Disputed islands covered by US-Japan accord: Hagel
Islands at the center of a territorial row between Japan and China are covered by a military protection accord between Washington and Tokyo.
Dutch enthrone '21st-century king' Willem-Alexander
Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander becomes Europe's youngest monarch on Tuesday when his mother, Queen Beatrix, abdicates and his country hails the avowedly 21st-century king with a massive, orange-hued party.
Obama tells Putin concerned over Syria chemical arms
President Barack Obama stepped up pressure on Russia over Syria on Monday, telling President Vladimir Putin of his concern about the reported use of chemical weapons by the Damascus regime.
Venezuela vote audit, rejected by opposition, begins
Venezuelan authorities on Monday began a partial audit of the disputed election won by the late Hugo Chavez's handpicked successor, as the opposition rejected the move as insufficient.
Merkel lambasted by France despite her softer tone
An attack by French Socialists on Angela Merkel's drive for belt-tightening coincides with concessions by the German chancellor on austerity, but five months from elections she is loathe to trumpet her flexibility.
Croatia expects Nazarbayev to visit
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev is expected to make an official visit to Croatia in the end of 2013.
US-South Korea wrap up joint military drills
The United States and South Korea on Tuesday wrapped up joint military drills that infuriated North Korea, raising hopes for an easing of cross-border military tensions.
Nazarbayev instructs to modernize metallurgic industry
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev met with deputy Prime-Minister and Minister of Industry and New Technologies Asset Issekeshev.
Malaysia braces for its closest election ever
When Malaysian voters cast ballots in Sunday's general election it will be the first time in the country's history that they do so without knowing the eventual winner.