NATO ministers boost support for Ukraine
NATO foreign ministers approved fresh support for Ukraine and condemned Russia for backing pro-Moscow rebels.
Japan kicks off election campaign in 'Abenomics referendum'
Official campaigning kicked off in Japan before a December 14 election which Prime Minister has described as a referendum on his faltering "Abenomics" growth blitz.
Moscow accuses NATO of 'destabilising' northern Europe
Russia lashed out at NATO, saying its military drills in the Baltics could destroy northern Europe's stability.
Putin says Russia cannot currently build South Stream pipeline
Russian President said Russia could not currently continue with the construction of the South Stream pipeline to deliver gas to Europe.
S. Korea president angered by 'groundless' rumours
South Korean President hit out at "groundless" rumours circling her administration, some of which have touched on her personal life.
Erdogan hosts Putin to tighten Turkey-Russia alliance
Turkish President holds talks in Ankara with his Russian counterpart to tighten links which have survived potentially grave disputes over the Syria and Ukraine crises.
Iraq PM says graft probe found 50,000 'ghost soldiers'
Iraqi Prime Minister announced that an investigation had uncovered the existence of 50,000 "ghost soldiers", and promised a widening crackdown on corruption.
Finland takes first step towards legalising gay marriage
Finland's parliament voted in favour of same-sex marriage in a victory for campaigners who gathered thousands of signatures to force parliament to examine the issue.
Brazil leader names pro-market Levy as finance minister
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff named Joaquim Levy to be her new finance minister as her government looks to steer the economy out of recession.
Obama discusses immigration changes with Mexican president
The leaders of the United States and Mexico spoke to discuss President Barack Obama's executive actions to overhaul aspects of America's immigration system.
OPEC mulls oil supply glut weighing on crude prices
OPEC ministers met to try to work out a deal to tackle rising oil supplies that are weighing heavily on crude prices and the cartel's revenues.
Canada to dress Ukrainian soldiers for winter warfare
Canada's Defense Minister Rob Nicholson announced the sending of winter coats, boots and gloves to dress 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
Uzbek President marks Nazarbayev's farsighted approach
Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov has marked the farsighted approach of Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Mexico leader forced into action over 43 missing
Protests have swept the nation, sounding a wake-up call for the president to finally tackle corruption and impunity.
Leader of Spain's Catalonia region says he wants early polls on independence
The head of the regional government of Spain's Catalonia region, Artur Mas, said he wants to hold early elections centred on independence.
Russia says Ferguson violence highlights 'massive' US problems
Russia said that the racial unrest in the US town of Ferguson highlighted "massive" domestic problems in America.
Kazakhstan - center of economic miracle: Czech President
The President of Czech Republic Milos Zeman has called Kazakhstan an economic miracle during his official visit to Kazakhstan.
Pope heads to Strasbourg to reinvigorate 'tired' Europe
Pope Francis heads to Strasbourg for a lightning visit to the European Parliament, where he hopes to help reinvigorate a "tired" Europe.
Britain's Prince William to visit China in 2015: reports
Britain's Prince William is to visit China next year, though his pregnant wife Kate is thought unlikely to go with him.
Japan's Abe vows support for victims after quake injures 41
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised "firm" support after meeting victims of a weekend earthquake.