Kenya's opposition party called for another day of "peaceful rallies" across Kenya in defiance of a ban and despite 20 deaths in this week's demonstrations.

A NUMBER of Irish aid agencies told the EU’s Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid they are concerned that Europe is putting its own economic interests ahead of Africa’s aid needs.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today backed an initiative by Italy to push for a worldwide moratorium on the death penalty.

A top leader of Somalia's ousted Islamic movement, apparently afraid for his life now that the once-powerful militia has been chased into hiding, surrendered to authorities and is in custody in neighbouring Kenya, officials said today.

European Union foreign ministers will hold special talks on Tuesday to discuss efforts to end the conflict in Lebanon, diplomats said today.

The European Union yesterday committed €70m in aid to Somalia to help rebuild the drought-stricken and civil war-plagued nation.

The EU today said it was giving a further €5m in emergency humanitarian aid to millions of victims affected by a severe drought in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia and was readying a further €40m in funds if suffering intensifies.

The European Union today proposed plans to boost the production of alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol through additional aid and investment, aimed at reducing Europe’s heavy dependence on oil and natural gas.

The United Nations today nearly doubled its appeal for donations for victims of the south Asia earthquake to $550m (€455.7m) at a donors' conference.

Ministers and high-ranking officials from 65 United Nations member countries were to meet today in a new attempt to mobilise funds for the victims of south Asia’s devastating earthquake before winter sets in.

IRELAND is one of the countries afraid the European Union will be forced to link its annual €7 billion development aid budget to a new aggressive foreign policy aimed at fighting terrorism and illegal immigrants.