World datelines

Israel: German 'responsibility'

JERUSALEM — German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday acknowledged her country's "historical responsibility" to Israel as she opened a three-day visit marking the 60th anniversary of the Jewish state.

The visit, which includes a stop at Israel's official Holocaust memorial and an address to parliament, reflects the warm ties that have developed between the two countries.

Australia: WWII wreck found

CANBERRA — The wreck of an Australian navy battle cruiser has been found off the nation's western coast, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced Monday, ending one of the country's most enduring maritime mysteries.

The HMAS Sydney sank on Nov. 19, 1941, in a battle with a German vessel, the DKM Kormoran. The ship's resting place had eluded searchers for decades.

France: Sarkozy's party losing

PARIS — Partial results in France's municipal elections Sunday showed President Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative party headed toward defeat and losing control of key cities, a new setback for the leader.

Sarkozy's prime minister insisted, however, that the government would forge ahead with a sweeping reform program despite demands for a change from opposition Socialists.

Egypt: Road crash kills 23

CAIRO — Twenty-three people, mostly policemen, were killed Sunday when their vehicle smashed into a truck on the highway between Cairo and Alexandria, police said.

Fifteen people were declared dead at the scene of the crash and eight others died from their injuries after they reached the hospital, said the police official.

Guatemala: Freed tourists OK

PUERTO BARRIOS — Four Belgian tourists freed by protesting farmers after being held hostage for more than a day in Guatemala's eastern jungle said Sunday they were in good condition but tired.

The Belgians — who were abducted Friday along with their Guatemalan guide and a boat operator — arrived in Guatemala City on Sunday after being freed late Saturday.

Israel: Faithful retrace path

JERUSALEM — Thousands of Christians from around the world celebrated Palm Sunday by walking the path they believe Jesus rode on his donkey as he entered Jerusalem days before his crucifixion.