News
West to pursue twin track in Iran nuclear dispute
Western powers will continue a twin track policy of sanctions and diplomacy towards Iran over its nuclear programme, the EU's top diplomat said on Wednesday, despite Tehran's warnings it could backfire.
Flood planning needs 'urgent' changes
Flood risks are growing, and planning for them should be taken as seriously as preparations for flu pandemics or terrorism, a government-commissioned review said on Wednesday.
Police say baby survived Thames fall
A 18-month-old girl initially thought to have died when she fell into the River Thames on Wednesday was found to be alive after further hospital checks, police said.
Nazir-Ali: Christians must 'recover nerve', testify Christ
Christians must "recover their nerve" and remain committed to spreading the Gospel among those who have not yet heard it, says the Bishop of Rochester.
Christian leader says Obama distorting the Bible
A leading conservative evangelical on Tuesday said Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama had distorted the Bible and espouses a "fruitcake" approach to the US Constitution.
African leaders to meet on Zimbabwe
Southern African leaders will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss Zimbabwe's crisis, but the region's designated mediator, South African President Thabo Mbeki, will not attend, officials said.
Olmert salvages Israel coalition with deal
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert averted a split in Israel's restive coalition on Wednesday by striking a deal with his biggest partner, the Labour party, that stopped it backing a bill to dissolve parliament.
Medvedev wants 'serious' pact with EU
Russia wants to negotiate a "serious" pact governing its relationship with the European Union but not one overburdened with detail, President Dmitry Medvedev told Reuters in an interview.
Pastor attacked in Sri Lanka
A Christian pastor was attacked on Monday by three men in Ampara, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, while returning home from a church group meeting in Uhana, reports Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
China offers rare praise for Myanmar's drug fight
China praised Myanmar's efforts to fight drugs on Wednesday, lauding the actions of a military government often criticised in the United States and Europe for not doing enough to tackle the problem.
Biofuels pushing 30 million into poverty
Biofuels are responsible for 30 percent of the increase in global food prices, pushing 30 million people worldwide into poverty, aid agency Oxfam said in a report on Wednesday.
Storm lashes south China after Philippines
Tropical storm Fengshen struck south China on Wednesday after tearing through the Philippines last week, bringing driving rain, uprooting trees and closing schools, markets and businesses in Hong Kong.
Ship terrorism alert system seen flawed
A terrorism alert system installed in thousands of merchant ships after the September 11, 2001 attacks is flawed because it does not immediately notify local security authorities of an attack, said a report on the system.
Ecumenical bodies request greater action on Zimbabwe
Ecumenical bodies urge international community to step up efforts to solve Zimbabwe's political crisis and protect citizens.
Power loss in floods was 'unacceptable'
Power stations and water plants must take part in emergency planning to avoid a repeat of last year's floods when supplies were cut to affected areas, the head of a government review said on Wednesday.
UK soldier killed in south Afghanistan
A British soldier has been killed by an explosion while checking for mines in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.