A Belarussian court on Friday rejected a second appeal by the chief executive of Russian potash producer Uralkali, despite calls by Russia for his release, and ruled he be kept in detention pending investigation into alleged abuse of power, his lawyer said.

• September 13, 2013

Steam has been seen rising from North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear facility, suggesting that the reactor has been restarted, a US institute says.

• September 12, 2013

The European Commission has warned Russia that it is "unacceptable" to use threats against ex-Soviet states which are seeking closer ties with the EU.

• September 12, 2013

A senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced cautious support on Thursday for a plan to place Syria's chemical weapons under international control.

• September 12, 2013

Insights into Turkish Domestic and International Politics during August 16-31st 2013
By John VanPool, EGF Turkey and Black Sea Regional Analyst

Key Points:

• A chemical attack is allegedly launched in Damascus’ suburbs, threatening to elicit a U.S. military response and possibly a wider regional war. Turkey backs the Americans, with Prime Minister Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul saying Bashar al-Assad must go.
• Kurdish fighters in northern Syria establish their own administrative areas in the country while continuing to fight jihadist elements of the Free Syrian Army. Their autonomy may be a flashpoint should Turkey be forced to make a ground incursion into Syria.
• Egypt’s military-backed government continues to snipe back at the Turkish prime minister, who has emerged as its most vocal critic outside of Egypt.
• The poor relations between Ankara and Cairo may be costing Turkey influence and money with regional partners who supported the military putsch that unseated Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi.

• September 12, 2013

The European Union Commission has approved a plan to spur investment in communications networks and create a single market for telecoms services despite concerns that some parts may favor big operators, two officials said on Tuesday.

• September 11, 2013

China responded coolly on Wednesday to a French draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council to control Syria's chemical weapons, saying any decisions must be based on consensus and promote a peaceful resolution.

• September 11, 2013

The European Union rejected on Wednesday Russian pressure to deter Ukraine and other former Soviet republics from deepening trade ties with Europe, saying any kind of retaliation was unacceptable.

• September 11, 2013