World datelines

Britain: Anglicans

LONDON — The worldwide Anglican Communion may have to accept a "two track" system in which churches can hold different opinions about gay clergy and same-sex unions, the Archbishop of Canterbury said Monday in a bid to keep the church unified.

Rowan Williams outlined his thoughts on the future of the deeply divided church body on his Web site in response to the recently completed General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the communion's U.S. branch.

At the meeting, Episcopalians authorized bishops to bless same-sex unions and research an official prayer for the ceremonies.

Iraq: Kurdish vote

BAGHDAD — A Kurdish opposition group has made an surprisingly strong showing in elections for the Kurdish self-rule region in northern Iraq, tapping into widespread frustration over alleged corruption and intimidation by the longtime ruling establishment.

Despite their internal differences, Kurds were united in their hard line in disputes with Iraq's Arabs over oil-rich territory, which threaten to erupt into new violence even as the U.S. military prepares to withdraw its forces by the end of 2011.

Experts said the political maneuvering only served to harden the Kurdish nationalist rhetoric.

Official results from Saturday's vote for a regional president and 111-seat parliament were not expected until later this week.

Netherlands: Trial

AMSTERDAM — Former Liberian President Charles Taylor said Monday he was sickened by allegations at his war crimes trial that he ate human flesh, calling testimony by a former aide the lies of an illiterate man.

"I felt like throwing up when I heard that nonsense, and I think even the prosecution were shocked at listening to that foolishness," he told the Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague.

Taylor, beginning his third week on the stand, said the stories of cannibalism by a former officer in his militia were "statements of lies, statements of deceit and deception."

He also denied trading arms for diamonds with Sierra Leone rebels, a central allegation of his indictment.

Philippines: Term end

MANILA — Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, faced with the prospect of civil unrest unless she steps down at the end of her term, has vowed not to try to extend her time in office.

In her final state of the nation address Monday, Arroyo defended her record during her turbulent 81/2 years in power and assured lawmakers she would not lift term limits set by the constitution.

She also said she will defend democracy when threatened by violence in her last months in power — a clear warning to anyone plotting to remove her by force.