News about politics

Obama says no new sanctions for Russia over Ukraine US President said he was not about to impose new sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis, but nevertheless signed a law giving him the authority to do so.

19 December 2014

Challenging Russia, Ukraine moves to drop neutral status Ukraine's president openly challenged the Kremlin by submitting a bill allowing the former Soviet republic to join NATO and make the Western alliance its defender.

19 December 2014

Danger in the skies as Russia, NATO play cat-and-mouse Recent close shaves between Russian fighters and civilian aircraft highlight the dangers of the cat-and-mouse game being played out between Moscow and the West.

18 December 2014

Ruble rallies in early trading on day of Putin press conference The ruble rallied in early trading ahead of President Vladimir Putin's eagerly-awaited annual press-conference.

18 December 2014

Ukraine, pro-Russia rebels agree to resume peace talks Ukraine's pro-European leaders and Kremlin-backed rebels agreed Wednesday to hold long-delayed peace talks.

18 December 2014

Pope leads global praise for 'historic' US-Cuba rapprochement Pope Francis led a chorus of global plaudits for breakthrough in US-Cuban relations, hailed as "historic" in Europe and South America.

18 December 2014

Australia PM offers sympathy after Pakistan school raid Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered sympathy to Pakistan after a deadly Taliban raid on a school, as Australia deals with the fallout from a cafe siege.

17 December 2014

Macau democracy leader says he's being watched before Xi visit A Macau pro-democracy leader said he is being "watched" by authorities before a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

16 December 2014

Japan PM presses for wage rises after 'Abenomics' poll win Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stepped up pressure on business leaders to hike wages as he embarked on a renewed push to reinvigorate Japan's economy.

16 December 2014

Kerry to meet Palestinian negotiator in London talks John Kerry meets chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat hoping to avert a diplomatic crisis over a UN bid to force Israel to withdraw from Palestinian land.

16 December 2014

Kazakhstan's President on global situation Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev has shared his thoughts about the current situation in the world.

16 December 2014

Romanian parliament approves new Ponta cabinet Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta's revamped government sailed through a vote of confidence in parliament.

16 December 2014

Belgium cut off from world by national strike Belgium ground to a halt in its biggest strike in years Monday as trade unions grounded flights, cut international rail links and shut sea ports to protest the new government's austerity plans.

15 December 2014

France, Germany discuss Ukraine crisis with Poroshenko The leaders of France and Germany discussed a shaky ceasefire deal and economic reforms for Ukraine in a telephone call with President Petro Poroshenko.

15 December 2014

Kerry, Lavrov meet as tensions soar over Ukraine Top US diplomat met his Russian counterpart, amid anger in Moscow over the prospect of new US sanctions and possible lethal military aid for Ukraine.

15 December 2014

Turkey arrests 27 in swoop on anti-Erdogan media Turkish police arrested the editor of Turkey's biggest-selling newspaper and 26 others in lightning raids on supporters of a US-based cleric.

15 December 2014

US congratulates Japan's Abe on re-election The United States welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's easy re-election victor in snap polls, hailing his "strong leadership" on international crises

15 December 2014

EU, US confirm new Iran nuclear talks on Dec 17 The EU and the US confirmed that extended nuclear talks between with Iran will resume on December 17 in Geneva.

13 December 2014

China's Xi says Nanjing Massacre undeniable on 77th anniversary President Xi Jinping said that no one can deny the Nanjing Massacre, as China for the first time held a national day of remembrance for the Japanese military rampage.

13 December 2014

'Important' for athletes to speak out: Obama US President said it can be beneficial for high-profile athletes to speak out on social issues.

13 December 2014

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