Iraq Iraq indefinitely delayed a crucial parliament session that was to be held to approve the country's draft constitution, saying certain issues remained unresolved. China The European Union and China opened talks to resolve an impasse that has left millions of items of Chinese-made clothes blocked by European customs officials because they exceed import quotas. Germany Germany's highest court removed the final hurdle to an early general election on September 18, which is widely expected to see the appointment of the country's first-ever woman leader. Mideast Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas accused Israel of wrecking prospects for peace after soldiers killed five militants and plans were unveiled to expand the largest West Bank settlement. Europe Europe's weather crisis eased as fires were brought under control in Portugal and flood waters receded in central Europe but the death toll rose in Romania and Austria after heavy rains. NKorea Six-nation talks on ending North Korea's atomic weapons drive may resume on September 2, an official quoted China's chief negotiator as saying after Japan, China and South Korea formed a united front to press Pyongyang. EU European veterinary experts called on EU members to raise their guard against the spread of bird flu but declined to follow the Netherlands' lead and impose a ban on keeping poultry outside. Italy Revelations that Italy won the release of two hostages in Iraq by agreeing secret medical treatment for four insurgents forced Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to restate his loyalty to his allies. Britain As British police probe the final hour of one of the four London bombers, reports claimed he ate a snack at a McDonald's and left frantic phone messages for his accomplices before blowing himself up. ICoast The rebels in Ivory Coast withdrew their support for presidential elections being organised under a peace plan, saying in a statement that conditions for a "free, democratic and transparent vote" on October 30 could no longer be guaranteed.