US eases trade restrictions on Syrian opposition
The United States eased restrictions on trade with Syria's opposition Wednesday, in a move aimed at helping supply the critical needs of Syrians in "liberated areas."
13 June 2013
N. Korea slams South for talks failure
North Korea on Thursday blamed South Korean arrogance and deceit for the collapse of planned talks between the two rivals and warned that prospects for any future dialogue had been severely damaged.
World leaders to meet in N. Ireland's 'watery gem'
Eight of the world's most powerful leaders will shut themselves away in splendid isolation for the G8 summit from Monday in a resort in a picturesque area of Northern Ireland that was once a bastion of the Irish Republican Army.
13 June 2013
Poorest WTO members win new patent-rule waiver
The globe's poorest nations have won an eight-year extension of a waiver on intellectual property rules, but still need to hold talks on the vexed issue of pharmaceutical patents.
13 June 2013
US envoy to Belgium denies soliciting prostitutes
The US envoy to Belgium Tuesday denied "baseless accusations" that he trawled for prostitutes in a park, as the State Department hit out at charges top staff tried to hush up sex-and-drugs charges.
Iran eyes 30 nuclear bombs a year: Israel minister
Iran is working round the clock to enlarge its nuclear infrastructure with the eventual aim of developing an industry capable of building up to 30 bombs a year.
12 June 2013
US 'disappointed' by Sudan order to shut pipline
The United States said Monday an order by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to shut down an oil pipeline carrying South Sudanese crude was "deeply disappointing".
Obama and Xi play nice, but future unclear
The leaders of the United States and China appear to have started off on friendly terms during a weekend together in the California sun, but it remains to be seen if good vibes can bridge deep gaps.
11 June 2013
Kazakhstan parliament called to resign
Kazakhstan political expert Dossym Satpayev believes that dissolving the parliament should follow the dismissal of Labor Minister Serik Abdenov.
Sudan freezes oil and security deals with South
Sudan on Sunday put on hold nine security and economic pacts with South Sudan, including on vital oil shipments, but said Khartoum remained committed to good relations if Juba ended support for rebels.
11 June 2013
Prayers for Mandela as family urged to 'let him go'
Nelson Mandela, the revered anti-apartheid hero, spent a third night in hospital after South Africa prayed for him on Sunday amid calls for his family and nation to "let him go".
10 June 2013
Karzai: Did 'War on Terror' encourage radical Islam?
Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Sunday the Muslim world was "in turmoil" and wondered whether the "war on terror" led by the United States since 2001 was to blame for the radicalisation.
10 June 2013
Two Koreas strike cautious accord on high-level talks
North and South Korea reached Monday a patchy agreement to hold a high-level meeting in Seoul, following marathon talks aimed at rebuilding trust after months of soaring tension and threats of nuclear war.