The operator of the stricken Japanese nuclear plant at Fukushima is criticised by officials for a lack of transparency and failures to protect workers.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announces a national election for 2 May, after his Conversative government was toppled in a confidence vote.

Ivory Coast's Alassane Ouattara refuses to accept the African Union's choice of mediator to tackle the presidential conflict with rival Laurent Gbagbo.

Two people have been killed in the Syrian city of Latakia, officials say, as anti-government demonstrations continue in a number of towns.

At least 75 people are known to have died in Burma after a magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck near the country's borders with Laos and Thailand.

French fighter jets destroy five Libyan air force planes and two helicopters near the rebel-held town of Misrata, and overnight air strikes continue.

Pakistani PM Yousuf Raza Gilani accepts an invitation from his Indian counterpart to attend the Cricket World Cup semi-final between the countries.

An Israeli air strike kills two militants in the Gaza Strip, a day after Palestinian militants said they would agree a truce if Israel reciprocated.