APEC looks ahead...Congo help...Baghdad dog killings

LIMA, Peru (AP) There's no pessimism at the summit of Asian and Pacific countries in Peru. They're predicting the world's economic slump will be over within 18 months. The 21 members of APEC agreed on an action plan for dealing with the crisis as the meeting wrapped up today.

Washington (AP) Aides to President-elect Barack Obama say they'll soon give details on the economic plan he hopes to quickly get through Congress once in office. It's expected to cost far more than the $175 billion he proposed on the campaign trail.

GOMA, Congo (AP) The first medical supplies have reached clinics in eastern Congo since rebels took over the area. The medical group Merlin says it's the first time in 10 days it's been able to reach two cut off towns. Congo's fighting has uprooted 250,000 people.

BAGHDAD (AP) Iraq's parliament votes Wednesday on a proposed new security agreement with the U.S., and two members of the Iraqi cabinet are warning it better pass. Otherwise, they say there will be more violence that will hurt Iraq's economic recovery.

BAGHDAD (AP) Baghdad has begun a campaign to kill stray dogs blamed for a number of fatal attacks. More than 200 dogs were killed today, using poisoned meat and rifles. In August alone, 13 people died after being attacked by stray dogs in Baghdad.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-23-08 1242CST | save this article / add to your favorites list