French ground troops prepare to battle Islamists
The first troops from a multinational African intervention force were expected in Mali Wednesday as French soldiers drove out to face Islamist fighters in the north, in their first operation.
Figure skating: Kazakhstan's Denis Ten won Volvo Open Cup in Riga
The Kazakhstan figure skater scored the total of 204.33 points at the international ISU Volvo Open Cup 20th that was held in Riga, Latvia.
France faces tough, potentially long, fight in Mali
French forces intervening in Mali are facing a determined, experienced and well-armed foe and will not be able to quickly count on the backing of an organised African ground force.
Chastened US takes cautious view of Mali conflict
The United States has chosen to play a cautious supporting role to France's military action against Islamist fighters in Mali, after Washington's own attempt to build up the African nation's army backfired badly.
Football: Fan anger mounts over Premier League ticket prices
Discontent among supporters over spiralling English Premier League ticket prices is mounting, as fans attempt to make their voices heard and even followers of sworn enemies join forces to call for change.
VW hits global sales record, still trails Toyota
Volkswagen posted record-breaking global sales in 2012, up 11 percent at 9.07 million, but the ambitious German automaker continues to trail Japanese rival Toyota.
Boxing: Kazakhstan's Astana Arlans beat German Eagles
Kazakhstan's Astana Arlans boxing club has defeated German Eagles and remained the leader of its WSB group.
DNA test sheds light on mystery deaths
A new DNA test can restore at least part of the identity of long-dead people who left no trace of their image.
Deaf Belgian twins going blind commit euthanasia: press
Deaf Belgian identical twins used a decade-old euthanasia law in a mercy-killing pact after they began to go blind.
Famous Kazakh singer Rymbayeva will demonstrate italian fashion
This is my first attempt to make something new in my life apart from music and concerts: Roza Rymbayeva
Mali crucible gives Hollande chance to forge new image
Francois Hollande's decision to order French forces into battle in Mali represents a watershed moment for a president derided by his critics as a compulsive ditherer.
Skating: Essamambo and Gentselev taking part in Speed Skating World Cup
The Asian World Speed Skating Cup that was due to take place in Astana was officially cancelled because China, Japan and Korea refused to participate.
Italy shipwreck victims' families arrive on island for anniversary
Families of Italy's cruise shipwreck victims returned to the site of the disaster on Saturday as preparations got underway for a commemoration ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the fatal crash.
France urges rapid deployment of force to Mali
France has asked the United Nations to "accelerate" implementation of a resolution that enables the deployment of an international force to Mali.
Sri Lanka draws flak over chief justice impeachment
International criticism mounted Saturday over a move to impeach Sri Lanka's chief justice, with Britain demanding protection for the incumbent and the beleaguered legal profession in the former colony.
Islamists claim French botch hostage rescue in Somalia
Somali Islamists claimed Saturday that a French commando unit had botched an attempt overnight to free a hostage in southern Somalia, leaving several dead.
French unions, employers agree changes to labour laws
French President Francois Hollande led a chorus of approval after unions and employers reached a deal on reforms to the country's complex labour laws after more than three months of talks.
Greek parliament approves tax change under rescue terms
Greece's parliament early Saturday approved a new tax bill, part of the latest batch of fiscal reforms tied to the country's next slice of EU loans.
The Shard pierces London's skyline -- and skewers critics
The Shard -- western Europe's tallest skyscraper -- opens its viewing platform to the public on February 1, giving unrivalled views over London and defiantly snubbing critics of the gigantic tower.
Czechs vote to replace eurosceptic president Klaus
Austerity-weary Czechs vote Friday and Saturday in the country's first-ever direct presidential election.