World News Update, what you need to know

A Bali lawyer who alleged Indonesian judges sought bribes to save Australians Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan from the firing squad has reportedly withdrawn his claims.

ELSEWHERE:

WASHINGTON - At least five people have died after violent storms and tornadoes battered parts of the southern United States over the weekend, leaving at least eight more missing and dozens injured.

PARIS - Sea-level rise is accelerating, not declining as some have hoped, Australian scientists say, citing meltwater from Earth's ice sheets as the likely cause.

KUMANOVO - Thirty alleged gunmen have been charged with terror offences after a bloody shootout with Macedonian police which left 22 dead, including eight police officers, and dozens of homes destroyed in a town close to the border with Kosovo.

NEW YORK: The EU's foreign policy chief has sought UN support for a controversial European Union plan that provides for military action to stem the tide of refugees making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean.

LONDON: Nigel Farage is to remain head of Britain's anti-EU UK Independence Party despite tendering his resignation after failing to become an MP in last week's general election.

CARDIFF - A UK bus company has apologised after advertising its fares with a picture of a half naked woman and the words "ride me all day for STG3".