Suspect arrested in US over Obama ricin letter
A letter addressed to President Barack Obama tested positive for ricin, and authorities arrested a suspect, stoking alarm in Washington on Wednesday after an earlier scare over poisoned mail.
Serbia, Kosovo talks fail once again
Serbia and Kosovo again failed to clinch a deal to normalise ties and ease tension in the Balkans after lengthy talks brokered by the European Union.
Venezuela rules out recount after vote, deadly demos
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles formally requested a recount in Venezuela's disputed presidential election Wednesday, even after being rebuffed by the country's Supreme Court.
19 April 2013 10:21
Obama slams 'shameful' defeat of US gun reform
Bristling with anger, President Barack Obama branded Wednesday's defeat of his gun reform drive in the US Senate as "shameful," and accused lawmakers of caving in to the powerful firearms lobby.
18 April 2013 18:27
North Korea lays out tough pre-conditions for talks
North Korea laid down rigid pre-conditions Thursday for any talks with Seoul or Washington, including the withdrawal of UN sanctions and a guaranteed end to South Korea-US joint military drills.
China foreign news ban criticised by media group
A press freedom group Thursday criticised a ruling that bans Chinese journalists from quoting foreign news outlets without permission, a move that further tightens Beijing's control of the media.
Pentagon requests more funding for Israel's 'Iron Dome'
The Pentagon has requested $220.3 million in 2014 to bolster Israel's "Iron Dome" missile defense system despite broader cuts to US military spending, according to budget documents.
18 April 2013 11:39
Italy to elect new president amid government deadlock
Italian lawmakers meet on Thursday to begin voting on a new president in a key step that could end a two-month impasse between political parties that has blocked the formation of a new government.
Britain, world figures bid farewell to Thatcher
The funeral of Margaret Thatcher takes place on Wednesday, with Queen Elizabeth II leading mourners from around the world in bidding farewell to one of Britain's most influential and divisive prime ministers.
17 April 2013 18:49
Taiwan shows force in biggest live-fire drill since 2008
Taiwan staged its biggest live-fire drill since 2008 Wednesday, in an operation involving more than 7000 troops that simulated a Chinese attack as its leader warned of Beijing's arms build-up.
17 April 2013 18:27
Trial of Putin foe begins, swiftly adjourned
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny Wednesday went on trial on charges he says were ordered by President Vladimir Putin but the process was swiftly adjourned to allow the defence more time to prepare.
