Colombia's president says the security forces are prepared for possible attacks by Farc rebels, as their unilateral ceasefire is due to expire.

Texas company SCA Promotions plans to file a lawsuit next week to recoup $12m from disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong.

A piece of music that was composed by waiting for bird droppings to fall on giant sheets of manuscript paper in parks is to receive its premiere.

Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem invites the "nationalistic opposition" to lay down its weapons and join talks to form a new government.

Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom sets up a new file-sharing website, a web-based service that lets people upload and store files of any kind.

US President Barack Obama blames "terrorists" for the death of at least 23 hostages at a besieged desert gas facility in Algeria.

Leon Panetta completes his final overseas trip as US defence secretary and his staff give him a plastic meat cleaver as a parting gift.

Barack Obama is due to be officially sworn in for his second term as US president in a small ceremony at the White House.