Merkel lambasted by France despite her softer tone
An attack by French Socialists on Angela Merkel's drive for belt-tightening coincides with concessions by the German chancellor on austerity, but five months from elections she is loathe to trumpet her flexibility.
US-South Korea wrap up joint military drills
The United States and South Korea on Tuesday wrapped up joint military drills that infuriated North Korea, raising hopes for an easing of cross-border military tensions.
Malaysia braces for its closest election ever
When Malaysian voters cast ballots in Sunday's general election it will be the first time in the country's history that they do so without knowing the eventual winner.
30 April 2013
New Italy PM to unveil programme for change
Italy's new Prime Minister Enrico Letta was set to unveil his coalition government's programme on Monday, under the watchful gaze of international markets and European partners.
30 April 2013
French ministers warn against picking fight with Germany
Senior French ministers warned Monday against picking a fight with Germany after the ruling Socialists accused Chancellor Angela Merkel of being "selfish" in her drive for eurozone austerity.
Italy cabinet swearing-in marred by shooting
Italy's new coalition government was sworn in on Sunday, but a ceremony symbolising a fresh start for the recession-wracked country was overshadowed by a shooting outside government headquarters.
Minister Abdenov asks to set egg-thrower freeSerik Abdenov has submitted an application to the court of Almaty stating that he had no claims against Andrey Tsukanov who threw eggs at him during the press-conference in Almaty.
Violence restricts Pakistan's election campaign Attacks by the Pakistani Taliban are forcing the main party in the country's restive northwest, an important battleground in the upcoming general election, to campaign in the shadows.
29 April 2013
Modern Singapore grapples with archaic sex law With its gay bars and same-sex couples publicly displaying affection, the Tanjong Pagar district offers a glimpse of a Singapore whose outlook contrasts with its more conservative image.
29 April 2013
Will you earn enough 'points' to win new US green card? For years, millions of immigrant applicants hoped they would be lucky enough to win the US green card lottery. Under reform being considered in Congress, they may soon be asking: "Am I skilled enough?"
29 April 2013
US VP Biden meets president of Georgia US Vice President Joe Biden met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili to discuss democratic and economic reforms in that Caucasus nation.
EU foreign policy chief Ashton holds talks in China European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton held talks Saturday with officials in China in the first visit by a top-ranking EU official to the country under its new leadership.
Australia rejects calls to boycott Sri Lanka meet Australia has vowed not to boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka over allegations of human rights violations, despite mounting calls not to attend.