Politics

Israel condemns Geneva conference on Palestinians rights

An international conference in Geneva calls on both Israelis and Palestinians to respect humanitarian rights laws in the occupied territories, but is condemned by Israel as a "political exercise."

Dec 18, 2014

Detente between US and Cuba triggers mixed reactions

Long-time Cuban exiles in Miami, Florida, reacted with disbelief to the news that the US and Cuba would normalize their relationship. Some call it a "betrayal" by the Obama administration. Others welcomed the news.

Dec 18, 2014

Silent classes, bloody notebooks after Pakistan school massacre

An eerie silence hung over the shattered, blood-spattered corridors and classrooms of the Army Public School on Wednesday -- the silence of 132 dead Pakistani children, their lives cut short by Taliban gunmen.

Dec 18, 2014

Ukraine says possible peace talks in Minsk on Sunday

Trilateral peace talks towards ending the Ukraine crisis could take place on Sunday in Minsk, according to the conflict-ridden country's president Petro Poroshenko.

Dec 18, 2014

In rural Sierra Leone the Red Cross battles Ebola

The Red Cross battles the Ebola virus in rural Sierra Leone and its fallout. In one treatment centre in the city of Kenema, the Red Cross also runs a kindergarten.

Dec 18, 2014

1,000 DRC ex-rebels break out of Uganda camp

About 1,000 former fighters from a former Democratic Republic of Congo rebel group broke out Tuesday from a camp where they being held in Uganda just as soldiers were about to repatriate them.

Dec 18, 2014

Tango treat for Pope Francis as he turns 78

Hundreds of couples performed a tango on St Peter's square on Wednesday in a birthday treat for Pope Francis, who hails from Argentina, the birthplace of the celebrated sultry dance.

Dec 18, 2014

Ski resort patrons defend chip stall at bottom of slopes

Former L'Oreal boss Lindsay Owen-Jones has brought a case against the manager of a chip shop he accuses of stinking out his luxury ski apartment.

Dec 18, 2014

Obama announces 'new chapter' in US-Cuba ties

US President Barack Obama said Wednesday a "new chapter" had been opened in Washington's ties with Cuba, saying it was time to end an "outdated approach" that had failed to move relations forward.

Dec 18, 2014

Countless bullet holes left after Taliban school massacre

Countless bullet holes can be seen on the walls of the army-run school in Pakistan where 132 children and nine school staff were massacred by the Taliban in the country's deadliest ever terror attack.

Dec 18, 2014

CEO of Brazil's Petrobras says she will not resign

The chief executive of Brazil's state oil giant Petrobras said Wednesday that she will not resign, despite the corruption scandal shaking the company and the ruling Workers' Party.

Dec 18, 2014

Security stepped up as Australia orders siege probe

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott orders an urgent enquiry into why a deranged Islamic gunman was not under surveillance and how he obtained citizenship, as security is stepped up after a fatal cafe siege.

Dec 17, 2014

UN: Up to one million facing hunger in Ebola-hit countries

Border closures, quarantines and crop losses in West African nations battling the Ebola virus could lead to as many as one million people going hungry, UN food agencies said on Wednesday.

Dec 17, 2014

North Korea mourns Kim Jong-Il on third death anniversary

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-Ju and other officials, pays tribute at the Kumsunsan Palace on the third death anniversary of his father Kim Jong-Il.

Dec 17, 2014

Priests bring solace to deserted Ukraine village

As a ceasefire holds in the Ukrainian Donetsk region, the village of Pisky on the frontline, near the airport, has been deserted of nearly all residents.

Dec 17, 2014