Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko was set to be sworn in as president of Ukraine, capping months of turmoil in the key ex-Soviet nation. Mideast The radical Islamist movement Hamas denied claims by Israel that it had reached an agreement for a ceasefire with new Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas. Iran Iran said it was not taking talk of a US attack seriously, but nevertheless cautioned Washington that any military action against the Islamic republic would be a "major strategic blunder". Asia The Indonesian death toll from last month's earthquake and tsunamis climbed more than 7,000 to 173,981, according to health ministry figures released as authorities said the relief operation's emergency stage was drawing to a close. Asia Indonesian troops have stopped launching attacks against separatist rebels in tsunami-hit Aceh so the government can pursue peace talks, the nation's military chief said. Iraq Chinese officials were trying to track down eight nationals reportedly freed by their captors in Iraq on a promise from Beijing to ban any more of its citizens from entering the country. Maldives Pro-democracy activists won both seats reserved for the capital island Male in the Maldives post-tsunami parliamentary vote, but President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was still seen consolidating his position as Asia's longest serving leader. Russia Families of victims of the Beslan school hostage massacre have suspended their blockade of a major highway in southern Russia after being promised a meeting with a top aide to President Vladimir Putin, organizers said. Asia More than 60,000 people attended a marathon musical extravaganza in Wales which raised more than two million dollars for the victims of last month's Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.