AFP - Japan said Wednesday it received assurances from Australia that it would seek a diplomatic solution to an emotionally charged dispute on whaling and avoid the use of force.
AFP - Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla hit centuries as Bangladesh's decision to send South Africa in to bat backfired on the first day of the first Test at Springbok Park Wednesday.
AFP - Pakistan's army chief vowed Wednesday to keep NATO's supply line to Afghanistan open and reaffirmed support for the alliance's mission there, a senior NATO officer said.
AFP - A US judge on Wednesday ordered further psychiatric evaluation for a Pakistani woman he says is mentally incompetent to stand trial on charges of attempted murder of US officers in Afghanistan.
AFP - Bangladesh's army-backed government said Wednesday it would not change the date for next month's elections despite a threat from a major political force to boycott polls unless they were delayed.
AFP - Group leaders Australia pulled off a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Bahrain in a lively Asian Zone Group One clash in Manama on Wednesday to take another step closer to the 2010 World Cup finals.
AFP - Chinese President Hu Jintao arrives in Peru on Wednesday for the final stop in a three-nation swing through Latin America that has underscored the Asian giant's growing clout in the region.
AFP - Security forces in northwest China used tear gas to quell two days of violent protests by thousands of people who used axes, chains and iron bars to attack police, witnesses and officials said on Wednesday.