Arabian Business looks at the important events around the world in the past 24 hours.
By ITP
News of the World, July 17


Family members of Megumi Yokota who was abducted by North Korea, Shigeru Yokota (L) his wife Sakie (2nd R) talk with US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell (R) after their meeting at the US ambassador’s residence in Tokyo on July 17, 2009. (Getty Images)

French workers of the German auto parts maker Continental gather together in front of Compiegne’s court northern France, on July 17, 2009 to support seven employees facing legal proceedings after they damaged city’s prefecture during a demonstration on April 21, 2009. Defendant face up 5 years in jail and a 75.000 euros fine. (Getty Images)

Pakistan Muslim-League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters shout slogans as they celebrate the Supreme Court decision in favour of former Nawaz Sharif in Karachi on July 17, 2009. A Pakistan court quashed convictions against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for plane hijacking and terrorism, clearing the way for a full return to public office for the opposition leader. (Getty Images)

A Uighur man walks past a squad of armed Chinese security personnel on patrol in the Uighur district of Urumqi on July 17, 2009 in northwest China’s Xinjiang province. Security forces armed with semi-automatic weapons and batons were deployed in China’s restive Urumqi city as worshippers descended on mosques for the main Muslim day of prayer. (Getty Images)

A young girl stands in front of their submerged house due to floods caused by heavy rains overnight in Marikina City, suburban Manila, on July 17, 2009. Overnight storms brought havoc to the Philippine capital, causing widespread flooding and forcing schools, offices and the country’s stock exchange to close, officials said. (Getty Images)