Sadr City cease fire...Hezbollah withdrawing...Myanmar aid

BAGHDAD (AP) An aide to cleric Muqtada al-Sadr (mook-TAH'-duh al SAH'-dur) says Shiite groups have brokered a cease-fire with militants fighting U.S. and Iraqi forces in Baghdad's Sadr City.

It's to go into effect tomorrow. To the north, in the city of Mosul, the Iraqi Army says it has launched an offensive against al-Qaida in Iraq.

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) Hezbollah (hez-BUH'-lah) says it is withdrawing its fighters from the Beirut neighborhoods it seized in sectarian clashes this week. But as tensions in Lebanon's capital appeared to ease, at least 12 people have been killed and 20 wounded in fighitng in northern Lebanon.

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) The U.N. continues to send aid into Myanmar for victims of last week's cyclone. And the country's military rulers are putting their names on it and personally handing it out in televised ceremonies. Also today, the regime has gone ahead with a referendum on a new constitution, which critics say will perpetuate military rule.

Washington (AP) Senator Debbie Stabenow (STAB'-ih-now) says the high cost of oil is more than a burden. The Michigan Democrat says it has become "a crisis for every American family." She used her party's weekly radio address to promote Democratic proposals for changing U.S. energy policy as gas and oil prices continue to set new records.

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) President Bush says this Mother's Day weekend will be a "joyous occasion" for him and his wife Laura as they watch their daughter Jenna get married. In his weekly radio address, Bush extended best wishes to all mothers and condolences to those grieving for sons and daughters killed in service to their country.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-10-08 1232CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list