Fears grow over possible Greek default

The IMF has told Greece it needs better tax collection and further reforms to deal with its massive debt. This warning comes as Athens continues talks with the IMF, EU and ECB over the next 8-billion-euro slice of its bailout money - which it needs by next month to avoid defaulting on its debt. Some analysts say a default is now inevitable - not something that European leaders want to hear.

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12/03/2013 - GEORGIA

Iranians seek a new life in old ally Georgia

With economic sanctions biting, life for ordinary people in Iran is increasingly difficult. Inflation is rampant and some products are getting hard to find. The threat of a military strike from Israel is also making some Iranians nervous. As a result, many are leaving the country. Last year 90,000 Iranians came to Georgia, 50 percent more than the year before. According to the Georgian government, there were typically around 500 Iranians residency requests per month in 2012.

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11/03/2013 - MALI

Human rights abuses taking place in Mali, claim HRW

In the 2 months since France launched its military offensive against Islamists in Mali, French, Chadian and Malian troops have liberated all the areas that had been seized. For them, the mission's been an success, but that doesn't mean stability is back in Mali just yet. NGO Human Rights Watch says ethnic communities in Mali, especially the Arab and Tuareg minorities, are allegedly being targeted by soldiers and civilians. Many have fled, fearing accusations that they fraternised with the enemy.

11/03/2013 - JAPAN

2 years on, France 24 goes inside the Fukushima nuclear plant

Two years since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, France 24 has been granted access to the power plant where it all happened. It's only the second time since the accident that media have been allowed inside.

08/03/2013 - MALAWI

Creating a future for women in Malawi

In Malawi, more than 50% of the population is female, and after Liberia, it's only the second African nation to have a woman head of state. It's a country badly affected by poverty, and the European Union is working alongside the Malawian government to support development and humanitarian aid missions. Women in particular are seeing the benefits of this initiative, a fact that's being celebrated this International Women's Day.

08/03/2013 - VATICAN CITY

Catholics await their new leader as Conclave date announced

The Conclave to elect the new Pope will begin on Tuesday 12th March, following the resignation of Benedict XVI last month. Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican to decide on the new head of the Catholic Church, for a vote that's traditionally held in the utmost secrecy. So how do they go about choosing a new pontiff?