30 per cent of the land (in the North) came under Turkish occupation, and in the process, many Greek Cypriots who made up 82 per cent of the population in the north became refugees behind the ceasefire line, called the

Cypriots rekindle courage from Turkish invasion, saying they have endured far worse than the current economic slump, even as harrowing tales emerge daily of poverty and hunger. Michael Theodoulou reports from Nicosia Cypriots draw on spirit of '74 to see them through euro crisis