Reuters - The African Union's peace and security council is expected to extend the mandate of its underfinanced force in Darfur on Wednesday until the end of the year, diplomats said.

AFP - French energy groups Gaz de France and Suez were expected to reply to the EU Commission about anti-trust concerns raised by their controversial tie-up.

AP - After weeks of prodding, European nations have agreed to provide more troops for the alliance in Afghanistan, where violence has surged and efforts to eradicate the opium crops are floundering, NATO's top commander said Wednesday.