News
Christian escapes repatriation to North Korea
Yoo Sang-joon, a North Korean Christian who was put on trial in China for helping North Korean refugees has been repatriated to South Korea, where he also holds citizenship.
Vatican releases note to end 'growing confusion' on evangelisation
The Vatican has released a detailed note in response to concerns that its mission work across the world could be hindered by incorrect ideas about evangelisation.
Violence continues in Iraq as Christian girl shot dead
According to police officials in Iraq a Christian girl was shot dead on Sunday when unidentified gunmen opened fire in the area of al-Nabi Younes (the prophet Jonah) in central Mosul.
Israeli plan for homes near Jerusalem under fire
Israel's Housing Ministry has drawn up a preliminary proposal to build new homes on occupied land in Arab East Jerusalem but Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office said on Wednesday the plan has not been authorised.
Afghan president calls for forgiveness of Taliban
President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday asked God to forgive Afghan Taliban killed in the fighting in their homeland, but called on international forces to hit the insurgents at their training bases outside the country.
Musharraf ally battles foes and apathy
If one Pakistan ruling party rally with awkward speeches, empty audience chairs and distracted crowds in a dustbowl is anything to go by, President Pervez Musharraf's days in power may be numbered.
South Africa heads into uncertainty with Zuma victory
South Africa faced deep uncertainty on Wednesday after the greatest political shake-up since the end of apartheid set populist Jacob Zuma on the road to the state presidency.
Lee seen elected as South Korean president
South Koreans on Wednesday elected Lee Myung-bak, a conservative former CEO vowing to back business and stand up to the North, as president of the world's 13th largest economy, TV exit polls showed.
EU countries strike deal on fishing quotas
EU countries struck a deal for 2008 catch quotas on Wednesday, watering down the European fisheries chief's proposals for the preservation of species whose stocks are floundering at precariously low levels.
Pakistani train crash kills 58
A Pakistani express train packed with holiday travellers derailed on Wednesday killing 58 people and injuring more than 120, officials said.
Darling planning bank rescue package
Chancellor Alistair Darling said on Wednesday he was working on a set of measures which will allow the government to launch emergency rescues if other banks run into trouble similar to that experienced by Northern Rock.
BoE voted 9-0 for December rate cut
All nine members of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to cut interest rates by a quarter-point to 5.5 percent in December and even discussed whether slowing growth meant a bigger reduction might be needed.
Magna Carta fetches millions at auction
A rare 710-year-old copy of the Magna Carta, among the most important historical documents ever to hit the auction block, sold for $21.3 million (10.6 million pounds) on Tuesday at Sotheby's.
Lack of cots and staff risking babies' health
The safety of premature babies could be at risk because of staff shortages and lack of cots in specialist units, a report by an independent watchdog said on Wednesday.
Watchdog demands action on slow broadband
Thousands of Internet users are being short-changed by broadband connections that are far slower than advertised, a watchdog said on Wednesday.
Man held over rape claim after Man Utd party
Police said on Tuesday they had arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with an allegation that a woman was raped at a hotel where Manchester United players and staff were holding a Christmas party.