Iraq At least 71 people were killed in a bloody wave of bomb blasts in three Iraqi towns, as US troops battled insurgents in the western hinterland to flush out supporters of rebel leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Georgia Georgian and US security officials were investigating how a grenade came to be found near the open-air stage where US President George W. Bush and Georgian counterpart Mikhail Saakashvili made speeches to a huge crowd in Tbilisi. Iran Iran appeared determined to back away from a deal with the European Union and end its suspension of some sensitive nuclear activities, dismissing the threat of being hauled before the UN Security Council as propaganda. Austria The lower house of the Austrian parliament voted to ratify the European Union constitution treaty, with the only 'no' vote cast by a far rightist whose party had unsuccessfully demanded a referendum on the measure. NKorea A US envoy confirmed that North Korea had begun preparations for a nuclear test as the Stalinist state claimed it had taken a key step towards the manufacture of more atomic bombs. Britain British Prime Minister Tony Blair received a standing ovation and broad support from his Labour Party for his election victory as critics demanding his resignation were silenced, party members said. Europe The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company held an annual meeting riven with Franco-German tensions as Airbus head Noel Forgeard was poised to co-pilot EADS without a successor to replace him at the aircraft maker. US Afghan troops were deployed on the streets of an eastern city after four people died and scores were injured in riots sparked by reports that US soldiers had desecrated the Koran at Guantanamo Bay. Somalia Somali warlords began deploying hundreds of fighters in villages in central Somalia following a reported incursion there by Ethiopian troops, militia leaders and witnesses said. Nigeria The presidents of Nigeria and Cameroon have agreed to speed up efforts to settle their longstanding border dispute, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said after meeting the two leaders in Geneva. Belgium A network of Chinese students coordinated from Belgium is believed to be carrying out industrial espionage in several northern European countries, according to a think-tank known as the European Strategic Intelligence and Security Centre. France The Cannes film festival, the world's top showcase of cinema, started with a slew of veteran auteurs lining up for the prestigious Palme d'Or prize, and Hollywood muscling in to promote this year's blockbusters.