World highlights

• The White House said yesterday it was concerned about Iran's announcement that it had begun producing nuclear fuel on an industrial scale. "We are very concerned about Iran's announcement that they entered an industrial stage of nuclear fuel production," said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council. "Iran continues to defy the international community and further isolate itself by expanding its nuclear program, rather than suspending uranium enrichment."

• Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi came under fire yesterday after the Taliban killed the Afghan translator of an Italian journalist freed in a controversial prisoner swap last month. Prof. Prodi has already had to fight accusations of encouraging hostage-taking in Afghanistan after he pressured the Kabul government to free five Taliban prisoners in exchange for reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo.

• Vote counting for a new president began in East Timor after a poll that many hope can help end deep divisions and instability in one of the world's youngest and poorest nations. Over half a million people were eligible to vote in the election, which outgoing President Xanana Gusmao said was a chance to show his nation is no failed state.

• Britain's Defence Ministry banned any more of the 15 sailors and marines held in Iran for nearly two weeks from selling their stories to the media, reversing a previous decision after widespread criticism. Defence Secretary Des Browne announced a "review of the regulations" concerning payment for stories after defence experts, former military commanders and members of the public expressed outrage that some had profited from their captivity.

• France's presidential election campaign officially began yesterday with candidates unveiling television and radio spots to try to win over the vast army of undecided voters. The 12 hopefuls have been sparring for months, appearing regularly in the media and making campaign stops around France ahead of the first-round vote on April 22.

• The top US negotiator on North Korea's nuclear programme said yesterday it was becoming difficult for Pyongyang to meet a mid-April deadline to close a nuclear reactor, but Washington would not accept a partial shutdown. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill told reporters he wanted Pyongyang to implement a nuclear disarmament agreement regardless of a dispute over the transfer of frozen funds to North Korea.