Catalan leader defends his government in graft probe
Catalonia leader Artur Mas defended his ruling separatist Convergence party against graft allegations after a slew of arrests targeting current and former officials.
Japan, Turkmenistan sign deals worth $18 bn
Japan and Turkmenistan signed a raft of energy and other deals worth more than $18 billion during a Japanese leader's first-ever official visit to the reclusive country.
Pakistan premier urges US to take its side against India
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif urged the United States to take Pakistan's side in its long-standing dispute with rival nuclear power India or run the risk of escalating conflict.
Obama vetoes $612 bn defense bill citing Gitmo, 'gimmicks'
US President Barack Obama vetoed a $612 billion defense spending bill, saying it prevented the closure of Guantanamo Bay prison and wasted money on unwanted programs.
Putin accuses West of playing 'double game' with Syria terrorist groups
President Vladimir Putin accused the West of playing a "double game" with terrorist groups in Syria, where a US-led coalition is conducting a bombing campaign.
Australian FM emoji use sparks debate on Russia relations
The Australian foreign minister's use of a red-faced emoji to depict Russia's Vladimir Putin sparked debate among lawmakers in Canberra, demanding to know what the icon means for relations between the nations.
Cristina Kirchner: end of an era in Argentina
Cristina Kirchner, the fiery, unbending president who has dominated Argentine politics for 12 years along with her late husband Nestor, leaves a divisive legacy as the country elects her successor.
Biden says no to 2016 White House run
Vice President Joe Biden said he will not run for the White House in 2016, ending months of speculation that has stalked Hillary Clinton's campaign and threatened Democratic party unity.
Clinton faces Benghazi 'interrogation' Thursday
Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton faces a congressional grilling over her role during and after the deadly attacks on the US mission in Benghazi.
UN chief 'not optimistic' about Israeli-Palestinian crisis
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council that he was "not optimistic" following his talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to urge them to defuse tensions.
China's Xi promises no 'hard landing' for economy
Chinese President Xi Jinping promised "no hard landing" for the world's second largest economy despite its slowdown, during a state visit to Britain focused bolstering business and trade ties.
Kerry meets Netanyahu in diplomatic rush to halt spiralling violence
US Secretary of State John Kerry was holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Berlin.
Juncker calls EU-Balkans mini-summit on refugees for Sunday
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has called a mini-summit in Brussels to tackle the migrant crisis along the western Balkans route.
Obama congratulates Canada's Trudeau
President Barack Obama called Canada's Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau to congratulate him on his election victory, with both men vowing closer cooperation on trade and climate change.
Pomp and protests as China's Xi meets Queen Elizabeth II
Chinese President Xi Jinping enjoyed a glittering state banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in a visit to Britain focused on business deals and stronger trade ties.
Kerry urges return 'to basics' on Jerusalem holy sites
US Secretary of State John Kerry said he will engage Israeli and Palestinian leaders on the "basics" of administering Jerusalem's holy sites to try to calm tempers in the city.
Georgia breakaway region eyes Crimea-style vote on joining Russia
Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia has said it plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia but the Kremlin appeared to pour cold water on the idea.
NATO warns Russian action in Syria risks "an incident"
NATO voiced concern that Russia's air attacks in Syria creates the risk of "an incident getting out of control," as Moscow and the US-led international coalition pursue different military objectives in the country.