Maldives to hold first polls since president toppled
The Maldives is to hold presidential polls on September 7, the first since the archipelago's first democratically elected leader was toppled in what he called a coup.
US lawmakers introduce gun trafficking bill
Lawmakers from both parties unveiled a bill Tuesday cracking down on "straw purchasers" who traffic firearms to criminals, the first in a series of new gun control measures expected in Congress.
06 February 2013
Australian ministers dragged into corruption probe
Two senior Australian ministers have been dragged into a snowballing Labor party corruption scandal, admitting accepting hospitality from a former powerbroker at the centre of an explosive inquiry.
Next Iran talks: stalemate on the steppes?
Agreeing a venue for the next round of talks between Iran and six world powers on Tehran's nuclear drive was hard enough. Achieving progress will be tougher still.
06 February 2013
Russia's Medvedev hunted in mystery video campaign
A slick documentary film has mysteriously emerged on the Russian Internet where former ambassadors, an ex-general and even an ex-prime minister line up to accuse Dmitry Medvedev of betraying Russia's interests.
British lawmakers approve gay marriage in historic vote British lawmakers voted in favour of controversial legislation allowing gay marriage on Tuesday despite fierce opposition from members of Prime Minister David Cameron's own party.
06 February 2013
President Nazarbayev arrives in SpainPresident is to meet Spain's King Juan Carlos, head of the country’s Government Mariano Rajoy and leaders of a number of Spanish companies.
Supporters of Venezuela's Chavez march on coup anniversary Supporters of ailing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez marched in Caracas on Monday marking the day 21 years ago that their leader, then a young paratrooper officer, launched a failed military coup.
05 February 2013
Japan summons China envoy in island row Tokyo summoned China's envoy Tuesday in protest at what it says was another incursion into its territorial waters, after Beijing's ships sailed near islands at the centre of a bitter dispute.
Kairat Mami to meet with the PopeKazakhstan Senate speaker and head of the secretariat of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions will render a visit to Vatican on February 5-7.
Cambodians mass for cremation of beloved ex-kingThousands of Cambodians dressed in black and white gathered Monday ahead of the cremation of revered former king Norodom Sihanouk, who steered the war-ravaged kingdom through six turbulent decades.