News
Middle East leaders need to 'walk the talk,' says Palestinian bishop
A Palestinian Christian leader is cautiously optimistic about this week's Israeli-Palestinian peace talk agreement, commenting that the leaders now need to "walk the talk."
Christmas is about Jesus Christ - Salvation Army Commissioner
Salvation Army Commissioner reminds believers that it is Jesus who takes centre stage at Christmas.
'God Delusion' publisher may face prosecution
The publisher of the Turkish edition of Richard Dawkins' bestseller "The God Delusion" could face prosecution after a complaint that it insulted believers.
Iran and EU face tough nuclear talks
Chances of a breakthrough appear slim when Iran's main nuclear negotiator meets Europe's top diplomat on Friday in a last effort to avert tougher sanctions over Tehran's disputed atomic programme.
Russia's Putin tells citizens to vote for his party
President Vladimir Putin, ignoring criticism he is using his post for campaign purposes, told Russians on Thursday to vote for his United Russia party in Sunday's parliamentary election.
North Korea nuclear disabling 'going smoothly'
A team of experts in North Korea to oversee the disabling of its atomic facilities said on Thursday they were satisfied with progress as the reclusive country prepares to host the U.S. envoy to nuclear talks.
French police keep tight grip on riot-hit suburb
Hundreds of French riot police deployed on Wednesday night in the tense Paris suburb where the death of two boys in a motorcyle accident triggered violent clashes earlier in the week.
Olmert says Palestinian state crucial for Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said after peace talks in Washington that failure to negotiate a two-state solution with the Palestinians could threaten Israel's long-term survival.
Musharraf starts second term facing sea of woe
Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf began his second term as president on Thursday, facing widespread resentment at home, pressure from Western allies to tackle Islamist militancy and a difficult shift to life as a civilian.
Botched coup bid in Philippines ends
Elite military and police units stormed the Manila Peninsula Hotel on Thursday, ending a short-lived coup attempt by a small group of soldiers and others who had called on the army to mutiny.
Troops may wait 20 years for better homes
Some troops and their families could be stuck in "simply unacceptable" housing for 20 years due to cutbacks and slow renovation work, MPs said in a damning report on Thursday.
Watchdog issues alert over four Chinese medicines
People should stop taking four traditional Chinese medicines on sale in Britain that contain an acid linked to cancer and kidney failure, the drug safety watchdog said on Thursday.
Police carry out national gun crime crackdown
Hundreds of real and imitation firearms were seized during a nationwide "Day of Action" aimed at tackling violent crime among young people, the Home Office said on Thursday.
Elderly man charged with girl's 1961 murder
A 70-year-old man is due to appear in court on Thursday charged with the murder of a teenage girl 46 years ago.
UK teacher in court over teddy bear case
A British teacher accused of insulting Muslims after her class called a teddy bear Mohammed appeared in court in Khartoum on Thursday as Sudanese authorities whipped a man outside the courthouse.
House prices see biggest fall in years
House prices fell at their sharpest rate in more than twelve years in November, the Nationwide building society said on Thursday, in another sign the property market is cooling fast.