US President Barack Obama arrives in the Connecticut community devastated by the shootings at an elementary school that left 26 people dead.

French actor Gerard Depardieu says he is handing back his French passport after the prime minister criticised him for moving to Belgium to avoid taxes.

The Libyan parliament orders the closure of the country's southern borders in an attempt to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and goods.

Japanese shares rise and the yen dips after exit polls indicate a clear win for Shinzo Abe-led Liberal Democratic Party in Japan's general elections.

UN Ambassador Susan Rice withdraws her name for consideration from the race to succeed Hillary Clinton as US secretary of state, the White House says.

North Korea holds a ceremony marking a year since the death of Kim Jong-il, days after the country's successful rocket launch.

Shinzo Abe says his party has a "heavy responsibility" following its landslide victory in Sunday's general election in Japan.

The funeral of a nurse who apparently killed herself following a royal hoax call in London is due to take place in her Indian hometown.