Prime Minister has made a surprise visit to Afghanistan. Julia Gillard met the country's President Hamid Karzai in Kabul. She also had a barbeque with Australian troops and visited a hospital in Tarin Kowt. It was Ms Gillard's second visit to the country at current we just mentioned. We'll hear more from the Prime Minister in just a few moments.

 

 

 

Afghanistan's ethnic Hazaras says tougher immigration laws will not deter them from coming to Australia. Representatives of the percecuted group have spoken to the ABC in Kabul. They say prospect of spending time in an offshore processing centre will not stop them paying people smugglers to reach Australia. 

 

 

Turkey has banned all Syrian aircraft from its airspace. The move comes after Turkey intercepted an airliner carrying what it says Russian-made ammunition for the Syrian army. The Assad government has denied the claims. Activists have also accused Syria of using cluster bombs on its own people.

 

 

An Austrian daredevil has become the first human to break the sound barrier in freefall. Felix Baumgartner successfully completed the record-breaking jump from the edge of space. Forty-three-year-old also broke the record for the highest altitude jump.