Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
Court to rule on Bali bombing accused
A court in Jakarta is expected to deliver its verdict in the murder trial of Umar Patek (pictured), who is accused of masterminding attacks on two nightclubs on the Indonesian resort island of Bali in October 2002 that killed 202 people, including 11 Hong Kong residents, as well as on churches in Jakarta on Christmas Eve 2000. When the trial began in February, prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty but later asked for a life sentence, arguing that Patek's remorse and co-operation should spare him from death.
Party in Beijing holds delayed congress
The Communist Party in Beijing will hold its city congress today after weeks of delay raised concerns that the all-important 18th national congress, at which a new generation of leaders will be chosen, would have to be postponed. The local congress will elect representatives to attend the 18th party congress later this year, probably in the autumn.
St Petersburg forum to discuss global economy
The three-day St Petersburg International Economic Forum starts today, bringing together world business leaders to debate economic issues and the role of emerging economic powers such as Russia. Participants include Xavier Rolet, CEO of the London Stock Exchange; Ian Read, chairman of the board and CEO of US pharmaceuticals group Pfizer; Lou Jiwei, chairman and CEO of the China Investment Corporation, and Oleg Deripaska, chairman and chief executive of Rusal, the Hong Kong-listed Russian aluminium producer.