Rows over Syria, energy cloud Russia-EU talks
The European Union and Russia kick off a two-day summit on Monday overshadowed by rows over Brussels' decision to lift its arms embargo on the Syrian rebels and resolve to loosen Moscow's grip on EU natural gas supplies.
China's Xi in Trinidad to boost Caribbean trade
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago late Friday for the first leg of a Latin America and Caribbean tour aiming to strengthen Beijing's trade ties in the region.
02 June 2013
Japan pledges $14 bn in aid to Africa over 5 years
Japan said Saturday it would give $14 billion in aid to Africa over the next five years, as Tokyo scrambles to grab a share of resources and the potentially vast marketplace on offer.
Obama approval ratings down amid political flaps
President Barack Obama's approval ratings took a hit over the past month as he wrestled with controversies over the IRS, Benghazi and the secret seizure of journalists' phone records.
US accuses Iran of surge in 'terrorism' The United States on Thursday accused Iran of sponsoring "terrorism" at a level unseen in decades and said that the separate threat from Al-Qaeda has been significantly degraded.
31 May 2013
'Very confident' Assad talks of new front with Israel Syrian President Bashar al-Assad threatened Israel with renewed fighting in the Golan Heights and said Russia was committed to supplying him with advanced missiles.
Syria's Assad to seek third term if people want: FM Embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is facing a two-year rebellion against his rule, will run for a third term in 2014 if the people want him to.
30 May 2013
Australian prime minister dodges another sandwich Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was forced to dodge a flying sandwich for the second time this month Thursday when someone's salami lunch was flung at her during a school visit.
US demands Hezbollah withdraw from Syria The United States demanded the immediate withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from Syria on Wednesday, saying their active role in combat there was an "extremely dangerous escalation."
Ray of light, dark clouds in Iran nuclear programme An important recent development in Iran's nuclear programme, if it continues, might help to ease international fears that Tehran wants the bomb, but serious questions still remain.