New York (Reuters):The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is authorized to kill individuals described as "terrorist leaders" on a list approved by the White House, the New York Times reported in its Sunday editions.

Jerusalem (Agence France-Presse): In a bold move likely to stir up feelings over Jerusalem, Israel's Labor party, facing an uphill battle in January elections, said on Sunday it would be ready to renounce Israeli claims on the annexed eastern sector of the disputed holy city.

London (Agence France-Presse): Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, in an interview published in The Sunday Times, urged al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to stop exploiting the Palestinian cause to gain support in the Islamic world. " I'm telling him directly not to hide behind the Palestinian cause," Arafat was reported as saying.

London/Baghdad (Reuters): British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Monday Iraq could avoid war, but would not be allowed to threaten its neighbors or defy the United Nations.

New York (Agence France-Presse): Millions of New York commuters were girding themselves Sunday for a transport strike that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars and plunge the city into chaos.

Washington (Reuters): With a new economic team in place, U.S. President George W. Bush on Saturday promised measures to shore up economic growth and investor confidence, starting with the extension of unemployment benefits for 750,000 Americans in need of urgent aid.

Berlin (Agencies): Borussia Dortmund ended the year with a bang, thrashing bottom Energie Cottbus 4-0 on Saturday in its last match before the winter break.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Reuters): Japan's Toshi lzawa made an. eagle on the par-four 13th when he holed a wedge from 75 yards (about 68 meters) to help his country to a one-stroke lead over Fiji at the World Cup on Saturday.