A Syrian official inquiry into the Houla massacre blames the atrocities on rebels trying to provoke international intervention.

Venezuela brings in a new law banning the commercial sale of guns and ammunition, in an attempt to control worsening crime rates.

Voters in the Republic of Ireland have approved the EU fiscal pact, early unofficial results indicate.

At least four aid organisations are banned from working in the deeply impoverished eastern region of Sudan, sources tell the BBC.

The US neighbourhood watchman charged with the murder of a black unarmed teenager has his bail revoked and must surrender himself within 48 hours.

Activist Chen Guangcheng, in his first major US public appearance, says democratic change in China is slow but irreversible.

Colombia's Farc rebels release French journalist Romeo Langlois, who was abducted during an ambush last month.

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi asks for help to meet the country's needs, in her first international speech outside of Burma.