Japan today called on South Korea to end its "illegal occupation" of tiny islets in the strongest language so far in a dispute that has sent the two countries' relations to the lowest levels in years.

Police arrested four people who scuffled with riot police during anti-globalisation rallies ahead of this week’s Group of 20 summit, a police officer said today.

Taliban leaders and South Korean officials were continuing negotiations by telephone over the fate of the remaining 19 hostages today, but no new face-to-face talks had been planned, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.

UN nuclear chief Mohamed ElBaradei headed to North Korea today for talks on how to implement a landmark nuclear disarmament agreement.