Congo truce declared 'for Ban visit', 23 May 2013

M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo declare a ceasefire for UN chief Ban Ki-moon's visit to the conflict-hit area, a spokesman for the group says.

Mogadishu culture shock for diaspora Somalis, 23 May 2013

Mogadishu culture shock for returning Somalis

Mozambique mines 'hurt locals', 23 May 2013

International mining companies operating in Mozambique are failing in their obligation to people displaced by coal mining, says Human Rights Watch.

Bombers hit Niger barracks and mine, 23 May 2013

Suicide bombers target a military camp and a French-run uranium mine in north-western Niger leaving at least 20 people dead, officials say.

Six threatens to quit over expenses, 23 May 2013

Togo coach Didier Six threatens to resign unless paid $128,000 in 'outstanding expenses'

Obama defends 'just' drones war, 23 May 2013

President Obama defends the use of drones as a "just war" of self-defence against deadly militants, and a campaign that has made America safer.

US sanctions 'hit NK aid agencies', 23 May 2013

European aid agencies in North Korea say US financial sanctions are severely restricting their attempts to improve agriculture and nutrition there.

French ex-leader reveals panda story, 23 May 2013

Former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing reveals he was once jumped on by a panda when he dared himself to enter its cage.

Germany tops BBC country image poll, 23 May 2013

A poll in 25 countries for the BBC World Service suggests Germany is the most favourably viewed country in the world.

VIDEO: 80-year-old claims new Everest record, 23 May 2013

An 80-year-old Japanese adventurer, Yuichiro Miura, becomes the oldest person to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

French court questions IMF chief, 23 May 2013

IMF chief Christine Lagarde is grilled by judges in Paris over a big payout to a tycoon when she was French finance minister.

Obama defends 'just' drones war, 23 May 2013

President Obama defends the use of drones as a "just war" of self-defence against deadly militants, and a campaign that has made America safer.

Lee Rigby named as Woolwich victim, 23 May 2013

The soldier killed on a London street is named as Drummer Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, as two more people are held.

Pussy Riot member denied parole, 23 May 2013

A Russian court denies parole to a hunger-striking member of punk band Pussy Riot, Maria Alyokhina, despite calls for her to be freed.

US sanctions 'hit NK aid agencies', 23 May 2013

European aid agencies in North Korea say US financial sanctions are severely restricting their attempts to improve agriculture and nutrition there.

French court questions IMF chief, 23 May 2013

IMF chief Christine Lagarde is grilled by judges in Paris over a big payout to a tycoon when she was French finance minister.

New jewel theft hits Cannes festival, 23 May 2013

A necklace reportedly worth 1.9m euros (£1.6m) is stolen during the Cannes film festival, the second such theft to hit this year's event.

Lee Rigby named as Woolwich victim, 23 May 2013

The UK names the soldier killed in a machete attack on a London street on Wednesday and says two more people have been arrested.

Pussy Riot member denied parole, 23 May 2013

A Russian court denies parole to a hunger-striking member of punk band Pussy Riot, Maria Alyokhina, despite calls for her to be freed.

French ex-leader reveals panda story, 23 May 2013

Former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing reveals he was once jumped on by a panda when he dared himself to enter its cage.

Mozambique mines 'hurt locals', 23 May 2013

International mining companies operating in Mozambique, including Brazil's vale, are failing to help people displaced by coal mining, says Human Rights Watch.

Ecuador satellite space crash fears, 23 May 2013

Space engineers in Ecuador are trying to establish if the country's only satellite has been damaged in a crash with space debris.

J-Lo to create Latino mobile shops, 23 May 2013

A chain of mobile phone stores aimed specifically at the Latino market is to be opened by singer and actress Jennifer Lopez

Cave paintings uncovered in Mexico, 23 May 2013

Archaeologists in Mexico find 4,926 cave paintings in red, yellow, black and white in the north-eastern region of Burgos.

'Gang of four' aims to shake up Latam trade, 23 May 2013

Why Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru want to form new trade bloc

Transition plan floated for Syria, 23 May 2013

As Syria's main opposition coalition begins three days of key talks, its leader puts forward a transition plan for the country.

Rafsanjani criticises Iran's leaders, 23 May 2013

Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani accuses the country's leadership of ignorance after he is barred from running for office, say reports.

VIDEO: Building boom in Saudi Arabia, 23 May 2013

Saudi Arabia's construction industry is booming but while smart Dubai-style units are springing up in big cities, the country is still facing a growing housing crisis.

Refugees 'facing rising dangers', 23 May 2013

Amnesty International says the world has become an increasingly dangerous place for refugees and migrants in its annual report.

Kerry condemns Hezbollah over Syria, 22 May 2013

US Secretary of State John Kerry says Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran are perpetuating President Bashar al-Assad's "campaign of terror" in Syria.