U.S. undersecretary of state for arms control John Bolton termed Muammar Qadaffi’s decision to ban military trade with Iran, North Korea and Syria an “important step forward”. IAEA reported evidence Libya received 2 tons of uranium from North Korea in 2001; denied by North Korea. IAEA said questions remained on Libya’s nuclear program. U.S. State Department kept Libya on list of non-cooperative states on terrorism, but hinted arms embargo could be eased.

Police arrested 3 terror suspects after Casablanca shoot-out, adding to 2,000 arrested on terrorist charges since 2003 Casablanca bombings. King Mohammed VI marked their anniversary 16 May by forming Ulema religious council to “shield” Moroccan Islam from extremism. Further Spanish arrests 10 May took number of Moroccans arrested in connection with Madrid bombings to 15.

4 suspected al-Qaeda militants attacked 2 oil industry compounds in eastern city of Khobar 29 May, killing 22. 3 of 4 gunmen allowed to escape after threatening to kill hostages. Attack was second in month on kingdom's oil interests, sparking instability fears - and higher prices - in world oil markets.

In long-anticipated and largely symbolic move, U.S. imposed economic sanctions on Syria 11 May. Meanwhile, EU agreed wording of landmark trade accord with Damascus; includes clause with WMD benchmarks. Authorities said group of 4 Syrian radical Islamists responsible for 27 April bombing in diplomatic district of Damascus.

No movement towards acceptance of Baker peace plan rejected by Morocco. Kofi Annan threatened possible UN pull-out if problem not resolved.

Security forces raping and killing illegal Congolese diamond miners and families, with tens of thousands expelled, according to UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Expelled miners later attacked Angolan refugees in DR Congo. In positive move towards greater transparency, government agreed to share some oil revenue information with IMF.

Under heavy pressure from army, Hutu FNL rebel group offered 22 April to cease attacks on government forces and enter into negotiations, hoping for international community support. But government later clashed with FNL, with at least 10 killed. Clashes earlier in month between FNL and government troops killed at least 21 and caused some 27,000 to flee fighting near capital, Bujumbura. Significant number of parliamentary deputies defected from largest political party Frodebu to party of former Hutu rebel group FDD. Refugees returning in increasing numbers. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan began planning for UN peacekeeping mission, but Security Council yet to formally approve. Rwandan troops briefly entered Burundi 22 April to chase DRC-based Hutu rebels.

UN to investigate claims that hundreds killed during and after March opposition protests. Opposition leaders agreed to resume dialogue with President Gbagbo 17 April on stalled peace talks provided preconditions met - but little progress likely in short term, with both sides holding large rallies in Abidjan 24-25 April, and rebel leader Guillaume Soro talking of northern secession. UN commenced deployment of peacekeepers by "rehatting" 1,400 already deployed West African troops as UN peacekeepers; 6,200 to be deployed by July.

Rwandan troops reportedly crossed into DRC 21 April in breach of peace agreement, and forced patrol of UN peacekeepers to return to base. UN peacekeeping mission (MONUC) began deploying in troubled Kivus region, with full deployment expected by end of May. Kivus still subject to widespread ethnic violence. At least 61 killed in clashes late April in South Kivu between Rwandan Hutu rebels and DRC troops. President Kabila asked International Criminal Court prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, to investigate possible war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide: investigation could commence later this year.

No progress in dispute over demarcation of border, with Eritrea continuing to refuse to meet UN special envoy Lloyd Axworthy.