Lon Snowden, father of US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, has got a Russian visa and will visit his son "very soon", his lawyer says.

The vice-president of the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA says the blaze at one of the country's largest oil refineries has been extinguished.

Japan's economy expands at a slower pace than most analysts expected in the second quarter.

Royal Navy warship HMS Westminster is due to leave the UK later for a "routine" visit to Gibraltar, amid tensions with Spain over border checks.

President Barack Obama pledges oversight of US surveillance, while criticising Russia which is harbouring fugitive leaker Edward Snowden.

Reports from Egypt say the authorities are planning to start breaking up the two sit-ins by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo.

A powerful typhoon brings heavy rain and high winds to the northern Philippines, leaving at least 23 fishermen missing.

Robert Mugabe is to deliver his first public speech since he won Zimbabwe's disputed presidential election at an event which his rivals are boycotting.