Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he will not relent in pursuing "terrorist groups" in the country, despite growing international condemnation.

Asian stocks rebound after the US Federal Reserve says it will keep interest rates on hold until 2013 and Wall Street jumps.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warns of an alarming rise in attacks on medical facilities and personnel in conflict zones.

Smaller squid make up for their diminutive size, and reduced sexual status, by producing bigger sperm, scientists discover.

China's first aircraft carrier begins its sea trials, state-run media report, in a move likely to raise fresh concerns over Beijing's military build-up.

AirAsia and its rival Malaysian Airline System (MAS) agree a deal to swap shares in a bid to boost growth.

Same-sex couples in Chile could soon enjoy some of the same rights as heterosexual partners after conservative President Sebastian Pinera proposed legislation allowing same-sex civil unions.

Venezuelan prosecutors charge two former prison governors and a soldier with corruption, after June's riot that killed 22 people at El Rodeo prison.