Greek PM stresses urgency of austerity deal
Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras stressed the urgency of sealing an austerity pact ahead of crucial talks Monday between Greek officials and the so-called troika of international creditors.
Swiss parliamentarians reject burqa ban
Swiss parliamentarians narrowly voted Friday against a ban on wearing the Muslim burqa and other face coverings in public places, including public transport.
Muslim girl cannot skip swim class: German court
A German court on Friday refused to allow a Muslim student to skip swimming lessons after she said she was uncomfortable being so close to bare-chested boys.
Blair could have prevented Iraq war: Annan
Former British prime minister Tony Blair was the only person capable of turning George Bush against the 2003 Iraq invasion, ex-United Nations chief Kofi Annan claimed.
Pope's butler goes on trial in 'Vatileaks' scandal
Pope Benedict XVI's former butler Paolo Gabriele went on trial on Saturday for leaking confidential Vatican memos that revealed cloak-and-dagger politics among the pope's closest aides.
Greek prisons groaning under austerity cuts
Austerity cuts imposed in Greece have created an explosive situation in the country's overcrowded prisons, where sanitation and food services are in disarray, insiders warn.
Potter author's first grown-up novel 'best I can do'
Harry Potter author JK Rowling spent the day "trying to avoid newspapers" as her first novel for grown-ups hit the bookshops, but she is confident the book is "the best I can do", she told fans.
Heineken takeover of Tiger Beer maker approved
Shareholders in the parent company of the Singapore-based brewer that makes Tiger Beer on Friday approved the firm's takeover by Dutch giant Heineken.
Spain tightens austerity screw in 2013 budget
Spain's government unveiled Thursday a 2013 budget that tightens austerity even in the teeth of growing protests, easing the path to a widely expected sovereign bailout.
World's smallest state, Vatican holds one-of-a-kind trial
The trial of Pope Benedict XVI's former butler and a Vatican computer technician for leaking secret papers starting on Saturday has no precedent since the Holy See became a sovereign state in 1929.
Ecuador says ready to shelter Assange for years
Ecuador said Wednesday it is prepared to shelter Julian Assange inside its London embassy for years if necessary as it negotiates the WikiLeaks founder's fate with Britain and Sweden.
Czech government to ease ban on liquor sales
The Czech government said Wednesday it would ease a ban on liquor sales in force since September 14 following a wave of methanol poisoning that has claimed at least 25 lives.
'Earlier version' of da Vinci's Mona Lisa to be unveiled
A Swiss foundation was set to unveil Thursday what it says is an earlier version of the "Mona Lisa" painted by Leonardo da Vinc, although some experts said the claim was unlikely.
New protest as bailout spectre returns to haunt Spain
Thousands of protestors rallied near the Spanish parliament for a second straight night Wednesday after a rough day on the markets again raised the spectre of a full bailout and deeper economic pain.
British minister predicts long showdown over Assange
Britain and Ecuador face a prolonged showdown over the asylum bid by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in the South American nation's London embassy.
Britain pledges £1 million to stop rape in war zones
Britain on Tuesday unveiled a £1 million pledge ($1.6 million) to help stop sexual violence against women in war zones, where thousands of women and girls are raped every day.
Vatican readies for historic trial of pope's butler
Pope Benedict XVI's former butler goes on trial on Saturday for leaking secret papers in the Vatican's biggest court drama in decades, revealing intrigue at the heart of the Catholic Church.
Deficit-cutting French budget to test Hollande credibility
France will present its 2013 budget Friday with President Francois Hollande's credibility on the line as he seeks to rein in public finances and reassure financial markets without stirring public anger.
Hockey: Victor Hedman joins Barys club
Victor Hedman, Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman, has signed a contract with Astana hockey team.
Police fire rubber bullets at Madrid protest
Spanish riot police fired rubber bullets and baton-charged protesters Tuesday as thousands rallied near parliament in Madrid in anger at the economic crisis, in clashes that left more than 60 people injured.