US, Vietnam leaders build ties but disagree on rights
US President Barack Obama on Thursday called on Vietnam's leader to improve on human rights but the former enemy nations pledged to work together on trade and tensions with China.
26 July 2013
UN concern at Australia's PNG boatpeople plan
The United Nations on Friday said it was "troubled" by Australia's decision to send asylum-seekers arriving by boat to Papua New Guinea given conditions there failed to adequately protect refugees.
JFK's sole survivor named ambassador to Japan
President Barack Obama on Wednesday nominated Caroline Kennedy to become US ambassador to Japan, in the biggest foray into public service for John F. Kennedy's sole surviving child.
25 July 2013
Vietnam leader faces rights pressure on rare US visit
Vietnam's president on Wednesday starts a rare visit to Washington to boost trade and security ties between the former war foes, but activists urged the United States to press him on human rights.
Solomons peacekeeping force pulls back after 10 years The largest military operation in the Pacific since World War II wound up in the Solomon Islands on Wednesday after a decade working to end deep-seated ethnic violence in the poverty-stricken nation.
Biden in Mumbai to boost US-India trade ties US Vice President Joe Biden is expected Wednesday to urge India to further open its doors to foreign investment, during his visit to boost bilateral ties between the world's two largest democracies.
24 July 2013
Obama kicks off economy tour as new fiscal fight looms US President Barack Obama hits the road this week to drum up support for his economic program as rival Republicans warn of a new showdown over the government's debt ceiling.
Syria opposition leader set to meet France's Hollande Syria's opposition leader is scheduled to meet French President Francois Hollande Wednesday, a day after asking France for military aid to boost the forces fighting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.