NEW YORK (AP):

Home prices across most of the US have started to rise from the depths of the housing slump, a pivotal trend that will help stabilise the broader economy, according to new figures released yesterday.

Nationally, prices in the second quarter posted their first quarterly increase in three years, according to the widely watched Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller's US National Home Price Index. The monthly index of 20 major cities also rose from May to June, with Dallas and Denver clocking their fourth-straight increase. Only Detroit and Las Vegas saw prices fall in June.

Nuclear talks

Bosworth

South Korea (AP):

North Korea has invited top US envoys to visit the communist nation in what would be the countries' first nuclear talks since President Barack Obama was elected, a news report said yesterday. But the US said there are no plans for a visit.

North Korea recently offered the invitation to Stephen Bosworth, special envoy to North Korea, and chief nuclear negotiator Sung Kim, and the US government is strongly considering sending them to the North next month, Seoul's JoongAng Ilbo daily reported.

Boycott Madonna concert - officials

Madonna

Bulgaria (AP):

Orthodox Church officials are urging Bulgarians to keep away from a planned Madonna concert this weekend, accusing the pop singer of showing disrespect to Christianity. The powerful Church of Bulgaria has issued a statement expressing "disapproval and disagreement" with Saturday's event, and says the United States performer "openly violates" holy Christian symbols.

Yesterday's statement accused Madonna of displaying "a disrespectful and intolerant attitude" to the religious feelings of Christians on her ongoing Sticky and Sweet tour. Madonna arrives in Sofia after a concert Wednesday in neighbouring Romania.

Obama's plans give Castro mixed feelings

Castro

HAVANA (AP):

Cuba's Fidel Castro is criticising President Barack Obama's plans to stepped-up US war in Afghanistan while backing Obama's effort to provide health care coverage for all Americans.

The former Cuban president said in an essay published yesterday that he hasn't the slightest doubt that "the racist right" will do anything to stop Obama from succeeding domestically. Castro's remarks appeared on the Cubadebate website, which publishes his frequent essays on global affairs.

Gov't to clamp down on illegal downloads

LONDON (AP):

The British government says people who illegally download music and films could have their Internet connections cut off. Treasury Minister Stephen Timms says the move would allow "swifter and more flexible measures" to clamp down on piracy.

The plans announced yesterday include blocking access to download sites and temporarily suspending users' Internet accounts. The announcement drew criticism from some groups, but those representing the music industry were pleased.