China backs UN resolution on Syrian relief

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that China supports the UN Security Council's unanimous approval of a resolution that "demands rapid, safe and unhindered access" to humanitarian aid in Syria.

G20 sells $2 trillion economic plan to create millions of jobs

The world's top economies have embraced a goal of generating more than $2 trillion in additional output over five years while creating tens of million of new jobs, signaling optimism that the worst of the crisis-era austerity is behind them.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Ukrainian leadership in doubt as president ousted

The whereabouts and legitimacy of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych were unclear on Sunday, after he left the capital and his archfoe, former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, was freed from prison and returned to Kiev to address a massive, adoring crowd.

EU seeks to sign trade deal

The European Commission said on Sunday it was ready to conclude a trade deal with Ukraine once a new government was formed, and that it believed such a deal was in both parties' interests and would be signed.

New govt needs to seek balance: experts

The West has won the first round in the fight with Russia over Ukraine, but Moscow still has cards to play and Kiev's new government will have to seek balance among the powers, observers said.

Mexico captures No 1 drug kingpin 'Shorty' Guzman

After 13 years on the lam, the world's most powerful drug kingpin was captured in a Mexican beach city, frogmarched by marines and flown to prison, abruptly ending his blood-stained reign.

Mugabe turns 90, still going strong

"I do not know how I have come to live this long," Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said a month ahead of his 90th birthday, which he celebrated on Friday.

Cats and trout battle for oddest book title

Books about cats, excrement and trout are among the contenders for the Oddest Book Title of the Year award in Britain.

Iran abiding by nuclear freeze: UN watchdog

Iran is sticking to a six-month nuclear freeze agreed to under a November interim deal with world powers, the UN atomic agency said in a new report on Thursday, a month after the agreement came into force.

China hails 'good foundation' of talks

China characterized the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna as positive and constructive on Friday, and said the good outcome bodes well for the next phase, the negotiation of a comprehensive agreement.

Thai farmers postpone protest

Thai farmers, angry about not being paid under a rice subsidy program, called off a tractor drive to Bangkok's main airport on Friday after an assurance they would get their money in a bit of welcome news for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.