The latest stories from the World section of the BBC News web site.
US Koran-burning event 'on hold'
The US pastor who attracted worldwide condemnation for his threat to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of 9/11 says his plan is now on hold.
China demands boat captain's release
China demands that Japan "unconditionally" frees the captain and crew of a fishing boat it seized in disputed waters as diplomatic relations sour.
Obama contradicts Mexico claims
US President Barack Obama contradicts claims made by his secretary of state that Mexico is dealing with a "drugs insurgency".
UN urges Kosovo and Serbia talks
The UN adopts a resolution calling for direct talks between Serbia and Kosovo, in a move seen as a breakthrough in the long-running dispute.
US judge challenges army gay ban
A federal judge rules that a ban on homosexuals serving openly in the US military is unconstitutional, in the latest challenge to the law.
Chilean MPs join hunger protest
Four Chilean congressmen join a hunger strike by indigenous Mapuche prisoners against anti-terror laws dating back to military rule.
World's most expensive book back on sale
A rare copy of John James Audubon's Birds of America, billed as the world's most expensive book, is to go on sale at Sotheby's.
Iran will release US woman hiker
Iran is set to release on Saturday Sarah Shourd - one of three detained US hikers held since last July and accused of espionage, officials say.
Soldiers 'kept Afghan body parts'
A group of US soldiers murdered a number of Afghan civilians and took body parts as trophies, documents released by military officials suggest.
Gang strike paralyses El Salvador
Much of El Salvador's public transport grinds to a halt after street gangs force a shutdown to protest at anti-gang legislation.
Castro doubts over Cuban system
Cuba's Fidel Castro says the Cuban model no longer works in the latest excerpt from an interview with a US journalist.
It is the mission of the Scout Association to develop good citizenship among boys/girls, forming their character, training them in habits of observation, obedience and self reliance, inculcating loyalty and thoughtfulness for others........
