The US Senate is to proceed with votes to confirm former Senator Chuck Hagel as defence secretary, 12 days after Republicans forced a delay.

Four people are arrested over the killing of Tunisian opposition leader Chokri Belaid, but the assassin remains at large, interior minister says.

Argentine ex-football star Diego Maradona appeals to Italian authorities for "justice" after returning to the country to dispute a demand for unpaid taxes.

Adele's is named as the world's biggest seller for a second year as global sales figures show the first increase in music revenues for 14 years.

The Syrian opposition reverses its decision to boycott international talks in Rome, after the US and the UK promise to increase their support.

Burma's President Thein Sein is to embark on his first European tour, where he is expected to engage in high-level talks.

Italy's centre-left narrowly wins the vote for the lower house of parliament but ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi's party says the election is "too close to call".

World powers and Iran are set to hold their first talks over its controversial nuclear programme since June 2012, in the Kazakh city of Almaty.