Severe floods caused by torrential rain force thousands of people in the Gaza Strip to move from their homes.

France's foreign minister says he has little hope for planned Syrian peace talks, as the moderate opposition is in "serious difficulty".

Nelson Mandela is to be buried in his ancestral home in Qunu, ending a week of commemorations for South Africa's first black president.

Supporters and opponents of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych are to hold rival protests in Kiev, amid fears of possible clashes.

Chileans are due to go to the polls in a presidential run-off, with left-wing candidate Michelle Bachelet widely expected to win.

A Japanese diplomat is wounded in a reported failed kidnap attempt by armed men in Yemen.

The EU suspends work on a trade agreement with Ukraine after failing to get a "clear commitment", while tens of thousands of opposition supporters rally in Kiev.

North Korean officials insist the execution of senior figure Chang Song-thaek will not alter the nation's economic goals, including a drive to attract foreign investment.