LYON, France, Jan. 16 (UPI) — Top officials from the United Nations and Interpol met Thursday in France to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation on countering transnational criminal groups.

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Jan. 16 (UPI) — U.N. officials facilitating peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo government and rebel leaders say progress is being made.

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Jan. 16 (UPI) — The United Nations is calling for an end to hostilities in the Darfur region of Sudan after the government launched airstrikes Thursday.

LUBBOCK, Texas, Jan. 16 (UPI) — The Transportation Security Administration announced the appointment of a new director of security for the West Texas region.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (UPI) — An upgraded biometric information collection infrastructure has now been integrated into all U.S. ports of entry, according to the Homeland Security Department.