Japan, EU to hold phone talks on Cyprus, free trade
The Japanese and European Union leaders will hold telephone talks Monday to discuss the Cyprus bailout deal and plans to launch free trade negotiations.
Yemen to launch tough talks on reconciliation
Yemen, the only country where an Arab Spring revolt led to a negotiated settlement, is to launch a UN-backed national dialogue on Monday aimed at drawing the state's divisive players towards a reconciliation.
US, China to increase nuclear sanctions on N. Korea
The United States and China will on Thursday seek to tighten the UN sanctions screws on North Korea after its widely condemned nuclear bomb test last month.
Iran, world powers respond to counter-offers
World powers and Iran were due Wednesday to respond to offers presented by both sides in a final day of talks aimed at breaking a decade of deadlock over Tehran's nuclear drive.
Syria rebels agree to meet Kerry, dismiss Damascus offer
Syria's opposition has cancelled a planned boycott of an international conference on the two-year conflict after appeals from Britain and the US, but rejected an offer of talks from Damascus.
Iran installing new nuclear equipment: IAEA
World powers condemned Iran just days before talks on its controversial nuclear programme, after an IAEA report said it had begun installing advanced equipment at one of its main nuclear plants.
Iran envoy warns West against nuclear pressure
A top Iranian envoy said Wednesday that increased Western pressure over his country's nuclear program could end hopes for a negotiated settlement.
Kerry, Lavrov talk, finally, on Syria, NKorea: US
US Secretary of State John Kerry finally talked Sunday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who had been unavailable for days after the North Korean nuclear test.
Everything on the table in US-EU free trade deal: US
Everything will be on the table when US and EU negotiators restart talks on an ambitious transatlantic free trade deal with a new wind in their sails.
US to launch free trade talks with EU: Obama
The United States and Europe will launch talks on what would be the world's largest free trade zone, US President Barack Obama declared Tuesday in his State of the Union address.
Iran expecting new nuclear offer in Kazakhstan: negotiator
Iran is expecting a new offer from world powers in talks later this month in Kazakhstan over its controversial nuclear programme.
UN Security Council looms for Iran as IAEA tries again
Iran faces possible referral to the UN Security Council in early March unless Tehran and the UN atomic agency defy expectations in talks Wednesday and reach a deal on enhanced inspections.
Horsemeat scandal spreads as French retailers pull foods
The Europe-wide scandal over horsemeat sold as beef spread Sunday as leading French retailers pulled products from their shelves and threats of legal action flew.
Iran expects 5+1 response to suggestions on regulation of nuclear program at Almaty meeting
Iran is expecting to get a response from Western countries in Astana on its suggestion to regulate the nuclear program.
Next Iran talks: stalemate on the steppes?
Agreeing a venue for the next round of talks between Iran and six world powers on Tehran's nuclear drive was hard enough. Achieving progress will be tougher still.
Syria opposition head seeks talks with Assad's VP
The United States has strongly backed a move by Syria's opposition chief to open dialogue with President Bashar al-Assad in a bid to end 22 months of warfare that has cost tens of thousands of lives.
Iran minister says Kazakhstan to host nuclear talks Feb 25
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Sunday that fresh talks with world powers on Iran's nuclear drive would be held in Kazakhstan on February 25.
Germany security talks begin with Syria in focus
Syria's opposition chief said the international community must not be a bystander to the tragedy of the Syrian people as US and other officials, ministers and military brass gathered for the Munich Security Conference.
Mali's president rules out talks with Islamists
Mali's interim president ruled out talks with Islamist groups who ruled the north for nine months, but said he was ready to meet Tuareg activists from the region.
Change in Israel needed for peace talks: Palestinians
The Palestine Liberation Organisation said Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have to drastically change tack if peace talks were to resume.