The European Union has cut off direct aid payments to the Hamas-led Palestinian government because of its refusal to renounce violence and recognise Israel, the EU’s executive office said today.

European Union talks with Iran’s foreign minister failed to make progress in resolving the West’s stand-off with the Islamic republic over its nuclear programme, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said today.

Iranian and European officials today said they were eager to find a diplomatic solution to resolve the stand-off over Iran’s nuclear energy programme, which Iran’s foreign minister insisted was not being used to develop weapons.

The European Commission today proposed EU-wide legislation banning the trade of goods designed for torture and executions.

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana today said he saw no immediate reason to change policy on Iran after the election of hard-line candidate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, adding nuclear talks with Tehran would continue.

The European Union is considering partially lifting sanctions against Libya and was moving toward easing its arms embargo against the country.

SADDAM HUSSEIN'S trial raises the spectre of another international disagreement over Iraq should the deposed dictator be put to death?

Saddam Hussein’s trial raises the spectre of another international disagreement over Iraq – should the deposed dictator be put to death?

Europe Correspondent

The EU today moved closer to sending a high-level diplomatic mission to North Korea in an effort to ease tensions over its nuclear weapons programme.

The European Union today rejected comments by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that it has a pro-Palestinian bias.