Hollande admits problems in personal life

French President Francois Hollande defiantly batted away questions on Tuesday over the future of Valerie Trierweiler and his alleged affair with a French actress, vowing to deal with the problems in his personal life in private.

Thai leader stands firm on election

Thailand's government stuck to a plan for a February election on Wednesday despite mounting pressure from protesters who have brought parts of Bangkok to a near-standstill, and said it believed support for the leader of the agitation was waning.

Prince's star rises amid scandals

As Spain's royal family reels from scandals and its elderly king leans on crutches after numerous operations, one figure is standing tall, offering the monarchy hope: heir apparent Prince Felipe.

Gandhi ready to serve as Indian PM candidate

India's Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that he was open to leading the ruling Congress Party into elections this year in his strongest hint yet that he is ready to be named as a prime ministerial candidate.

Park urges Japan to acknowledge history

South Korean President Park Geun-hye publicly urged the Japanese Cabinet to show that it understands history correctly and to honor apologies made by former Japanese leaders for the country's World War II misdeeds.

Turkey's political civil war could weaken Erdogan

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan looks to have the upper hand in a civil war rocking the country's political establishment, but his bid to break the influence of a potent Islamic cleric could roll back reforms and undermine hard-won business confidence.

UK moves away from Chinese telecom equipment

Accusations about "information security" directed toward Chinese communication equipment should based on facts or investigative results rather than concerns raised by possible "vulnerabilities", observers said on Tuesday after British ministries dumped Chinese products.

S. China Sea rules no threat to peace, experts say

China's amendments to its fishing rules aim to enhance management of its administrative waters in the South China Sea, and will not hamper freedom of navigation or regional security, observers said.

Reports of Iran oil talks raise concerns

The White House said on Monday it was concerned about a recent report that Iran and Russia are negotiating an oil-for-goods swap worth $1.5 billion a month, a deal a spokeswoman said could trigger US sanctions.

Egyptians vote on new constitution

Egyptians were voting on a new constitution on Tuesday amid high security in a referendum likely to prompt a presidential bid by the army chief who overthrew Islamist president Mohammed Morsi.

Thai protesters blockade ministries, government

Protesters trying to topple Thailand's government moved to tighten their blockade around ministries on Tuesday and a hard-line faction threatened to storm the stock exchange, while major intersections in the capital Bangkok remained blocked.

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