News
Kenya opposition calls off protests as death toll nears 500
Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga said on Monday he had called off protests because a "mediation process" to resolve the political crisis that has killed nearly 500 people was about to begin.
Jesuits gather in Rome to elect new 'black pope'
There won't be any white smoke to tell the world he has been elected, but another sort of secret conclave began in Rome on Monday - to chose the worldwide Jesuit leader who is known as the "the black pope".
Bombs kill 14 including Baghdad volunteer leader
Two suicide bombers struck in a Sunni Arab district of Baghdad on Monday, killing at least 14 people including the leader of a U.S.-backed neighbourhood security patrol, an Interior Ministry source said.
'Blood diamond' expert called in Taylor trial
Prosecutors called an expert on Sierra Leone's illegal diamond trade that funded one of Africa's bloodiest wars when the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor on war crimes charges began in earnest on Monday.
Brown promises to expand health screening
Free screening for stroke, diabetes, heart and kidney disease is to be introduced over the next three years under plans for the National Health Service unveiled by Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Monday.
BAA denies new baggage rules cause confusion
Relaxations of the rule allowing only one item of hand luggage aboard aircraft have been criticised as confusing but airport operator BAA said on Monday they offered passengers extra choice.
Harshest persecution likely to occur in Saudi Arabia and North Korea - Release
"Stand with our persecuted brothers and sisters in 2008," says Release International.
Vatican contemplates prayer groups for abuse victims
A top Vatican official has proposed creating prayer groups to pray for victims of sexual abuse by priests, in an effort to help heal wounds from recent abuse scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church.
New Hampshire brings out more 'authentic Conservative' Huckabee
Iowa caucus winner Republican Mike Huckabee has softened his "Christian leader" image and instead donned an "authentic conservative" cap in his bid for the presidential nomination in New Hampshire.
Government pushing for drug price cut
The government is seeking a cut of 10 percent in the prices the state-run National Health Service pays for prescription medicines, the Financial Times reported on Monday.
Pakistan says won't let foreign troops on its soil
Pakistan will not allow any country to conduct military operations on its territory, officials said on Monday, rejecting a report that said the United States was considering authorising its forces to act in Pakistan.
First witnesses to testify against Liberia's Taylor
The trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor on charges of directing atrocities in Sierra Leone resumed in The Hague on Monday with prosecutors due to call their first witnesses to the stand.
Kenya opposition to press ahead with protests
Kenya's opposition plans more street protests on Tuesday to try to force out President Mwai Kibaki, while also meeting international mediators to discuss how to end turmoil that has killed more than 300 people.
Kenya's new refugees take stock of their losses
Until a few days ago, Paul Kariuki had only seen refugees of African conflicts on television - it never occurred to the Kenyan small trader that he might one day become one.
U.S. envoy urges patience on North Korea missed deadline
North Korea's failure to meet a deadline to declare its nuclear activities needs to be confronted with patience and perseverance, a senior U.S. envoy said on Monday.
Outrage as China police chase reporter for 'libel'
Police in northeast China have travelled nearly 1,000 km (600 miles) to subpoena a Beijing reporter over a story they say libelled a local Communist Party chief, a move described by Internet users as outrageous.