Polish Prime Minister Donal Tusk and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo courtesy of www.kprm.gov.pl

• Poland's Prime Minister Travels to the Kremlin to Ease Escalating Tension
• Congress Wants Say in Plans for Long-Term US Security Forces in Iraq
• Declaration of Kosovo Independence Expected Soon, Followed by Violence
• Kenyan Mediation Talks Close on a Positive Note
• Protesters Charged as Terrorists Await Government Action in El Salvador

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Congress Wants Say in Plans for Long-Term US Security Forces in Iraq

The situation on the ground in Iraq is still relatively unstable. Reports of violence against civilians continue to come in from all over the country. Yesterday alone, nearly 20 bodies were found – many women, and one a Sunni Imam. Despite only making 10-dollars per day, Iraqi security forces are on the ground helping US forces work towards stability. But US troops continue to bear most of the burden – and if President Bush has his way, those troops will remain in the country indefinitely.

Congress is attempting to limit this. In two separate committees this week, Congressional members debated who had jurisdiction over long-term security forces in Iraq. Members from both the House and Senate argued the need for congressional approval if President Bush enters an agreement with the Iraqi government to provide continuing security forces in the country. Katharine Jarmul reports from Washington.

Poland's Prime Minister Travels to the Kremlin to Ease Escalating Tension

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk paid a visit to Russia today, hoping to establish warmer ties between the two countries - despite rifts over energy supplies and the US missile defense program. At the Kremlin, Tusk discussed bilateral issues with President Vladimir Putin and his likely successor Dmitry Medvedev.

Ties between the largest ex-communist EU member and its neighbor, Russia, have been all but frozen for the last two years. Political analysts have welcomed the resumption of dialogue, but stress that serious challenges remain. Danuta Isler reports from Warsaw.

Declaration of Kosovo Independence Expected Soon, Followed by Violence

A unilateral declaration of independence by leaders of the Serbian province of Kosovo is expected in the next few weeks. But the newly elected government of Serbia has not changed its position towards the small province, insisting that it must remain within Serbia. The potential for violence after the declaration is strong. Amy Miller reports from Starogracko, Kosovo on the fears of the minority.

Kenyan Mediation Talks Close on a Positive Note

More than a thousand people have been killed in post-election violence in Kenya – and the number of internally displaced people has soared to over 300-thousand. There's good news for those wanting an end to the upheaval - mediation talks ended today on a positive note. The Kenyan government and opposition leaders have agreed in principle to ensure they reach a political settlement. Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary General and the Chair of the talks, said that they were now working out the details. He expects that a settlement will be reached in the coming week. FSRN correspondent John Bwakali reports from Nairobi.

Protesters Charged as Terrorists Await Government Action in El Salvador

In El Salvador, thirteen organizers and community members are being charged under the country's Anti-Terrorism and Organized Crime law. They were arrested last July as they attempted to attend a forum and vigil against water privatization. In response to outrage from members of the international community, the government released the protesters. But the charges still remain and could carry hefty prison sentences.

The Salvadorian government has until the end of today to present a case against the 13. In a country whose social movement saw brutal repression before and during the civil war 16 years ago, this is seen as an ominous move towards once again criminalizing dissent. Meredith de Francesco has more from Suchitoto.