EU EU leaders began gathering for a summit set to make a long-awaited decision on launching entry talks with Turkey, widely expected to give Ankara a green light despite last-ditch haggling over the exact terms of the offer. Iraq Campaigning for the first post-Saddam Hussein elections in Iraq was underway after US President George W. Bush warned neighbouring Iran and Syria to stop "meddling" in the country's affairs. Britain Britain's government suffered a major blow to its security policy as the country's highest court of appeal ruled that the indefinite detention without trial of foreign terrorism suspects was illegal. Saudi An audiotape message attributed to top terror mastermind Osama bin Laden laid the blame for the deadly unrest in Saudi Arabia on the kingdom's regime, in a broadcast on an Islamist website. Iraq The director of Iraq's state-run telecommunications company and his bodyguard were killed by armed men in Baghdad, the communications ministry said. Britain British Prime Minister Tony Blair heads for a key summit after a rapid and deeply unwelcome reorganisation of his government following the resignation of widely respected interior minister David Blunkett. Iraq The captain of a British warship who was ordered off his ship following a reported near-mutiny over bullying allegations has been removed permanently from his command, the Royal Navy said. Russia Russian oil giant Yukos pinned its hopes on a US court ruling to deprive state-controlled gas monopoly Gazprom of crucial Western financing in its bid to swallow up Yukos' core asset in a weekend auction. Ukraine Ukraine presidential rivals worked the media to get their message out ahead of a crucial rerun vote on December 26 that will likely decide whether this former Soviet republic turns toward the West or remains in Russia's orbit. Indonesia Indonesia was on high alert after British and Australian warnings of a terrorist attack before Christmas amid fears Islamic militants wanted for the Bali bombings are poised to strike again.