March 19, 2012
Syrian rebels ‘in Damascus firefight’
A firefight is reported to have erupted in Syria's capital, Damascus, between the rebel Free Syria Army and the forces of President Bashar al-Assad. Witnesses say the sound of machine-guns and rocket-propelled grenades can be heard from the…
March 19, 2012
East Timor President Concedes Election Defeat
East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta conceded defeat on Monday in his bid to win a second term in office. With more than 70 percent of the ballots counted, results show Francisco Guterres, from the main opposition Fretilin party, ahead with about…
March 19, 2012
Seoul Slams North Korean Rocket Plan as Nuclear Test
South Korea accused North Korea on Monday of using a planned satellite launch to further development of a long-range missile capable of carrying a nuclear payload. The North announced Friday that it would launch a rocket in mid-April to put a…
March 19, 2012
King of Tonga Dies
Tonga's prime minister has announced the death of the Pacific island nation's King George Tupou V. Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano says the 63-year-old monarch died Sunday in a Hong Kong hospital, with his younger brother and heir to the throne,…
March 16, 2012
Falkland Islands oil dispute: UK hits back at Argentina
The UK has hit back at Argentina's threats of court action over Falkland Islands oil exploration, calling its behaviour "illegal intimidation". Foreign minister Hector Timmerman had threatened legal action against firms drilling off the UK…
March 16, 2012
Afghan President Slams US on Probe into Massacare
Afghan President Hamid Karzai is accusing the United States of failing to cooperate in the probe of a massacre of 16 Afghan villagers, allegedly by a U.S. soldier. President Karzai met with tribal elders and family members of those killed in…
March 16, 2012
Evidence Shows Tehran Connection in New Delhi, Bangkok Bombings
India is seeking international arrest warrants for three Iranians suspected of being part of a plot to attack Israeli diplomats. New Delhi Police Chief Brijesh Gupta said Friday India has contacted Interpol about warrants for the three men, thought…
March 13, 2012
US, EU, Japan File WTO Case Against China Over Rare Earths
The United States, the European Union and Japan are accusing China of unfairly limiting its exports of so-called “rare earth” minerals that are key components of many high-technology products. The U.S., Japan and the 27-nation EU filed a complaint…
March 13, 2012
Obama, Cameron Tout Relations, To Attend Basketball Game
U.S. President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron are attending a U.S. college basketball game Tuesday, as the two leaders highlight their strong transatlantic ties. The White House says the game in Ohio is one of the events…
March 13, 2012
US Defense Chief in Kyrgyzstan for Talks on Base
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is in Kyrgyzstan in an effort to persuade the country's leaders to allow the U.S. military to continue to use an airbase there after its lease expires in 2014. The Manas facility is used by the U.S. military for…