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Kony's LRA has killed more than 100,000

The Lord's Resistance Army has killed more than 100,000 people during a reign of terror in Central Africa over the past 25 years, UN leader Ban Ki-moon said Monday. The guerrilla group led by Joseph Kony, whose global notoriety was increased by the Invisible Children Internet video, is also blamed for the abduction of between 60,000 and 100,000 children and the displacement of 2.5 million people.

Dozens dead as tornado hits US city

A powerful tornado swept through an Oklahoma City suburb on Monday, tearing down blocks of homes and at least two schools and leaving at least 51 people dead, local officials told US media. The state medical examiner's office released the latest death toll but the number was climbing rapidly, as emergency crews combed through smashed homes and the collapsed remains of an elementary school in Moore, Oklahoma.

Myanmar president calls for end to communal violence

Myanmar President Thein Sein urged Monday for an end to intercommunal violence and discrimination after hearing a call from US President Barack Obama to put a stop to anti-Muslim attacks. In a speech after his landmark White House meeting, the leader of the former pariah nation said he wanted a "more inclusive national identity" but did not directly mention the plight of the beleaguered Rohingya community. "Myanmar people of all ethnic backgrounds and all faiths -- Buddhists, Muslims, Christians and others -- must feel part of this new national identity," he said.

Obama says Myanmar president to release more political prisoners

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Monday that Myanmar's President Thein Sein planned to release more political prisoners and institutionalize democratic reforms in his country. Obama told reporters that he had expressed U.S. concern about violence against Muslims in Myanmar to Thein Sein during a meeting at the White House. Thein Sein said his country faced challenges in carrying out reforms but vowed to address them.

After dismissing worries, Calif. governor acknowledges Bay Bridge might not open by Labor Day

BERKELEY, Calif. - Gov. Jerry Brown said Monday that he does not know if the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will open over Labor Day weekend because of safety concerns. It's the first time the governor acknowledged serious worries about the structural integrity of the $6.4 billion infrastructure project to build a new eastern span of the bridge. Brown had dismissed concerns about broken bolts earlier this month.

Obama calls Lebanon's Sleiman, raises concern over Hezbollah

US President Barack Obama on Monday expressed concern about the role of Hezbollah in Syria, in a telephone call with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, the White House said. The call, which also dwelt on the danger of violence spilling over into Lebanon, took place after the Syrian government's assault on the rebel stronghold of Qusayr, which involved forces from Hezbollah.

Obama hails Myanmar leader but warns on Muslims

US President Barack Obama on Monday threw his support behind Myanmar President Thein Sein in his drive to reform a former pariah state but warned that a wave of violence against Muslims must stop. As his guest became the first leader of his country in almost 50 years to visit the White House, Obama praised Myanmar's journey away from brutal junta rule and promised Washington would offer more political and economic support.

Obama voices concern to Lebanon on Hezbollah role in Syria

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama told his Lebanese counterpart on Monday he was concerned about Lebanese Hezbollah militants fighting in Syria to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the White House said. Obama and Lebanese President Michel Suleiman spoke by telephone the same day Syrian activists said about 30 Hezbollah fighters and 20 Syrian soldiers and militiamen loyal to Assad had been killed in the fiercest fighting this year in the rebel stronghold of Qusair.

White House says counsel told April 24 of preliminary IRS findings

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House acknowledged on Monday that its counsel was told on April 24 about the preliminary findings of an IRS audit that eventually showed Internal Revenue Service employees had targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny. White House spokesman Jay Carney said the counsel, Kathryn Ruemmler, later informed the White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and other senior staff members about the politically damaging preliminary findings of inappropriate activity by some IRS employees.

Obama urges Myanmar to stop violence against Muslims

By Paul Eckert WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama urged the president of Myanmar on Monday to take steps to halt violence against Muslims in his country and move ahead with economic and political reforms. Thein Sein became the first head of Myanmar to visit the White House in 47 years, and he and Obama sat down for talks in the Oval Office.
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