Iraq US President George W. Bush downplayed Sunni Arab objections to Iraq's draft constitution, which President Jalal Talabani said was ready for an October 15 referendum. Mideast A Palestinian blew himself up while trying to board a bus in southern Israel Sunday in the first suicide attack since the evacuation of settlers from Gaza, puncturing hopes that the historic pullout would break the cycle of violence. US Tens of thousands of people fled New Orleans amid fears of catastrophe as Hurricane Katrina closed in on the low-lying southern US city with winds of 257 kilometers (160 miles) per hour. Commodities Oil prices hit new record highs after crossing 70 dollars a barrel in Asian trading hours as powerful Hurricane Katrina threatened the crude-producing Gulf of Mexico region in the United States. Israel A district tribunal indicted Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's son Omri in connection with a corruption probe into the funding of his father's leadership campaign. India-Afghanistan Prime Minister Manmohan Singh became the first Indian premier to visit Afghanistan in nearly three decades, pledging with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to battle terrorism amid rising violence in the war-battered country. China-EU The European Union could resume imports of textiles from China next month, the EU trade commissioner said, allowing blocked shipments into the 25 member states. Myanmar Myanmar's leader, Senior General Than Shwe, remains in good health and in charge of the country, Information Minister Kyaw Hsan said, denying rumours to the contrary that have circulated over the past week. Sudan The Sudanese regime and its former southern foes were engaged in intense discussions over the line-up of a national unity government, with both sides vying for the crucial oil portfolio. Venezuela Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warned he would lodge a complaint against the United States at the United Nations and other international bodies if the US government fails to act against television evangelist Pat Robertson, who had called for Chavez's assassination. US Punk trio Green Day cleaned up at the MTV Video Music Awards, snagging seven "Moonmen" at the lavish Miami bash hosted by hip-hop mogul Diddy and which featured some of the world's top entertainers.