11.   Syrian cities, celebrating the occasion, have been festooned with thousands of Assad portraits and banners proclaiming support for him.

12.   The U.S. government wants to ensure that a U.N. conference on children does not proclaim support for abortion, officials said.

13.   The White House expressed concerns Tuesday that a U.N. conference on children next month will proclaim support for abortion counseling and services in its final declaration.

14.   Zedillo won rousing cheers when he proclaimed his support for the party.

15.   Qatar is one of the few Arab countries to have proclaimed support for the Sudanese government and sent it humanitarian aid since a rebel offensive erupted early last month.