US travel rules change for those not needing visa
US officials say people from countries that do not need visas to enter the United States must begin registering under a new travel authorisation program before making their journey.

EU seeks to finalise Russian gas monitoring deal
Russia`s Gazprom said it could restart gas shipments to Europe on Friday if an agreement can be signed allowing an EU-led monitoring mission to track gas flows through Ukrainian pipelines.

China bans diet drug, says it can harm heart
China`s top food and drug regulator has ordered a halt to the sale and production of the weight-loss drug fenfluramine hydrochloride, citing its harmful side effects.

Somali pirates release Saudi tanker
Somali pirates released an oil-laden Saudi supertanker after receiving a USD 3 million ransom, a negotiator for the bandits said on Friday.

10 injured in Pak serial blasts
At least 10 people were injured when five bomb blasts rocked two empty theatres in Pakistani.

Tsvangirai seeks crucial Mugabe meeting
Morgan Tsvangirai has requested a meeting with President Robert Mugabe in a last-ditch effort to salvage a power-sharing deal.

Obama camp plans to open dialogue with Hamas: Report
The incoming Obama administration in the US plans to abandon President George Bush`s doctrine of isolating Hamas by establishing a channel to the Islamist organisation, a London daily claimed on Friday.

Kouchner knew beforehand UNSC would favour Gaza truce
After tense negotiations on Gaza, the UN Security Council (UNSC) witnessed some light moments when presiding French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner was handed over the results even before a truce resolution was put to vote.

Obama to finalise national security team
US President-elect Barack Obama is completing his national security team by announcing his unusual choices for CIA director and a national intelligence director.

ASEAN adopts 2011-15 tourism strategic plan
Tourism Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries agreed here on the 2011-15 Strategic Plan of ASEAN Tourism with an aim to promote tourism co-operation among its member countries.