Chief executive Stephen Hester of UK's nationalised Royal Bank of Scotland will not take his near-$1.5m bonus, the BBC has learned.

Thousands of people protest in the Spanish capital, Madrid, in support of prominent human rights judge Baltasar Garzon, on trial for exceeding his powers.

Cuban President Raul Castro says his country will keep its one-party system, allowing no competition to the ruling Communists.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy announces the introduction of a tax on financial transactions, as the presidential election looms.

The eurozone crisis is set to dominate an EU summit on Monday, as leaders place the emphasis on growth and "smart" budget discipline.

The dispute between Iran and Western economies escalates after Tehran says it will stop oil sales to some countries.

A dose of ultrasound can stop the production of sperm, according to researchers investigating a new form of contraception.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez threatens to nationalise banks that refuse to finance agricultural development projects backed by his government.