Long-term accord sought for Iran

Iran and world powers embark on Tuesday on the herculean task of transforming their interim nuclear deal into a long-term accord satisfying all sides and silencing talk of war for good.

Vice-FM to attend meeting

Vice-Foreign Minister Li Baodong will lead the Chinese delegation at the Iran nuclear negotiations slated to start on Tuesday in Vienna, the Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

Ex-boss of Murdoch's papers begins hacking defense

Rebekah Brooks, who ran Rupert Murdoch's News International and the now defunct News of the World in the United Kingdom, is due is due to begin her defense on Wednesday against allegations she was complicit in widespread phone-hacking at News of the World weekly.

Co-pilot hijacks Ethiopian jetliner

The co-pilot of a hijacked Ethiopian Airlines flight surrendered to Swiss authorities in Geneva on Monday after commandeering his aircraft to seek asylum in Switzerland, police said.

Country's air hijacking history

There have been several air hijackings in the past involving Ethiopian nationals and the country's flag carrier.

Envoy begins four-day visit to DPRK

Beijing announced a senior diplomat's visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Monday, as Pyongyang and Seoul both demand regional stability and better bilateral relations.

Beijing calls on Tokyo to return plutonium to US

China voiced "serious concern" on Monday over Japan's possession of weapons-grade nuclear materials, urging Tokyo to return the plutonium borrowed from the United States as soon as possible.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Chefs rebel against 'food porn' photos

The next time you try to take a picture of your dinner in a posh French restaurant, don't be surprised if an angry chef comes storming out of the kitchen.

Scientists behind big-screen special effects honored

The scientists and inventors who make big-screen superheroes, spectacular explosions and other only-in-the-movies effects possible have long had their own Oscar ceremony.

Germany, France eye new data network

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday she will talk to French President Francois Hollande about building up a European communication network to avoid e-mails and other data passing through the United States.

Australia says it spied for 'benefit of friends'

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Sunday his government used intelligence material "for the benefit of our friends" and "to uphold our values" following fresh reports it spied on Indonesia.