A key witness in a court case investigating links between Colombian politicians and right-wing paramilitaries has been shot dead, officials say.

Russia's defence minister says he plans to create two specialist army brigades to be based in the Arctic.

A baboon which police suspect escaped from wildlife park is reported to be roaming the streets and gardens of Jackson, in the US state of New Jersey.

Russia's fifth largest bank, Bank of Moscow, is rescued with a $14bn bail-out, the biggest in Russian history.

Kennedy heiress Maria Shriver files for divorce from film star and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Talks between the Bahraini government and opposition are scheduled to being, as the king tries to placate the majority Shia community.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will continue their official tour of Canada with a visit to the province of Quebec.

Allies of former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn have said he could make a political comeback in France now he has been freed from house arrest in the US.