I'm Phillip Hong. The time is 0800 (UTC) on the 26th of March (UTC), and this is Audio Wikinews: News Briefs.
Pentagon: Russia provided information to Iraq
The Pentagon claims that Saddam Hussein received intelligence from a Russian ambassador about United States plans and movements during the opening days of the 2003 Iraq invasion. The intelligence passed to Hussein provided information on US military plans, troop numbers, units and locations.

Australia's new controversial workplace regulations come into effect this week
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has urged the federal opposition Labor Party to focus on industrial relations (IR) as radical changes come into force from Monday 27th March. The legislation was passed in a row of controversy by parliament in December last year.

Norman Kember returned home safely
The freed hostage Norman Kember arrived home earlier Saturday. In a prepared statement delivered at Heathrow Airport, he responded to earlier accusations that he was "not grateful" for the multinational effort culminating in his release.
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The time is 0100 on the 26th of March, and this is Audio Wikinews: News Briefs.
Tens of thousands rally against Thailand's Prime Minister
In the latest attempt to evict Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra ahead of next week's election, tens of thousands of protesters have rallied in Bangkok, Thailand. Some 10,000 police have been mobilised for the protest. Another 10,000 officers are on standby. Police estimated the crowd at 30,000 people.

Riot police arrest Kozulin, Belarusian opposition leader
Presidential candidate Aleksandr Kozulin, leader of the Belarusian opposition against president Alexander Lukashenko has been arrested by Belarusian police, according to witness reports at a march. The march was being held to protest the arrests of 200 fellow demonstrators who are being held at a detention center in the area. Witnesses stated that Kozulin was pulled out of a crowd of protesters and arrested by riot police at the scene.

Death claims Buck Owens, country music icon, at 76
Country music singer, songwriter icon and 1996 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Buck Owens has passed away at his Bakersfield, California residence. He was 76. Considered by many as the original rhinestone cowboy, his career included over 20 number one hits including his first, "Act Naturally," in 1963, "Together Again," and "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail." Most of his biggest hits were released during the mid 1960's to mid 1970's.
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Wikinews:Briefs/March 26, 2006