'Political, not military' solutions needed in Mideast: Hagel
The problems that plague the Middle East, including Iran's nuclear ambitions and Syria's civil war, require "political, not military" solutions.
Merkel in surprise visit to Afghanistan: spokesman
Chancellor Angela Merkel and her Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere have arrived in Afghanistan for a surprise visit.
Head of new UN N. Korea probe 'inundated' on abuses
The head of a landmark UN team set up to probe human rights violations in North Korea said Wednesday he had been inundated by people wanting to give evidence on abuses just hours after his appointment.
Nazarbayev congratulates Kazakhstan on Victory Day
This great holiday teaches us that unity of a nation, peace and political stability is what matters most: Kazakhstan President Nazarbayev
Panama, in energy crisis, closes schools, universities
Up against the wall in a drought-sparked energy crisis, Panama said Tuesday it would shut high schools and universities for three days, in a desperate bid to reduce power usage.
US, S.Korea vow no concessions to North
The leaders of the United States and South Korea on Tuesday vowed no concessions to North Korea after months of high tension, saying the burden was on the communist state to end the crisis.
Immigration tops British government's agenda for the year
The British government will set out its legislative programme for the coming year on Wednesday, with immigration top of the agenda in a Queen's Speech aimed at people who "work hard and want to get on".
Lebanon 'liberal' for Mideast, but gays still targeted
Lebanon has a reputation as the most liberal country in the conservative Middle East, but even a night on the town for gays can end in arrest and humiliating sexuality "tests".
Kazakhstan to host 47th meeting of Asian Development Bank in 2014
The ADB meeting in Astana is scheduled for May 2-3, 2014.