Police in northern Germany use water cannons after scuffles break out with protesters trying to stop a shipment of nuclear waste from France.

A poll for the BBC indicates a small and diminishing appetite around the world for building new nuclear reactors, although the UK bucks the trend.

Thousands of Peruvians protest against plans for a huge new goldmine, in a dispute that is a test for President Humala's policies.

Moroccans are getting ready to cast their votes in a parliamentary poll, elections brought forward in response to the uprisings in neighbouring states.

Protesters in Cairo prepare to hold another mass rally to demand that Egypt's military rulers step aside ahead of planned elections.

The ex-boss of scandal-hit Japanese camera-maker Olympus says a meeting with the company's board was "constructive and honest".

Three directors stand down at firm Olympus, amid one of Japan's biggest corporate scandals.

Russia sets 4 March 2012 as the date for its presidential elections, in which former President Vladimir Putin is the overwhelming favourite.