The EU agrees new sanctions on Iranian officials and businesses over Tehran's nuclear programme and says future measures may target oil exports.

US President Barack Obama warns of a "massive blow" to the economy if Republicans oppose his calls to extend a payroll tax cut.

Three alleged members of a rebel group are arrested in Colombia on suspicion of kidnapping 10-year-old Nohora Valentina Munoz last September.

Reverend Billy Graham, the US evangelical preacher, has been admitted to a North Carolina hospital for possible pneumonia, his spokesman says.

Amnesty International accuses Saudi Arabia of reacting to the Arab Spring by launching a new wave of repression, with thousands of people arrested.

Asian markets jump, following a rally in the US and Europe, after a group of central banks move to boost global lending.

A Sri Lankan government minister comes under fire after admitting that thousands of Indian coconuts were imported only to be dumped at sea.

A Colombian soldier is sentenced to 54 years in jail for murdering three civilians and then claiming the men were left-wing guerrillas.