WASHINGTON (Reuters) - CIA interrogators carried out mock executions and threatened an al Qaeda commander with a gun and an electric drill, according to an internal report that provides new details of abuses inside's the agency's secret prisons, two leading U.S. newspapers reported on Saturday.

AP - A massive wildfire tore through outlying suburbs north of Athens early Sunday, destroying homes and forcing thousands to flee in dramatic overnight evacuations, Fire Service and local officials said.

AP - A high-level North Korean delegation conveyed a message from leader Kim Jong Il to the South Korean president during a rare meeting Sunday in the latest sign of warming ties on the tense Korean peninsula.

AP - Tens of thousands of mourners filled the lawn outside parliament for the state funeral Sunday of ex-President Kim Dae-jung, a longtime defender of democracy and advocate of reconciliation who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to reach out to communist North Korea.

AP - Chris Carpenter pitched seven crisp innings, Matt Holliday hit a three-run homer and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Diego Padres 7-0 on Saturday night.

Reuters - The funeral on Sunday of former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, whose efforts to reconcile the divided peninsula won him the Nobel Peace Prize, was marked by the rival Koreas' first top level talks in nearly two years.

Reuters - CIA interrogators carried out mock executions and threatened an al Qaeda commander with a gun and an electric drill, according to an internal report that provides new details of abuses inside's the agency's secret prisons, two leading U.S. newspapers reported on Saturday.

AFP - A report for Britain's Ministry of Defence leaked Sunday said the MoD's procurement programme was hugely inefficient and harming Britain's ability to fight enemies like the Taliban.

SEOUL (Reuters) - The funeral on Sunday of former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, whose efforts to reconcile the divided peninsula won him the Nobel Peace Prize, was marked by the rival Koreas' first top level talks in nearly two years.

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - The Pakistani Taliban announced a successor to slain commander Baitullah Mehsud, but intelligence officials said Sunday it was probably a smokescreen meant to hold together a movement left leaderless for almost three weeks.

AP - The U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan said Sunday that allegations of vote rigging and fraud are to be expected in the Afghan presidential election but observers should wait for the official complaints process to run its course before judging the vote's legitimacy.

Reuters - The Pakistani Taliban announced a successor to slain commander Baitullah Mehsud, but intelligence officials said Sunday it was probably a smokescreen meant to hold together a movement left leaderless for almost three weeks.

AFP - Firefighters waged a titanic effort on Sunday to contain a massive fire lapping at Athens' eastern suburbs after burning a 30-kilometre (20-mile) swathe through one of the Greek capital's last forests.

ATHENS (Reuters) - Wildfires burned scores of homes and thousands of acres of forest near Athens as flames raged out of control for a second day on Sunday, sending huge clouds of smoke over the Greek capital, authorities said.

SYDNEY (Reuters) - A leaking Australian oil well is likely to pour oil into the Timor Sea for nearly two months before it can be stopped, the operator said on Sunday, as environmentalists expressed grave fears for rare wildlife.

AP - After giving a weakening hurricane time to blow past, President Barack Obama and his family head Sunday to a small island off the Massachusetts coast for the president's first vacation since taking office.

AP - Charges of fraud in Afghanistan's presidential election are extensive enough that they could sway the final result, the commission investigating the complaints said Sunday.

Reuters - Wildfires burned scores of homes and thousands of acres of forest near Athens as flames raged out of control for a second day on Sunday, sending huge clouds of smoke over the Greek capital, authorities said.

Reuters - A leaking Australian oil well is likely to pour oil into the Timor Sea for nearly two months before it can be stopped, the operator said on Sunday, as environmentalists expressed grave fears for rare wildlife.

AFP - North Korean envoys delivered a message from their leader Kim Jong-Il when they met South Korea's president on Sunday, raising hopes of an end to high tensions that had sparked fears of military clashes.

KABUL (Reuters) - The main challenger to Afghan President Hamid Karzai in last week's elections said on Sunday he had evidence the ballot had been widely rigged.

ATHENS (Reuters) - Wildfires torched scores of homes and thousands of acres of forest in the outskirts of Athens on Sunday and sent hundreds of residents fleeing their homes, authorities said.

LONDON (Reuters) - Scotland, unaccustomed to the hot spotlight of international diplomacy, fought to justify its release of the Lockerbie bomber on Sunday, after a U.S. official angrily accused the country of rewarding terrorism.

AP - Fire burned through suburbs north of Athens early Sunday, destroying homes and forcing thousands to flee in nighttime evacuations, fire service and local officials said.

AP - After giving a weakening hurricane time to blow past, President Barack Obama and his family head Sunday to a small island off the Massachusetts coast for the president's first vacation since taking office.

Reuters - The main challenger to Afghan President Hamid Karzai in last week's elections said on Sunday he had evidence the ballot had been widely rigged.

Reuters - Wildfires torched scores of homes and thousands of acres of forest in the outskirts of Athens on Sunday and sent hundreds of residents fleeing their homes, authorities said.

Reuters - Scotland, unaccustomed to the hot spotlight of international diplomacy, fought to justify its release of the Lockerbie bomber on Sunday, after a U.S. official angrily accused the country of rewarding terrorism.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's domestic policy proposals will face the reality of skyrocketing deficits on Tuesday when officials release two government reports projecting huge budget shortfalls over the next decade.

ZURICH (Reuters) - Clients of UBS facing disclosure of their accounts to U.S. tax authorities were not harmless victims and legal cases against former UBS bankers did not affect the bank, its chairman told Swiss Sunday newspapers.

ATHENS (Reuters) - Strong winds on Sunday fanned a huge wildfire that tore through scores of homes and thousands of acres of forest near Athens, forcing thousands of residents to flee, authorities said.

AP - Tens of thousands of mourners filled the lawn outside parliament for the state funeral Sunday of ex-President Kim Dae-jung, a longtime defender of democracy and advocate of reconciliation who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to reach out to communist North Korea.

AP - Hurricane Bill blew out in time for the Obama family to blow in to Martha's Vineyard off the Massachusetts coast for the president's first vacation since taking office.

AP - Sen. John McCain says President Barack Obama will have to drop proposals for a government-run health insurance option if he hopes to reach congressional agreement on health-care reform.

AP - The head of Scotland's government said Sunday that FBI director Robert Mueller was wrong to criticize the decision to free the Pan Am Flight 103 bomber — insisting there was public support for the release on compassionate grounds.

Reuters - President Barack Obama's domestic policy proposals will face the reality of skyrocketing deficits on Tuesday when officials release two government reports projecting huge budget shortfalls over the next decade.

Reuters - Clients of UBS facing disclosure of their accounts to U.S. tax authorities were not harmless victims and legal cases against former UBS bankers did not affect the bank, its chairman told Swiss Sunday newspapers.

Reuters - Strong winds on Sunday fanned a huge wildfire that tore through scores of homes and thousands of acres of forest near Athens, forcing thousands of residents to flee, authorities said.

AFP - North Korean envoys delivered a message from their leader Kim Jong-Il when they met South Korea's president on Sunday, raising hopes of an end to high tension that had sparked fears of military clashes.

AFP - Hundreds of people were evacuated on Sunday as firefighters backed by water-bombing aircraft waged a titanic battle to contain a raging wildfire in Athens' eastern suburbs.

HAVANA (Reuters) - An official Cuban newspaper on Sunday published a photograph of 83-year-old former President Fidel Castro apparently in good health and meeting visiting Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (Reuters) - Hurricane Bill brought rain and heavy winds to Nova Scotia in eastern Canada on Sunday, which could flood and damage coastal areas and possibly impact offshore oil and gas facilities.

AP - A raging fire bore down on Athens' northern suburbs Sunday, prompting panicked residents to battle the flames with tree limbs and buckets, and police to order 10,000 people to evacuate one town immediately.

AP - The top U.S. military officer described the situation in Afghanistan as 'serious and deteriorating,' but refused to say Sunday whether defeating a resilient enemy would require more than the 68,000 American troops already committed.

AP - Hurricane Bill turned from a threat to a nuisance in New England on Sunday, keeping many beaches closed but causing little damage.

AP - A Republican senator predicts Democrats will turn to a little-used voting procedure to try get around GOP opposition and pass health care legislation.

AP - A veil of smoke settled over the forest in the shadow of the St. Elias Mountains, in a wilderness whose spruce trees stood tall and gray, a deathly gray even in the greenest heart of a Yukon summer.

AP - They go by such nicknames as 'Fat Cat' and 'Tomboy.' Their simmering power struggles once drove them into the streets, guns blazing. They rule their crime families with steely determination, and also raise the kids and stir the pasta.

AP - Brad Pitt and Quentin Tarantino have landed their history lesson on World War II at the top of the box office.

Reuters - An official Cuban newspaper on Sunday published a photograph of 83-year-old former President Fidel Castro apparently in good health and meeting visiting Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa.

AFP - A leading contender for the Afghan presidency who says he is ahead in the count after last week's election alleged widespread rigging as authorities said Sunday they were probing 225 claims of abuses.

ATHENS (Reuters) - A huge wildfire fanned by strong winds cut a swathe of destruction near Athens on Sunday, burning houses, razing large patches of forest and sending thousands fleeing their homes, authorities said.

AP - The war effort by Quentin Tarantino and Brad Pitt has paid off as their history lesson 'Inglourious Basterds' claimed victory at the box office with a $37.6 million debut.

AP - Americans LaShawn Merritt, Allyson Felix and Sanya Richards each won a second title at the world championships in the 1,600-meter relays Sunday.

Reuters - A huge wildfire fanned by strong winds cut a swathe of destruction near Athens on Sunday, burning houses, razing large patches of forest and sending thousands fleeing their homes, authorities said.

AFP - Greek authorities evacuated houses, children's hospitals and a retirement home Sunday as firefighters backed by water-bombing aircraft battled a raging wildfire threatening Athens' eastern suburbs.

KABUL (Reuters) - NATO military commanders told U.S. President Barack Obama's envoy on Sunday that they needed more troops and other resources to beat back a resurgent Taliban, particularly in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.

AP - An independent senator counted on by Democrats in the health care debate showed signs of wavering Sunday when he urged President Barack Obama to postpone many of his initiatives because of the economic downturn.

AP - As public support for the war in Afghanistan erodes, President Barack Obama soon may face two equally unattractive choices: increase U.S. troops levels to beat back a resilient enemy, or stick with the 68,000 already committed and risk the political fallout if that's not enough.

AP - A raging wildfire raced down a mountain slope in Greece toward the town of Marathon on Sunday, nearing two ancient temples while despairing residents pleaded for firefighters and equipment that were nowhere to be seen.

AP - Authorities say the troubled Indiana money manager who tried to fake his own death in a plane crash to avoid financial ruin had built his investment businesses on the backs of people he knew — acquaintances, a friend of 10 years and even his own aunt.

AP - A central Pennsylvania woman has been charged with fatally stabbing her live-in boyfriend of five years during a dispute that reportedly began as an argument over her feeding the dog before serving him dinner.

AP - LaShawn Merritt raised the metallic blue baton high in the air as he crossed the finish line. Sanya Richards went with a simple flicking motion.

Reuters - NATO military commanders told U.S. President Barack Obama's envoy on Sunday that they needed more troops and other resources to beat back a resurgent Taliban, particularly in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nouriel Roubini, one of the few economists who accurately predicted the magnitude of the world's recent financial troubles, sees a 'big risk' of a double-dip recession, according to an opinion piece posted on the Financial Times' website on Sunday.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Warner Chilcott Ltd, a specialty drug maker, is acquiring Procter & Gamble Co prescription drug business for about $3 billion, the Wall Street Journal said on Sunday, citing unnamed sources.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Democrats may sidestep Republican opposition to a sweeping healthcare overhaul by using Senate rules to pass some reform measures, a leading senator said on Sunday.

ATHENS (Reuters) - A huge wildfire fanned by strong winds cut a swathe of destruction near Athens on Sunday, burning houses, razing large patches of forest and sending thousands fleeing their homes, authorities said.

AP - Authorities say a small airplane was struck by three vehicles just after it made an emergency landing on a California freeway.

AP - Few things can be more neighborly than offering your kidney to a friend. Two Kansas City women have lived next door to each other for 30 years. But Claudine Jackson and Jo Ann Walz really got to know each other after Walz donated her kidney to Jackson.

AP - Second baseman Eric Bruntlett turned an unassisted triple play to end the Philadelphia Phillies' wild 9-7 victory over the New York Mets on Sunday. It was the 15th unassisted triple play in major league history — the second that ended a game. Detroit Tigers first baseman Johnny Neun also accomplished the feat on May 31, 1927, completing a 1-0 victory over Cleveland, according to STATS LLC.

Reuters - Nouriel Roubini, one of the few economists who accurately predicted the magnitude of the world's recent financial troubles, sees a 'big risk' of a double-dip recession, according to an opinion piece posted on the Financial Times' website on Sunday.

Reuters - Warner Chilcott Ltd, a specialty drug maker, is acquiring Procter & Gamble Co's prescription drug business for about $3 billion, a source familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

Reuters - The European Union will issue new immigration policy proposals by the end of October, Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said on Sunday, responding to Italy's plea for more coordinated EU action.

Reuters - A huge wildfire fanned by strong winds cut a swathe of destruction near Athens on Sunday, burning houses, razing large patches of forest and sending thousands fleeing their homes, authorities said.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nouriel Roubini, one of the few economists who accurately predicted the magnitude of the world's recent financial troubles, sees a 'big risk' of a double-dip recession, according to an opinion piece posted on the Financial Times' website on Sunday.

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Warner Chilcott Ltd, a specialty drug maker, is acquiring Procter & Gamble Co's prescription drug business for about $3 billion, a source familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

RIMINI, Italy (Reuters) - The European Union will issue new immigration policy proposals by the end of October, Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said on Sunday, responding to Italy's plea for more coordinated EU action.

Reuters - Nouriel Roubini, one of the few economists who accurately predicted the magnitude of the world's recent financial troubles, sees a 'big risk' of a double-dip recession, according to an opinion piece posted on the Financial Times' website on Sunday.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China is likely to begin trials this week over deadly riots in the restive far-west region of Xinjiang last month, with hundreds facing murder, arson and other charges, the official China Daily said on Monday.

HAVANA (Reuters) - Fit-looking former leader Fidel Castro appeared on Cuban television for the first time since June 2008 and his photograph was published in an official newspaper on Sunday in a signal that his once-failing health has improved.

PHILADELPHIA/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Warner Chilcott Ltd, a specialty drug maker, is acquiring Procter & Gamble Co's prescription drug business for about $3 billion, two sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

AP - Canadian police say fugitive murder suspect Ryan Jenkins has been found dead of an apparent suicide in a motel in British Columbia. Sgt. Duncan Pound of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police border integrity unit says police responded to a call about a dead person in Hope, east of Vancouver, and then called investigators who were part of the massive manhunt for Jenkins.

AP - A large wave fueled by Hurricane Bill swept spectators out to sea at a Maine park Sunday as the storm-churned surf attracted onlookers and daredevils along the Eastern Seaboard.

AP - Former Cuban President Fidel Castro appeared on state television on Sunday for the first time since June 2008, meeting with a group of students from Venezuela. The broadcast showed the 83-year-old Castro looking healthier and rested and talking with the students at an undisclosed location on Saturday.

AP - Miss USA was chosen Sunday as one of the top 15 finalists who will be vying for the Miss Universe crown. Kristen Dalton joins contestants from the following countries: Puerto Rico, Iceland, Albania, Czech Republic, Belgium, Dominican Republic, Sweden, Kosovo, Australia, France, Switzerland, South Africa, Croatia and Venezuela.

AP - A golf course groundskeeper recently stumbled onto something unexpected on the greens: A tooth from a 10,000-year-old mammoth. Groundskeeper Patrick Walker found the 10-pound tooth Tuesday when he was on the greens about 30 miles east of Grand Rapids at Morrison Lake Country Club.

Reuters - China is likely to begin trials this week over deadly riots in the restive far-west region of Xinjiang last month, with hundreds facing murder, arson and other charges, the official China Daily said on Monday.

Reuters - Fit-looking former leader Fidel Castro appeared on Cuban television for the first time since June 2008 and his photograph was published in an official newspaper on Sunday in a signal that his once-failing health has improved.

Reuters - Warner Chilcott Ltd, a specialty drug maker, is acquiring Procter & Gamble Co's prescription drug business for about $3 billion, two sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

SEOUL (Reuters) - A U.S. official charged with enforcing U.N. sanctions on North Korea will seek South Korea's support during talks in Seoul on Monday even as Pyongyang makes conciliatory moves after months of military grandstanding.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) - A reality TV star wanted for the brutal murder of his bikini model ex-wife in California has been found dead in a motel near Vancouver, Canadian police said on Sunday.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (Reuters) - Hurricane Bill brought rain and heavy winds to eastern Canada on Sunday after pounding the U.S. East Coast with heavy seas that killed two people.

SUNGAI SIPUT, Malaysia (Reuters) - Religious authorities in Malaysia on Monday freed a Muslim woman who had been sentenced to be caned for drinking beer, although she refused to leave a van taking her to jail when returned to her home.

AP - A reality show contestant wanted for murder in the gruesome death and mutilation of his ex-wife was found dead Sunday of an apparent suicide after hanging himself in a secluded motel, authorities said.

AP - A large wave fueled by Hurricane Bill swept a group of surf-watchers into the sea at a Maine park Sunday, including a 7-year-old girl who died after the Coast Guard pulled her from the churning waters.

AP - A partial drop in gale-force winds early Monday offered hard-pressed Greek firefighters a brief respite after wildfires raged unchecked for two days north of Athens, burning houses and swathes of forest while forcing thousands to flee their homes.

AP - Miss Venezuela was the fairest of them all, again.

AP - Derek Jeter hit the first pitch of the game for one of New York's five homers off Josh Beckett, CC Sabathia became the majors' first 15-game winner, and the Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 8-4 Sunday night.

Reuters - A U.S. official charged with enforcing U.N. sanctions on North Korea sought South Korea's support during talks in Seoul on Monday even as Pyongyang makes conciliatory moves after months of military grandstanding.

Reuters - A reality TV star wanted for the brutal murder of his bikini model ex-wife in California has been found dead in a motel near Vancouver, Canadian police said on Sunday.

Reuters - Hurricane Bill brought rain and heavy winds to eastern Canada on Sunday after pounding the U.S. East Coast with heavy seas that killed two people.

Reuters - Singapore has downplayed media reports of a plot to attack an Asia-Pacific summit in the city-state in November, the Straits Times newspaper reported on Monday.

Reuters - Religious authorities in Malaysia on Monday freed a Muslim woman who had been sentenced to be caned for drinking beer, although she and her family demanded to know whether her ordeal was over.