N. Korea nuclear test could 'tie hands' of South: Ban
UN leader Ban Ki-moon warned Thursday that a nuclear test by North Korea could blow up hopes of an eventual reconciliation by "tying the hands" of the South's incoming president.
US expands sanctions on Iran to press nuclear case
The United States on Wednesday tightened sanctions on Iran to further choke off its oil income, saying it was necessary to increase pressure on Tehran over its suspected nuclear weapons program.
China must stop threats in maritime disputes: US
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Wednesday urged China to avoid confrontation and seek out a peaceful dialogue with Japan and other countries over territorial disputes.
07 February 2013
China bans ads on gift-giving to officials: media
China has banned ads that encourage giving luxury gifts to authorities, state media said Thursday, the latest push against official extravagance since new leaders took charge vowing better governance.
Maldives to hold first polls since president toppled
The Maldives is to hold presidential polls on September 7, the first since the archipelago's first democratically elected leader was toppled in what he called a coup.
Australian ministers dragged into corruption probe
Two senior Australian ministers have been dragged into a snowballing Labor party corruption scandal, admitting accepting hospitality from a former powerbroker at the centre of an explosive inquiry.
Next Iran talks: stalemate on the steppes?
Agreeing a venue for the next round of talks between Iran and six world powers on Tehran's nuclear drive was hard enough. Achieving progress will be tougher still.
06 February 2013
Russia's Medvedev hunted in mystery video campaign
A slick documentary film has mysteriously emerged on the Russian Internet where former ambassadors, an ex-general and even an ex-prime minister line up to accuse Dmitry Medvedev of betraying Russia's interests.
06 February 2013
Damaged by scandal, Spain PM holds on
Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will keep his job despite being named in a corruption scandal, but the affair leaves him weakened as he tries to steer Spain out of a deep economic crisis.
06 February 2013
President Nazarbayev arrives in Spain
President is to meet Spain's King Juan Carlos, head of the country’s Government Mariano Rajoy and leaders of a number of Spanish companies.