Vast Antarctic sanctuary plans fail
Plans to create two vast ocean sanctuaries in Antarctica to protect the pristine wilderness failed Friday for a third time with Russia and China blocking the bids.
Rwanda president slams US sanctions over child soldiers
Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday angrily condemned a US decision to impose sanctions against his country for allegedly backing rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo who recruit child soldiers.
US sanctions Rwanda over rebel use of child soldiers
The United States slapped sanctions on Rwanda on Thursday over the use of child soldiers by rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo which Kigali is accused of backing.
Crunch week for Italy as Berlusconi battles sanction
Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta has warned against instability as a parliamentary committee prepares for a debate starting Monday on Silvio Berlusconi's expulsion from the Senate following his criminal conviction.
Zimbabwe threatens West with 'tit-for-tat' action on sanctions
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Sunday threatened "tit-for-tat" actions against Western countries that have imposed sanctions on his rule, suggesting US and British firms could be targeted.
US will lift Mugabe sanctions only after reforms
The United States will only lift sanctions on Zimbabwe's newly re-elected President Robert Mugabe if he implements political reforms.
Central African Republic poses 'serious threat': UN
The UN Security Council warned Wednesday that turmoil in the Central African Republic poses a "serious threat" to the country and the region, and urged new measures to restore stability.
UN recommends targeted sanctions in Central Africa
UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon recommended to the Security Council Friday that sanctions be taken against elements of the Seleka coalition responsible for reprisal attacks in the Central African Republic.
Iran's Rowhani urges 'serious' nuclear talks without delay
President Hassan Rowhani said Tuesday Iran was ready for "serious" talks on its nuclear programme without delay and that US calls for tougher sanctions showed a lack of understanding.
US House backs new sanctions before Iran inauguration
The US House of Representatives approved new sanctions aimed at preventing Iran gaining nuclear weapons capability.
UN experts to inspect N. Korean weapons ship
UN sanctions experts will go to Panama soon to investigate a North Korean ship that was intercepted carrying weapons.
N. Korea says Cuba arms seized on ship part of legitimate deal
North Korea said Wednesday that Cuban arms seized from a Pyongyang-flagged ship near the Panama Canal were part of a legitimate deal.
Rowhani firm on Iran nuclear policy but vows more openness
Iran's newly-elected president Hassan Rowhani ruled out any halt to the nuclear activity that has drawn UN sanctions but said he hoped an early deal could be reached to allay the concerns of major powers.
Vote shows Iranian people want 'different direction': Obama
US President Barack Obama said that Iran's election result showed the country's people wanted to back away from confrontation with the outside world but ruled out for the moment lifting economic sanctions on Tehran.
US eases trade restrictions on Syrian opposition
The United States eased restrictions on trade with Syria's opposition Wednesday, in a move aimed at helping supply the critical needs of Syrians in "liberated areas."
US moves help Iranians get on line but hit economy
The US is making it easier for information-hungry Iranians to get on the Internet and use social media, but has also slapped new sanctions on the economy that could make their lives more painful.
US to boycott UN disarmament body over Iran role
The United States will boycott meetings of the UN Conference on Disarmament when Iran takes over the body this month.
North Korea lays out tough pre-conditions for talks
North Korea laid down rigid pre-conditions Thursday for any talks with Seoul or Washington, including the withdrawal of UN sanctions and a guaranteed end to South Korea-US joint military drills.
Iran opens new uranium production facility: TV
Iran, under global sanctions for its nuclear enrichment programme, on Tuesday launched a new uranium production facility and began operations in two extraction mines.
US slaps sanctions on key N. Korea bank, officials
The United States on Monday slapped sanctions on North Korea's primary foreign exchange bank and four senior officials, upping the pressure on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program.