Bolivian President Evo Morales says criticism of his drug strategy in two recent reports published by the US and UN are part of efforts to defame him.

Police in Saudi Arabia open fire to disperse mainly Shia protesters in the eastern city of Qatif, injuring at least three.

The suspected head of the armed Basque separatist group Eta, Alejandro Zobaran Arriola, has been arrested in northeast France, reports say.

An attempt to free a Danish family kidnapped by Somali pirates two weeks ago has failed, but the hostages are reported to be safe.

Colombia tells multinational companies that if they pay extortion or ransom money to the country's armed groups they will face expulsion.

Forces loyal to Libya leader Col Muammar Gaddafi make substantial gains against rebels, taking two key cities back.

Japanese PM Naoto Kan says his political campaign fund received illegal donations from a foreigner, but says he will not resign.

Philippines President Benigno Aquino tells the BBC that he will focus on tackling corruption, poverty and the brain drain.