But Russia is apparently getting tired of Assad?s slow pace of reform and the continuing violence against unarmed civilians.
The European Central Bank, in a widely anticipated move aimed at limiting the number of euro zone nations falling into recession, on Thursday cut its main interest rate to a historic low of 0.75 percent and cut its overnight deposit and lending rates by 0.25 percentage points each, to 0 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively.
U.S. stock index futures point to a slightly lower opening Thursday ahead of a crucial European Central Bank meeting in Frankfurt where a cut in interest rates is likely to be announced.
Americans rejoicing the 4th of July celebrations had a rare date with history when researchers in Germany unearthed a rare 16th century map produced by master cartographer Martin Waldseemueller.
Police in Montreal have found what is believed to be the head of a Chinese university student who was allegedly murdered and dismembered by his boyfriend.
The Italian bond market rallied on Tuesday as optimism among investors grew in anticipation of further growth measures from European leaders following the EU summit last week.
According to a polling agency, 6.5 percent of the French voting public is gay, and only 4.5 percent of the electorate are practicing Catholics.
The U.S.A. remains the world's richest country, with more wealth than the combined treasures of the next four richest nations -- Japan, China, Germany and the UK. And most of its wealth comes from the potential of its people.
The U.N. drugs watchdog chief voiced dismay and serious concern in talks with an Iranian envoy Tuesday over claims by the Islamic Republic's vice president that Jews were behind global narcotics trafficking.
In Nepal, justice for the victims of war crimes is a long time coming.
U.S. stock index futures point to a mixed opening Tuesday amid hopes that the Federal Reserve will announce stimulus measures to tackle the faltering economy and revive growth.
After their historic triumph at Euro 2012, a look at Spain's prospects of retaining their World Cup trophy in Brazil.
All the latest developments as Manchester United continue to be linked to several of Europe's big names.
When ?Tupac? dazzled audiences at the Coachella music festival earlier this year, it heralded the mainstream arrival of the hologram. Now, so-called virtual assistants are popping up at airports across the globe.
Take a look back and get further insight on Spain's 4-0 victory over Italy in the final of Euro 2012.
Europe's fourth-largest economy is putting millions of people out of work. This time, it won't be back in 10 minutes like the post-it notes of Spanish employees when they leave their desks for a half-hour coffee break every so often.
Heinz Fromm resigned as information emerged that officers from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution had shredded key documents relating to the murders of at least 10 people, mostly Turkish immigrants, by the group.
Unemployment in the euro zone rose to a new record high in May, while manufacturing activities fell for the 11th consecutive month in June. The numbers increase the likelihood the European Central Bank will cut its key interest rate when its governing council meets Thursday.
An abandoned slave fort in Sierra Leone is undergoing restoration so that it can be opened to the public. Officials hope that it will generate much-needed tourism revenues in the war-torn country.
While this week will be interrupted midway by the Fourth of July holiday, the barbecues and fireworks are unlikely to take away from the importance of Friday's June nonfarm payrolls report. Monday's ISM manufacturing index will also be in focus.
U.S. stock index futures pointed to a higher open Monday as investor sentiment turned positive with indications of improvement in business conditions in Asia and also continued optimism on the measures taken at the EU summit.
Watch live coverage of the Euro 2012 final as Spain take on Italy in Kiev, plus a full preview, team news and prediction.
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