Iraq Delegates to an international conference on Iraq started gathering in an Egyptian resort to discuss the war-wracked country's future, with first elections scheduled for January 30, and other contentious Middle East issues. Iraq Iraq's interim finance minister, Adel Abdel Mahdi, hailed agreement by a group of creditor nations to write off a large chunk of debt inherited from the former regime of Saddam Hussein as historic. Ukraine Ukraine's pro-Western opposition leader called on tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Kiev to continue their protests against alleged fraud in the weekend presidential election "until victory." Mideast US Secretary of State Colin Powell, on his first visit to the region in 18 months for talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, said there was a "moment of opportunity" for Middle East peace. Mideast Israel will do everything it can to ease the holding of the Palestinian leadership election in January, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said after talks with US Secretary of State Colin Powell. Britain Iran's suspension of uranium enrichment activity is a "step in the right direction," UN watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei said, after Iran declared it was beginning the suspension of sensitive nuclear activities surrounding uranium enrichment. Chile US President George W. Bush leaves an Asia-Pacific summit behind after publicly warning North Korea and Iran about their nuclear programs and privately questioning Russia's commitment to democracy. Afghanistan US and Afghan forces raided a house in Kabul in an operation aimed at freeing three foreign UN workers who were kidnapped last month, military and police sources said. NKorea A Pyongyang-linked newspaper here has admitted portraits of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il have been taken down at sites visited by foreigners, contrary to a denial by the Stalinist state. Philippines Fifty-eight fishermen were missing and feared drowned as the death toll from a severe storm that battered the Philippines rose to 24, officials said. China The death toll from a fire at five connected iron ore mines in northern China rose to 57 after more bodies were lifted out of the smoke-filled shafts, as those in charge of the operation were detained. US Unprecedented suspensions, including the longest in NBA history, and tighter arena security were imposed by the National Basketball Association following an ugly brawl between players and fans that could deliver the league a painful blow.