Burma 'to free Aung San Suu Kyi in November' after 20 years

Burma's military government is contemplating the release of the country?s democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, at the end of the year, but only after the anticipated date of national elections, according to reports from Rangoon.

Beijing plans to relax 'one couple, one child' rules

China?s capital plans to relax some of its tough ?one couple, one child? family planning rules to allow more people to have a second baby.

Chemical Ali executed for Halabja massacre

Ali Hassan al-Majid, Saddam Hussein?s henchman who was better known by his nickname of Chemical Ali, was executed today according to an Iraqi government spokesman.

Over 30 killed as bombers hit Baghdad hotels

At least 36 people were killed today when insurgents set off a series of car bombs outside some of Baghdad's best known international hotels, including one which hosts the offices of The Times.

US criticised over Haiti aid as reconstruction talks begin

The Italian Government today distanced itself from scathing remarks about the relief operation in Haiti by Guido Bertolaso, head of Italy's civil protection department, who said that the US-led efforts were a "pathetic" failure.

UN's rogue glacier claim 'was just one page in report', says IPCC deputy

Calls for the resignation of the embattled head of the UN climate change body were dismissed by its vice-chairman today as the organisation sought to repair its damaged credibility.

Analysis: too early to rule out an attack on Ethiopian Airlines

Bad weather or sabotage are being cited in the aviation world as possible factors in the crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 409 off Beirut this morning.

Two Britons among 90 feared dead in Ethiopian Airlines plane crash

The head of Ethiopian Airlines said there was little chance of finding any survivors after one of its jets crashed with 90 people, including two Britons, on board.

Boeing 737 has good safety record, experts say

The Ethiopian airliner which crashed into the Mediterranean soon after take-off today was a Boeing 737, the best-selling commercial aircraft in aviation history.

Australians debate removing Union Jack from official flag

As Australians prepare to celebrate their national day tomorrow, there have been renewed calls to remove Britain's Union Jack from the country?s official flag.

Ethiopian Airlines plane crashes after takeoff from Beirut

An Ethiopian airliner transporting 90 passengers and crew ? including two Britons ? crashed in stormy weather just after takeoff in Lebanon earlier today, plunging into the Mediterranean sea.

Berlusconi gossip magazine editor to appear before extortion inquiry

The editor of two top-selling Italian gossip magazines owned by Silvio Berlusconi may be summoned by Milan prosecutors who have started an investigation into an alleged extortion racket by paparazzi.