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Taleban Negotiators Say South Korean Hostages May Be Freed Soon Hostages could be released as early 'as today or tomorrow' United Nations to Expand Role in Iraq Security Council unanimously approves resolution that gives UN larger role in brokering political dialogue inside Iraq Bush Hosts French President For Vacation Lunch President and first lady meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Sarkozy at Bush family's compound in Kennebunkport, Maine Sierra Leoneans Vote for President, Parliament First elections since peacekeepers left Sierra Leone after more than ten years of civil war Analyst Says Puntland Crisis Could Further Destabilize Horn of Africa Among region's worst problems is hyperinflation, which triggered mass protests last month Niger Campaigns Against Irregular Migration IOM campaign will inform potential migrants of safer, legal methods of migration Uncertainty About Kosovo's Future Leaves Somber Mood in Divided Mitrovica Mitrovica is second largest city in country and only place in mostly ethnically Albanian province where minority Serbs comprise sizeable urban presence Damage to Space Shuttle's Heat Shield Seen in Orbit Astronauts aboard International Space Station spotted gouge in shuttle Endeavour's heat-resistant tiles Friday as orbiter approached for docking US Republican Presidential Candidates Compete in Iowa Straw Poll Poll described as 'beauty contest,' but can have significant impact on which candidates will make strong showing in Iowa caucus UN Steps Up Effort to End Female Genital Mutilation United Nations Population Fund and United Nations Children's Fund launch $44 million program to fund efforts in various African communities