New York City raises legal age for cigarettes to 21
A New York City law banning cigarette sales to people under 21 was signed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday, the latest move in the Big Apple's war on smoking.
High-stakes Iran nuclear talks to resume
Iran and world powers resume talks on Wednesday seeking a landmark breakthrough over Tehran's nuclear programme that also satisfies sceptical hardliners in Washington, Israel and the Islamic republic.
20 November 2013 10:37
Ukraine to debate Tymoshenko bill to save EU deal
Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday was set to debate a bill to let jailed former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko go abroad for treatment in a last-ditch attempt to save a crucial deal with the European Union.
Arab, Africa leaders to review economic ties at summit
Arab and African leaders are to start a two-day summit in Kuwait on Tuesday to review steps to promote economic ties between wealthy Gulf states and investment-thirsty Africa.
France firm on Iran nuclear issue, Hollande tells Israel
France will never tolerate nuclear proliferation, President Francois Hollande vowed on Sunday as Israel expressed "grave concern" about a looming deal between world powers and Iran.
18 November 2013 14:14
Australia spied on Indonesia president: reports
Australian spy agencies attempted to listen to the phone calls of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and targeted his wife and senior ministers, reports said Monday, drawing a demand for answers from Jakarta.
18 November 2013 13:26
Irish president to make historic state visit to Britain
President Michael D. Higgins is to become the first Irish head of state to make a state visit to Britain, in another symbolic step forward for relations between the neighbouring countries.
18 November 2013 11:10
Russia hands India long-awaited aircraft carrier
Russia on Saturday finally handed over a refurbished ex-Soviet aircraft carrier to India after a refit that overran by five years and went vastly over budget, damaging ties between the countries.
17 November 2013 21:46
China's reform pledges: the main points
China's Communist Party leaders this week emerged from a closed-door meeting in Beijing bearing a raft of promises on issues from the controversial one-child policy to the scope of the death penalty.