Historic shift as Japan expands scope of militaryJapan loosened the bonds on its powerful military, proclaiming the right to go into battle in defence of allies, in a highly controversial shift in the nation's pacifist stance.
UN chief lands in war-torn South Sudan to push for peaceUN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon flew into South Sudan Tuesday to demand an end to a brutal four-month-old civil war that has sparked dire warnings of genocide and famine.
06 May 2014
Israel okayed nearly 14,000 settler homes during talks: NGOIsrael approved plans for nearly 14,000 new settler homes during the nine months of peace talks with the Palestinians, an Israeli settlement watchdog said Tuesday as the negotiation period formally ended.
29 April 2014
Philippines, Muslim rebels set for historic peace dealThe biggest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines will sign a peace deal on Thursday aimed at ending four decades of deadly conflict that has condemned millions in the nation's far south to brutal poverty.
Syria opposition chief to press Russia on AssadSyria's opposition leader met Russia's top diplomat on Tuesday in a bid to persuade Moscow to pressure Damascus to agree to a transitional government for the war-scarred nation.
05 February 2014
No hint of compromise as Syria peace talks enter day twoSyria's peace conference moved into a second day Thursday with the warring sides showing no willingness to compromise as global powers seek to engineer head-to-head talks on ending the bloodshed.
Kerry on second day of new Mideast peace pushUS Secretary of State John Kerry launched a second day of talks with Israelis and Palestinians Friday, seeking to hammer out a framework to guide negotiations towards a peace deal.
Kazakhstan not sending peacekeepers to SyriaAccording to Kazakhstan ex-Permanent Representative in the UN Senator Byrganym Aitimova, Kazakhstan will not send any peacekeepers to Syria.
23 December 2013
Kerry marks 70th birthday with return to IsraelUS Secretary of State John Kerry was marking his 70th birthday Wednesday leaving again for Israel, in his dogged quest for an elusive Middle East peace deal.
12 December 2013
'Gay' Christmas lights spark Rome rowThe gay rainbow-flag theme for the Christmas lights on Rome's main shopping street that were switched on Friday have sparked an unholy row in the Eternal City.
Syria regime, opponents dig in ahead of talksDamascus vowed to keep fighting "terrorism" and the opposition insisted President Bashar al-Assad must go, as both sides dug in Tuesday after a date for long-planned peace talks was set.