For the first time, Egyptian Copts are flew to the Holy Land in large numbers to celebrate Easter. In so doing, they defied a decree issued by the late Pope Shenouda III prohibiting members of the Coptic Church from visiting Jerusalem. The Coptic pope, who died March 17, threatened excommunication for anyone who defied the travel ban that was imposed in the late 1970s in an effort to show solidarity with Palestinians.

Pope Benedict at his easter mass at Vatican City, shared his hope for the people in Nigeria

The U-N and Arab League's envoy for Syria, Kofi Annan, told the U-N General Assembly that Syria must do more to stop the ongoing bloodshed. He's called for a comprehensive political dialogue -- And said his six-point peace plan must be implemented urgently -- and in its entirety. 

Yesterday, the Assad regime announced it needs written guarantees from opposition fighters that they will lay down their weapons, before the pullback of any troops.

The opposition has swiftly rejected these demands, putting any Syrian ceasefire in jeopardy.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has called upon the international community to closely monitor Burma after soldiers from the Burma Army reportedly ransacked a village church and disrupted a Christian meeting of about 1000 attendees. Benedict Rogers, East Asia Team Leader at Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said the incidents suggest there's a long way to go in Burma's reform process. He warned that the international community needed to be "cautious" about lifting too many sanctions too quickly. Grave violations of human rights --including religious discrimination and persecution continues in Burma.

For young people in Iraq, fashion could be life or death for those who dress like westerners. Recently, lists were circulated naming people to be targeted or killed if they did not change the way they dress.
Arwa Damon brings us this alarming report

Pretty soon, we'll all be seeing spring's blooms on the continent. Well Japan's cherry blossom trees are already in full bloom. And the public is flocking to parks around the country to party beneath the branches. The cherry blossom is considered the symbol of Japanese beauty. This year also marks 100 years, since Japan sent the US….three-thousand cherry blossom trees that were planted in Washington.

IN SPORTS NEWS….

N-F-L player Tim Tebow attracted thousands for an Easter Sunday service.
The New York Jets quarterback was the featured guest at the outdoor worship service held near Austin, Texas. Here you see Tebow taking the stage. He is well known for his Christian devotion.