World | WPN World People News

A top military official in Nigeria says the military knows where more than 200 schoolgirls are being held captive by Islamist militants, but says it would be difficult to use force to rescue them.

Thailand’s coup leader Monday said the palace has endorsed his takeover of the government. The army chief who carried out the bloodless putsch last week also issued a warning about any challenges to military rule.

Egyptians go to the polls Monday and Tuesday to elect a new president.

Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos talks to refugee children living in a school in Damascus during a visit to Syria in August 2012.

Ukraine's likely president-elect, Petro Poroshenko, already is known across Ukraine as a billionaire king of chocolate, thanks to his popular brand of sweets, Roshen.

Following the shooting which took place at a Jewish museum in Belgium yesterday, in which three people died, Anne Brasseur, PACE President, made the following statement: "I am deeply shocked by this despicable act which cost the lives of three people; a fourth person remains in a critical condition. The Belgian authorities will need to establish whether this is the work of a demented person, or whether the motivation is anti-semitic. But the fact that it happened at a Jewish site makes me fear an anti-semitic act. We cannot allow anti-semitism to rise further in Europe. All European democratic Parties have the duty to join forces, putting aside their ideological differences, to resolutely fight against all instances of racial or religious hatred, including anti-semitism. Extremism has no place in Europe. At this tragic time, and on behalf of PACE, I would like to convey sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims. I also express full support for the Belgian authorities in their efforts to ensure that anyone involved in these heinous acts is quickly caught and brought to justice."

Pope Francis has arrived in Israel, after calling for peace in the region while visiting the West Bank.

UNAMID troops on patrol in North Darfur.

Thailand's military continued to clash with anti-coup protesters across the country, despite the military council's ban on large gatherings, and also took its first steps toward revitalizing a battered economy on Sunday.

NRL scientists set off an explosive charge near GelMan. They’re testing how helmets can provide better protection. Says Dr. Amit Bagchi, “Ultimately, the goal is to minimize the energy and the pressure that goes into the brain.”