Annan says anti-drug policies have failed
Former UN secretary general Kofi Annan called Thursday for a discussion on decriminalization of drugs, criticizing the crackdown on traffickers in Mexico led by outgoing President Felipe Calderon.
US still undecided on no-fly zone for Syria
The United States is still mulling ways to stop the fighting in Syria, including a no-fly zone, as the Syrian regime is "ratcheting up the brutality of their tactics" .
UN envoy urges Syria truce as conflict enters month 20
International envoy Lakhdar Brahimi has called for a ceasefire in Syria during the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, as the revolt enters its 20th month with a death toll of more than 33,000.
EU to sanction Iran, Syria, help Mali reconquer its north
Europe's foreign ministers will sharply ramp up the pressure on Iran and Syria at talks Monday, while taking a "big step" in Africa by agreeing to assist Mali reconquer its north from rebels and Islamist extremists.
World leaders meet on disaster management in Japan
Politicians and aid officials gathered on Tuesday in the northeast of Japan, devastated by last year's quake and tsunami, to discuss what lessons can be learned from disasters.
Maliki in Russia for huge arms deal, Syria agreement
Russia eyes a record arms deal and rare agreement over Syria on Tuesday when it hosts Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki for the first time in almost four years.
Greek PM stresses urgency of austerity deal
Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras stressed the urgency of sealing an austerity pact ahead of crucial talks Monday between Greek officials and the so-called troika of international creditors.
Japan PM to reshuffle cabinet 'to cool China row'
Japan's unpopular prime minister will use a cabinet reshuffle Monday to try to mend fences with China and to boost his flagging popularity ahead of an expected general election.
Israel okays development of Gaza offshore gas field
Israel has held new talks with the Palestinians over the development of a gas field off the coast of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli foreign ministry said in a new report released on Sunday.
US rejects calls to slow Afghan withdrawals
US President Barack Obama on Wednesday held a video conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai focusing partly on an unprecedented wave of attacks on NATO troops by their local comrades.
S.Africa Lonmin miners end strike, accept pay raise
Lonmin platinum mine workers in South Africa on Tuesday ended their strike in return for pay rises of up to 22 percent, after a nearly six-week standoff that claimed 45 lives.
Protests stall US move to aid Egypt: report
The protests that erupted in Cairo over an anti-Islam Internet video have stalled talks on relieving $1 billion worth of Egyptian debt to the United States.
Pentagon chief seeks to calm China-Japan row
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was to deliver an appeal for calm in talks with senior Chinese military leaders Tuesday amid an escalating territorial dispute between Beijing and Tokyo.
US, Morocco launch first strategic dialogue
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday the United States was looking to Morocco "to be a leader and a model" in the region as the two countries launched their first ever strategic dialogue.
Platinum firm makes offer to striking S African miners
Lonmin, the world's number three platinum producer, announced a new offer to striking miners at its South African operations following a fresh round of talks late Thursday.
EU ministers explore fresh help to Syria opposition
EU foreign ministers gather in Cyprus some 100 kilometres from the Syrian coast Friday to explore how to best assist its opposition while defusing a humanitarian crisis looming in Europe's backyard.
Rebels to seek ceasefire in Colombia peace talks
Colombia's FARC rebel group said Thursday it will seek a ceasefire in Latin America's oldest armed conflict when peace talks begin next month with the government, which has ruled out a truce.
Tensions set to cloud APEC summit
Asia-Pacific leaders gather in Russia's far east this weekend for talks aimed at promoting trade but territorial disputes and other regional tensions may cloud the event.
Britain urges fresh talks with Ecuador over Assange
Britain wants to resume talks with Ecuador and find a diplomatic solution to the standoff over WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange as soon as possible.
Clinton heads to China with hopes over sea tensions
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton heads Tuesday to Beijing after talks in emerging US ally Indonesia as she voiced hope for progress in managing soaring tensions in the South China Sea.