| US abstains as UN calls for Gaza cease-fire (AP) [5 mins] AP - In a surprise move, the United States abstained from a U.N. Security Council vote Thursday night urging an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, saying it wanted to see the results of Egyptian-mediated talks with Hamas and Israel before calling for a halt to military action.Related stories: UN calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza - Times Online UN council calls for Gaza ceasefire - International Herald Tribune ~40 grouped stories | Council staff two weeks on sick [23 mins] Council staff took two weeks in sick leave on average last year at a cost to ratepayers of more than £16m, the Audit Office says. |