"At least four people have been killed in a suspected suicide attack in north-west Pakistan, amid signs a truce with militants may be breaking down. The blast in the town of Bannu would be the first suicide attack since March when Pakistan's new government indicated it would talk with militants. In another attack in the north-west gunmen shot dead two policemen outside a bank in the Swat valley, police said. Last week top militant Baitullah Mehsud suspended talks with the authorities."
NYT: Burma junta makes (comparatively) friendly noises as cyclone toll rises
Ind: Burma's wind of change?
"The secretive military junta that has ruled the impoverished nation for two decades took the unprecedented step yesterday of issuing an urgent appeal for international help.
There were also complaints that the 400,000-strong military was only busy clearing streets where the ruling elite lived and leaving other residents to fend for themselves. "The regime failed to warn people and are failing to help them now," said Mark Farmaner, of the Burma Campaign UK. "One of the few things that may motivate them to allow aid in is the fear of another uprising. People are asking why they can mobilise the police and army to attack democracy protests but do nothing now.""
"The special visa exemptions will only apply between May 19 and 23. Anyone overstaying the 72-hour entry period will have to pay the fee for a regular visa when leaving the country, officials said. Announcing what Uefa called a "historical decision", the association's president, Michel Platini, praised Russian authorities for their "exceptional and unprecedented" concession. "This is great news for football fans travelling to watch this year's Uefa Champions League final in Moscow," he said. "Our job is to make sure that they are able to get to and from Moscow as easily as possible."
Times: peace bedfellows Ian Paisley and Bertie Ahern take their swansong
"The departure of the two men brings down the curtain on the Northern Ireland peace process, a decade after the Good Friday agreement. While neither leader is leaving willingly — Mr Paisley, 82, was gently but firmly pushed from office by his Democratic Unionist Party after his son, Ian Jr, became involved in sleaze allegations — their successors will attempt to ensure stability and the continuation of a new period of good relations between both parts of Ireland."
Belfast Telegraph: Protestant paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force in de-mobilization limbo
BBC: Somali civilians at mercy of armed groups
"Civilians are completely at the mercy of armed groups in Somalia, says human rights group Amnesty International. It says the situation is "dire" in the centre and the south with government troops, their Ethiopian allies and Islamist insurgents "out of control". They carry out killings, torture, rape, beatings, arbitrary detention and forced disappearances, a report says."
Sunday Times (Colombo): In wake of failed military offensive on Jaffna, Sri Lanka's top defence analyst comes under (yet more) government pressure for telling the truth
"Like in some other countries, in Sri Lanka there is little or no cause to celebrate World Press Freedom Day. Yet, it is an occasion to reflect on the increasingly difficult role of the media in keeping the public informed of the many challenges before a nation, particularly the escalating Eelam War IV that is taking a heavy toll of lives and a loss of limb for others. For those in the media, who have to undertake this arduous task, there are no flowers. Instead, they are frowned upon.
They become victims of vicious campaigns orchestrated by those who are embarrassed by nothing but the truth. There are all kinds of name calling and gratuitous advice on words journalists should use and how they should perform their duties. Suspicious characters wielding pistols or grenades stalk outside their homes. When the Police discover them, superiors who then identify themselves offer seemingly convincing alibis. They are stranger than fiction. It is made out that those involved were on an "official mission" though the resources they use, like motorcycles for example, are in the names of civilians. Sometimes the stalkers provide unsolicited escort when one travels. They want to find out whom one visits and what for. It is a regular occurrence."
LAT: Iraqi militia commanders harden stance toward U.S.
"He still hates Iran. But now, he said, he accepts its weapons to fight the U.S. military, figuring he can deal with his distaste for the Iranians later. So he takes bombs that can rip a hole in a U.S. tank and rockets that can pound Baghdad's Green Zone without apology or regret."
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