Polls open for Irish referendum on gay marriage
Polls opened in Ireland for a historic referendum on allowing same-sex marriage that is backed by all the main political parties but opposed by the Catholic Church.
Japan PM to meet Pacific island leaders to talk aid, disasters
Leaders of 14 Pacific island nations gathered in Japan to start a two-day meeting to discuss their development needs.
Merkel sets tough line at EU summit with eastern partners
German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the EU's eastern partners not to expect too much of the bloc and warned Russia to mend its ways over Ukraineю
Hollande says world must respond to threat to Palmyra
French President Francois Hollande said the world must respond to Islamic State jihadists' seizure of Palmyra.
Obama says US not losing against Islamic State
US President Barack Obama has described the loss of key Iraqi territory to Islamic State as a tactical setback, while insisting the war against the jihadist group is not being lost.
Obama looks to anchor Tunisia's democratic gains
Barack Obama and Tunisia's president will discuss increased military and economic aid designed to ensure the brightest democratic light.
Eurovision, a stage for geopolitical conflicts?
Behind the kitsch, glitz and smoke machines of the Eurovision Song Contest -- hosted by Vienna -- hide more serious international geopolitical tensions.
Australia PM rules out resettling Asian boat migrants
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott ruled out helping resettle the wave of migrants fleeing to Southeast Asia, saying it would worsen the problem and "encourage people to get on boats".
Time short for global climate deal in Paris, warns Hollande
French President Francois Hollande warned that time was short for a year-end deal on climate change and called on world leaders to unlock the complex process in the months ahead.