Joanna Gill

Nicaragua

Nicaragua announces start of work on China-backed canal

The groundbreaking ceremony on Monday marks the beginning of work on a canal to rival Panama's waterway and boost the economy amid concerns over Lake Nicaragua.

23/12/2014

Denmark

Oh cloned Christmas tree, your leaves are so duplicated

Finding the perfect Christmas tree can be a chore. Tall, short, full or sparse there are trees to suit all tastes in Denmark which is the world’s

22/12/2014

Cuba

Latin American leaders welcome US - Cuba policy shift

Miami Cubans living in ‘Little Havana’ have mixed reactions to the news of the policy shift. Hardliners who want Castro removed from power called

18/12/2014

Vatican

Pope Francis turns 78 with tango and tea in St Peter's Square

Pope Francis’ weekly address had a festive atmosphere as thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square to celebrate his 78th birthday. The celebrations

17/12/2014

World News

Australia mourns the victims of the Sydney Siege

A country in mourning – Australia pays tribute to the victims of siege in Sydney. Two of the 17 hostages died alongside the gunman when heavily armed

16/12/2014

Venezuela

President Maduro slams US sanctions on Venezuelan officials

A sea of red shirts flowed through Caracas on Monday. Thousands took to the streets in a show of strength for their president Nicolas Maduro who

16/12/2014

World News

Sydney siege: Australians react to the hostage drama

With the siege in Sydney still underway, heavily armed police surround the Lindt cafe in Martin Place. The area will remain in lockdown until

15/12/2014

Iraq

Pilgrims defy ISIL militants flocking to Kerbala in record numbers

One person has been killed by rocket fire in the Iraqi city of Kerbala where Shi’ite pilgrims gathered for religious ceremonies. Despite the threat

12/12/2014

United Kingdom

An exhibition fit for The King in London

London is all shook up with the opening of a new exhibition dedicated to the King of Rock and Roll. Housed at the O2 Arena, the collection numbering

12/12/2014

USA

CIA chief defends post-9/11 interrogation tactics after damning report

CIA director John Brennan has defended the spy agency following the publication of a highly critical report into its post 9/11 interrogation

11/12/2014

Ukraine

Chechen 'death' unit fighting with rebels in eastern Ukraine

Hundreds of fighters from the Russian republic of Chechnya have joined the insurgents in East Ukraine. The so-called “death unit” has made a former

10/12/2014

Italy

Great Prison Bake-off in Italy aims to change lives

From inmate to pastry chef, a cooperative in Padua has opened Italy’s only bakery behind bars. Those serving time are serving up 70,000 Pannetonni

09/12/2014

USA

CIA's actions a 'stain on US history', says Senate Intelligence Committee head

The Senate Intelligence Committee report details CIA failings in counter-terror programme and enhanced interrogation techniques following 9/11 attacks.

09/12/2014

USA

Details of CIA torture report released

The US Senate Intelligence Committee revealed the findings of its report into post 9/11 terror suspect interrogation techniques in Washington.

09/12/2014

Greece

Greece to hold presidential vote two months early

The Greek government decided to bring forward the parliamentary vote to select the next president after eurozone finance ministers approved an extension to the bailout programme.

09/12/2014

France

London could follow Paris diesel car ban

Monday brought bad news for diesel car owners in European capitals. London is now looking to follow in the footsteps of Paris which announced a ban

08/12/2014

World News

Optimism and uncertainty at Lima climate talks

Climate talks have entered their second and final week in Lima. Negotiators from 190 countries are working to hammer out a global deal to limit

08/12/2014

Syria

UN calls for countries to resettle 180,000 Syrian refugees

The UN is calling on countries to take on 180,000 Syrian refugees. The figure represents just five percent of the projected refugee population by the

08/12/2014

Kenya

ICC prosecutor laments collapse of Kenyatta case

The decision to drop charges against Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta marks one of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) largest setbacks. The

05/12/2014

USA

President Obama nominates Ash Carter as new defence secretary

Ashton Carter, a former deputy defence secretary has been nominated to replace Republican Senator Chuck Hagel as defence secretary in Washington.

05/12/2014