Italy holds local polls in test for parties
Italians voted in local polls on Sunday that will test political parties three months from a general election that left no clear winner and a month after the start of a fragile coalition cabinet.
Colombia, rebels reach deal on land reform
Colombia and leftist FARC rebels said Sunday they have reached a deal on land reform, one of the most contentious items in negotiations aimed at ending five decades of insurgency.
27 May 2013
10 documents signed at CSTO meeting in Bishkek
10 documents were signed after the joint meeting of the Ministers of Defense, Foreign Affairs and secretaries of the Security Councils of CSTO member-countries in Bishkek.
27 May 2013
South Korea dismisses North dialogue 'offer'
South Korea on Monday brushed off an apparent offer by North Korea to resume nuclear disarmament talks, and chided Pyongyang for a recent personal attack on its president Park Geun-Hye.
British spy agencies in the spotlight over soldier's murder
Britain's intelligence services were under pressure Saturday to explain their knowledge of two Islamists suspected of hacking a soldier to death in London, amid claims they had tried to recruit one of them.
Ecuador's President Correa sworn to second term
Ecuador's hugely popular leftist president, Rafael Correa, was sworn in to a second term Friday, with energy reform and expanded overseas trade topping his agenda.
Japan mayor to apologise to US over brothels advice
A Japanese politician who drew fire for calling "comfort women" a wartime necessity has been forced to apologise for suggesting US soldiers in Okinawa visit brothels to vent their violent frustrations.
26 May 2013
Madagascar strongman says won't run in vote if rivals withdraw
Madagascar leader Andry Rajoelina has vowed to withdraw his controversial candidacy for upcoming presidential polls if his rivals do the same, as mediators scramble to save a deal aimed at ending a four-year political deadlock.
25 May 2013
Africa to celebrate progress and 50 years of 'unity'
African leaders gathered Saturday ahead of extravagant celebrations for the 50th jubilee of the continental bloc, with Africa's myriad problems set aside for a day to mark the progress that has been made.
25 May 2013
IMF chief avoids charges in French payout scandal
IMF chief Christine Lagarde avoided immediate charges on Friday but was named an "assisted witness" after French prosecutors grilled her for two days over a state payout to a disgraced tycoon when she was finance minister.
25 May 2013
Swazi albinos plead for protection ahead of vote
Swaziland's albinos have called on the government for protection ahead of elections expected later this year, fearing their body parts will be harvested by candidates seeking good luck.