UN welcomes Congo agreement, calls for swift implementation

The New Year's Eve accord followed months of unrest that left dozens dead and threatened to further destabilize the Central African nation with a history of dictatorship and civil war.

Kabila was barred from seeking a new term after his mandate expired Dec 19. But a court ruled he could stay on until elections, and his party said those weren't possible before mid-2018.

The council said in a statement by its president yesterday it was encouraged "by the spirit of flexibility and compromise" shown in reaching the agreement.

It stressed the importance of taking "all necessary steps to accelerate preparations for the elections without further delays.

Session washed out in Australia-Pakistan Test

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 SharePrint Print E-mailComments Comment[ - ] Text [ + ] 9:52 HRS IST

Sydney, Jan 5 (AFP) No play was possible as rain washed out the first session on the third day in the third Sydney Test between Australia and Pakistan today.

Covers protected the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch and surrounds, with little likelihood of play into the early afternoon.

Pakistan will resume at 126 for two with Azhar Ali on 58 and Younis Khan on 64 in reply to Australia's 538 for eight declared.

Australia have already won the series after victories in the Brisbane and Melbourne Tests, while Pakistan are battling to avoid their 12th straight Test defeat in Australia.