US, 23/02/12 - An entirely new kind of planet dominated by water and not by rock, gas or other common materials has been identified by US scientists.

Indonesia, 23/02/12 - Indonesian security forces have stormed a prison on the resort island of Bali following a riot by inmates that caused authorities to lose control of the facility for several hours.

New Zealand, 23/02/12 - Kim Dotcom, the founder of file-sharing website Megaupload.com wanted in the US on copyright piracy charges, has been granted bail and released by a New Zealand court, but will remain under effective house arrest and banned from using internet.

Syria, 21/02/12 - The Red Cross says it is negotiating with the Syrian authorities and opposition fighters to try to bring a halt to violence in the country so it can deliver vital aid.

The announcement comes amid reports that Syria's opposition is to take part in an international conference in Tunis on Friday

Germany 21/02/12 - Germany's government and two main opposition parties have agreed to jointly nominate a former East German human rights activist as the country's next president, the German chancellor has said.

South Korea, 21/02/12 - South Korea has conducted live-fire military drills near the disputed Yellow Sea border with North Korea, despite Pyongyang's threat to attack.   The South Korean defence ministry said the Marine Corps, which guards "frontline" islands

Spain, 19/02/12 - A US federal judge has ruled that a Florida-based company that found sunken treasure from a 19th century warship must return 594,000 silver and gold coins to the Spanish government by next week.

Germany, 19/02/12 - German President Christian Wulff has resigned from his position as head of state amid mounting criticism over a home loan scandal.

US, 19/02/12 - Additional charges of fraud, copyright infringement and money laundering have been filed against Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom by US authorities.

Thailand, 19/02/12 - Authorities in Thailand are looking for two more suspects in an apparent plot to bomb Israeli targets there, after announcing that three men already arrested had been seen cavorting with prostitutes on a beach resort.