World news headlines from BBC News

Euro row brews as G8 summit opens - Sat, 19 May 2012 01:57:52 GMT

Claims that Germany's chancellor suggested debt-stricken Greece should reconsider its place in the eurozone spark a row as the US hosts G8 leaders.

Facebook shares see modest debut - Fri, 18 May 2012 20:49:36 GMT

Facebook shares end a volatile first day of trading at $38.23, barely above the company's initial pricing, having initially jumped more than 10%.

Syria protests 'grip Aleppo city' - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:03:34 GMT

Syrian activists report thousands at protests in the city of Aleppo, which has so far largely stayed loyal to the president since the uprising began.

UN nuclear chief to visit Iran - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:22:53 GMT

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog will travel to Iran on Sunday to "discuss issues of mutual interest".

Baritone Fischer-Dieskau dies - Fri, 18 May 2012 13:13:52 GMT

The respected German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, famed for his performances of Schubert's song cycle Winter Journey, dies at the age of 86.

Malawi 'to overturn ban on gays' - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:19:04 GMT

President Joyce Banda says she wants Malawi to overturn its ban on homosexual acts - the first African country to do so since 1994.

Prisoners surrender in Honduras - Fri, 18 May 2012 23:34:26 GMT

Inmates who took control of a jail in Honduras on Wednesday agree to surrender after clashes that killed one prisoner and injured another 11.

Protesters angered by Gulf union - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:54:23 GMT

Thousands of Bahrainis protest outside the capital against a plan to create a union of Gulf Arab countries, with similar demonstrations in Tehran and Dubai.

Argentine gas exports cancelled - Fri, 18 May 2012 22:41:57 GMT

Spanish energy giant Repsol cancels a contract to provide gas to Argentina, in a continuing row after Buenos Aries nationalised one of its subsidiaries.

Travel ban on Guinea-Bissau junta - Fri, 18 May 2012 22:50:37 GMT

The UN Security Council imposes a travel ban on five leaders of the recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau, and demands a return to democracy.

Third Mexican general detained - Fri, 18 May 2012 18:09:28 GMT

The Mexican army detains General Ricardo Escorcia Vargas, after putting two other officers under house arrest for alleged links with a drug cartel.

Maryland allows same-sex divorce - Fri, 18 May 2012 21:10:58 GMT

The highest court in Maryland allows gay couples to divorce, even though same-sex marriage is not yet allowed in that US state.

Inside world's ‘priciest house’ - Fri, 18 May 2012 10:36:24 GMT

The first pictures are released showing inside the "world's most expensive house", owned by the Ambani family in Mumbai.

Iran 'to sue Google' over Gulf - Thu, 17 May 2012 18:24:09 GMT

Google is facing legal action for not labelling the body of water separating Iran and neighbouring Arab Gulf states on its map service.

US baby boomers in Hep C warning - Sat, 19 May 2012 02:02:28 GMT

US baby boomers are advised to get tested for the liver-destroying virus hepatitis C, in a move health officials say could save 120,000 lives.

Private spaceship set for launch - Sat, 19 May 2012 00:44:21 GMT

California's SpaceX company is preparing to launch to the space station - the first resupply mission to the orbiting outpost by a private company.

Cuban offshore oil attempt fails - Fri, 18 May 2012 20:00:34 GMT

Spain's Repsol oil company says a first attempt to find oil off Cuba's northern coast has been unsuccessful.

Rio hotels agree summit price cut - Thu, 17 May 2012 10:29:44 GMT

The Brazilian government reaches a deal with Rio de Janeiro hotel owners to cut spiralling room prices ahead of a major UN summit in the city.

Obama unveils US Africa food plan - Fri, 18 May 2012 15:45:40 GMT

US President Barack Obama announces a $3bn (£1.9bn) plan to boost food security in Africa ahead of a G-8 summit near Washington.

ANC to sue over painting of Zuma - Fri, 18 May 2012 11:54:01 GMT

A painting showing President Jacob Zuma with his genitals hanging out sparks the anger of South Africa's ANC, which says it will go to court.

India charges prompt Italy row - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:24:41 GMT

Indian police charge two Italian marines with the murder of two Indian fishermen, prompting Italy to recall its ambassador.

China jails smuggler Lai for life - Fri, 18 May 2012 11:17:27 GMT

Lai Changxing, extradited from Canada to China to face smuggling and bribery charges, is jailed for life in China, state media says.

Italian fraudster's assets seized - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:48:54 GMT

Italian police seize assets estimated to be worth about 330m euros (£253m) from convicted businessman Gioacchino Campolo.

EU 'plans for Greek exit option' - Fri, 18 May 2012 17:19:23 GMT

The EU Commission and European Central Bank are making contingency plans for a possible Greek exit from the euro, an EU commissioner says.

World royals mark Diamond Jubilee - Fri, 18 May 2012 19:42:04 GMT

More than 20 monarchs gather to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, with protests over the inclusion of the controversial heads of Bahrain and Swaziland.

US strike plan on Iran 'ready' - Thu, 17 May 2012 21:25:51 GMT

The US has plans in place to attack Iran if other measures fail to stop it developing nuclear weapons, Washington's envoy to Israel says.

Armed forces to march for Jubilee - Sat, 19 May 2012 02:14:31 GMT

Thousands of members of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force are to take part in a parade and flypast for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

PM warns Hollande over tax plan - Fri, 18 May 2012 22:18:08 GMT

UK PM David Cameron warns French President Francois Hollande that Britain will not accept a Europe-wide financial transaction tax, saying it is not a "sensible measure".

Merkel 'suggests Greek euro vote' - Fri, 18 May 2012 21:13:41 GMT

Greek officials say Germany's Chancellor Merkel has suggested a euro referendum, but Berlin denies the report, as world leaders gather in the US for a G8 summit meeting.

Market jitters over eurozone woes - Fri, 18 May 2012 17:31:52 GMT

European markets suffer a nervous session with investors unsettled by a downgrade for Spanish banks and the political crisis in Greece.

Yahoo jumps on Alibaba deal talk - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:35:40 GMT

Shares in internet giant Yahoo rise 5% on reports that it is close to selling its valuable stake in Alibaba Group, the Chinese e-commerce company.

'Bring on Bayern,' says Lampard - Fri, 18 May 2012 23:30:06 GMT

Chelsea captain Frank Lampard is relishing the task of leading his team into the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Strauss ton gives England control - Fri, 18 May 2012 17:21:39 GMT

Captain Andrew Strauss scores his first century in 18 months as England dominate West Indies on the second day of the first Test.

Rodgers rejects Liverpool talks - Fri, 18 May 2012 12:31:33 GMT

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers is not interested in speaking to Liverpool about their vacant managerial position.

Obama leads Donna Summer tributes - Fri, 18 May 2012 08:59:34 GMT

President Barack Obama joins a host of music industry luminaries in paying tribute to Donna Summer following the disco star's death at the age of 63.

Moffat to receive special Bafta - Sat, 19 May 2012 00:13:47 GMT

Doctor Who producer and Sherlock co-creator Steven Moffat is to receive a special prize at this year's Bafta TV awards, organisers announce.

Sweden tipped for Euro success - Fri, 18 May 2012 10:54:04 GMT

Sweden is the frontrunner to win at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, while Engelbert Humperdinck believes the UK can triumph.

VIDEO: Tension over Spanish bank debts - Fri, 18 May 2012 19:04:48 GMT

The Spanish government has announced that the level of bad loans held by the country's banks is at an 18-year high.

VIDEO: World royals gather to mark Jubilee - Fri, 18 May 2012 20:41:05 GMT

Royals from around the world have gathered in Britain to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

VIDEO: France confirms early Afghan exit - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:49:52 GMT

France has confirmed it plans to withdraw its combat forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2012, two years ahead of the agreed Nato schedule.

VIDEO: Facebook shares see modest debut - Fri, 18 May 2012 21:11:10 GMT

Facebook shares ended their first day of trading at $38.23, barely above the company's initial pricing of $38.

VIDEO: Human cost of Greek economic crisis - Fri, 18 May 2012 10:49:06 GMT

With rising crime and suicide rates, Greek comic Katerina Vrana explores the human cost of the financial crisis in her homeland.

VIDEO: China activist's family claim torture - Thu, 17 May 2012 21:48:58 GMT

Relatives of the blind Chinese activist, Chen Guangcheng, have given detailed accounts of the torture and retribution they have allegedly suffered at the hands of Chinese authorities.

AUDIO: Film tackles Mugabe's rise and fall - Fri, 18 May 2012 14:25:27 GMT

Film director Simon Bright discusses his new film about Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's triumphs and failings.

VIDEO: Barn owl love knows no borders - Fri, 18 May 2012 16:00:30 GMT

Barn owls used to catch mice and rats in the fields of Jordan and Israel are breeding in specially set-up nesting boxes.

VIDEO: One-minute World News - Sat, 19 May 2012 01:04:43 GMT

Watch the latest news summary from BBC World News. International news updated 24 hours a day.

A glimpse of life after Nato in Afghanistan's wild east - Fri, 18 May 2012 23:47:11 GMT

A glimpse of life after Nato in Afghanistan's wild east

Al-Qaeda's hidden war in Yemen - Sat, 19 May 2012 00:38:17 GMT

Yemeni forces strike at al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

Crime and punishment, Norwegian style - Fri, 18 May 2012 23:16:55 GMT

The island where inmate are free to wander woods and beaches

South Africa targets rainbow tourists - Fri, 18 May 2012 23:42:39 GMT

Can South Africa overcome prejudice to attract gay tourists?

Small countries push for a more open UN - Sat, 19 May 2012 00:32:26 GMT

Small countries seek Security Council change

Huge economic challenge awaits Egypt's next leader - Sat, 19 May 2012 00:26:18 GMT

Egypt's economic crisis sets major task for country's next leader

Why chess is booming in India - Thu, 17 May 2012 23:25:22 GMT

Could India become a chess superpower?