Rows over Syria, energy cloud Russia-EU talks
The European Union and Russia kick off a two-day summit on Monday overshadowed by rows over Brussels' decision to lift its arms embargo on the Syrian rebels and resolve to loosen Moscow's grip on EU natural gas supplies.
Russia's ambitious smoking ban goes into effect
Russia's ambitious smoking ban, which aims to cut the number of smokers in half and improve public health, went into effect Saturday amid doubts that its measures can be fully enforced.
03 June 2013
US reaffirms defence treaty with Philippines
The United States on Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to a defence treaty with the Philippines, which is currently embroiled in a territorial dispute with Beijing over the South China Sea.
02 June 2013
China's Xi in Trinidad to boost Caribbean trade
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago late Friday for the first leg of a Latin America and Caribbean tour aiming to strengthen Beijing's trade ties in the region.
02 June 2013
Japan pledges $14 bn in aid to Africa over 5 years
Japan said Saturday it would give $14 billion in aid to Africa over the next five years, as Tokyo scrambles to grab a share of resources and the potentially vast marketplace on offer.
Obama approval ratings down amid political flaps
President Barack Obama's approval ratings took a hit over the past month as he wrestled with controversies over the IRS, Benghazi and the secret seizure of journalists' phone records.
Venezuela threatens to end support for Colombia peace
Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles on Thursday denounced as "blackmail" a threat by Caracas to end support for Colombia's peace process with leftist rebels.
01 June 2013
US accuses Iran of surge in 'terrorism'
The United States on Thursday accused Iran of sponsoring "terrorism" at a level unseen in decades and said that the separate threat from Al-Qaeda has been significantly degraded.
Australian prime minister dodges another sandwich
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was forced to dodge a flying sandwich for the second time this month Thursday when someone's salami lunch was flung at her during a school visit.