Iraq Al-Qaeda's frontman in Iraq Abu Musab al-Zarqawi declared war on the elections which he said were aimed at bringing the country under Shiite control, in an audiotape posted on an Islamist website. Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko was sworn in as president of Ukraine in a historic ceremony capping months of turmoil in the former Soviet republic that he now intends to set on a firm pro-Western course. 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. Mideast Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said there had been a respite in Palestinian rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip but warned that Israel would do "all that is necessary" if they resumed. China Chinese officials were trying to locate eight nationals after they were reportedly freed by their captors in Iraq on a promise from Beijing to ban any more of its citizens from entering the country. Iran Iran said it was not taking talk of a US attack seriously, but nevertheless cautioned Washington that military action against the Islamic republic would be a "major strategic blunder". Indonesia The Indonesian death toll from last month's earthquake and tsunamis climbed to 173,981, according to health ministry figures released as authorities said the relief operation's emergency stage was drawing to a close. 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. Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan government denied claims by Tamil Tiger rebels that it was using tsunami relief donations to buy arms, as peacebroker Norway urged the two sides to unite to rebuild the battered country. US Freezing temperatures compounded blizzard-like conditions in parts of the northeastern United States as the first major snowstorm of the year swept across the region. 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.