Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri Maliki accuses Saudi Arabia and Qatar of seeking to destabilise his country by supporting insurgent groups.

The US warns Russia that any moves to annex Crimea would close the door to diplomacy, as Moscow tightens its grip on the peninsula.

Sri Lanka beat holders Pakistan by five wickets with 22 balls remaining at the Asia Cup final in Dhaka.

Officials say there is still no sign of wreckage as the search continues for a Malaysia Airlines flight missing for more than 24 hours with 239 people on board.

Former head of the British armed forces Gen Lord Richards appeals for western powers not to give up on Afghanistan once troops withdraw.

Labour leader Ed Miliband says he would support British military intervention in future conflicts if it was "in the national interest".

Thousands of people have marched through the streets of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, to demand politicians pass a law against domestic violence.

The EU's head of foreign policy, Catherine Ashton, is due to begin talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran, the first such visit since 2008.