Mexico converts anti-cartel vigilantes into police force

Mexico has begun handing blue police uniforms and assault rifles to vigilantes in the west of the country, legalizing a movement that formed last year to combat a vicious drug cartel.

Skeptics set to fight EU from inside after voting

Far-right parties in line to pick up seats in UK, France, Netherlands

Ukraine regions vote on autonomy

Referendum in Luhansk and Donetsk goes ahead as planned

Beijing: ASEAN ties won't be hurt by sea issue

China opposes any particular country's taking advantage of the South China Sea issue to sabotage friendship and cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a Foreign Ministry statement said on Saturday.

Zuma: ANC is only true hope for S. Africa

The ruling African National Congress "remains the only true hope for the majority of our people, particularly the poor and the working class", President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday after final results confirmed the ANC's victory in the 2014 elections.

Iranian president pledges transparency in nuclear talks

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday his country has nothing to offer except transparency in nuclear talks with world powers, rebuffing hard-liners as negotiators seek a final deal over the Islamic Republic's contested program.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Thousands sound social media alarm on Nigerian schoolgirls

Celebrities and politicians join campaigns to free victims of Boko Haram kidnappers

Abductions a turning point in conflict

Nigeria's president said on Thursday that Boko Haram's mass abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls would mark a turning point in the battle against the Islamists, as world powers joined the search to rescue the hostages.

S. Sudan leader to hold talks with rebels

South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel chief Riek Machar are to hold direct talks on Friday, after the United Nations said both sides in the country's brutal civil war have likely carried out crimes against humanity.

Bogus Mandela signer stars in app advert

The South African who provided bogus sign language for Nelson Mandela's memorial last year has been hired to feature in a new advertising campaign for a live-streaming app.

Putin makes triumphal visit to Crimea

Leader's trip follows massive Moscow parade celebrating victory in 1945