News
Abbas aide says declaring independence a possibility
A top aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday the Palestinians should consider declaring an independent state unilaterally if peace talks with Israel continue to falter.
Police kill protester in Nepal's southern plains
Nepali security forces shot dead a protester during demonstrations that have caused shortages of fuel and essential supplies and cast a shadow over upcoming elections, police said on Wednesday.
Uganda rebels, govt agree on special crimes courts
The Ugandan government and Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels have signed a landmark agreement on how to deal with war crimes committed during the 21-year war in the north of the country.
South Sudan border region remains volatile - UN
An oil-rich region straddling northern and southern Sudan remains a potential trouble spot three years after the signing of a peace deal that ended decades of civil war, a U.N. envoy said on Tuesday.
Church buys Mary Queen of Scots death warrant
The Church of England has bought the only surviving copy of the warrant which Queen Elizabeth I reluctantly signed in 1587, authorising the execution of her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots.
Elite China think-tank issues political reform blueprint
China risks dangerous instability unless it embraces democratic reforms to limit the power of the ruling Communist Party, foster competitive voting and rein in censors, the Party's top think-tank has warned in a new report.
Oasis launches next generation gap year
Threesixty, the new volunteering opportunity from Oasis launches this week and signals the beginning of a new kind of volunteering experience for 18-25 year olds.
Russia Patriarch sees no imminent ties with Rome
The leader of Russia's powerful Orthodox Church played down hopes of an imminent reconciliation with Rome in an interview on Monday, saying Catholic missionary activity in Russia prevented the churches from restoring ties.
EU-backed Chad process 'dead in the water', says CAFOD
Chad political process "dead in the water", warns leading Catholic aid agency CAFOD.
Athlete to make appearance in Switchfoot US tour
UK indie band Athlete will make an appearance during Switchfoot's upcoming tour of the South and Midwest US.
Archbishops to address immigration during Cambridge visit
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu will address the political and human rights issues associated with immigration during their joint visit to Cambridge this week.
Brown fights backlash over Northern Rock
Prime Minister Gordon Brown defended his handling of the nationalisation of Northern Rock on Monday, but will now have to grapple with the fallout of possible job cuts and shrinking the bank.
More metal detectors to tackle knife crime
Police are to be given money to erect hundreds of metal-detecting "knife arches" and search wands to help tackle violent crime, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said on Sunday.
Bank shares rise on dividend talk
Shares in UK banks rose early on Monday on hopes of higher dividend and after the government decided to nationalise stricken mortgage lender Northern Rock.
Castro stepping down as Cuba's leader
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro said on Tuesday that he will not return to lead the country as president or commander-in-chief, retiring as head of state 49 years after he seized power in an armed revolution.
Musharraf's rivals head for big win
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's opponents headed for a big election victory on Tuesday after voters rejected his former ruling party, raising questions about the future of the U.S. ally who has ruled since 1999.