Iraq A powerful explosion sent a fireball through a dining hall at a US base in the city of Mosul, killing 22 people, including 19 Americans, in the deadliest strike on a US military base in war-torn Iraq. Iraq Two French journalists held hostage in Iraq for four months have been freed, officials said, sending France into jubilation as emotional relatives called it "the most beautiful Christmas present ever." Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin said he knew the mystery buyer that won an auction for the main asset of Russia's Yukos oil giant, adding that a state firm could eventually acquire the key energy concern. Northern Ireland Bank robbers in Northern Ireland have made off with as much as 30 million pounds (43.3 million euros, 58 million dollars) in what could be the province's biggest bank heist ever, police said. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan admitted allegations about the UN's oil-for-food programme in Iraq had "cast a shadow" over the United Nations but played down the question of resigning. Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to work with Europe on the conflict in Chechnya and to respect the election outcome in Ukraine, but insisted the controversial sell-off of the Yukos oil group was an internal matter. Mideast Israel's police chief warned that hardline Jewish settlers could thwart next year's Gaza pullout, as Jews who face being uprooted invoked the Holocaust by donning orange stars as a mark of protest. Pakistan Police arrested the husband of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto less than a month after he won his freedom following an eight-year stint behind bars. UN UN Secretary General Kofi Annan appealed for more international help in Sudan's Darfur region and pressed the Security Council to "assume its responsibility" for peace and security. Mozambique Mozambique's ruling party and its presidential candidate Armando Guebuza won landslide victories in key elections, according to final results, as an enraged opposition decided to boycott the new parliament.