World News Update, what you need to know

Pro-Russian rebels are claiming a massive turnout in a vote to split east Ukraine into two independent republics, as news comes through of bloodshed outside a town hall.

ELSEWHERE:

BAGHDAD - Iraqi authorities have recovered the bodies of 20 soldiers shot dead after being kidnapped from a northern military base, as counting continues from last month's election.

TEHRAN - Iran says it has succeeded in copying a US drone it captured two-and-a-half years ago, with state television images apparently showing the replicated aircraft.

BAKU - French President Francois Hollande is calling for a summit in Paris on security in west Africa, focusing on the Islamist sect that has abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria.

RIYADH - Three more people have died from the MERS coronavirus in Saudi Arabia, taking the number of fatalities from the disease in the kingdom to 142.

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama has sent his congratulations to Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by a US National Football League team.