Latest fromInternational Politics

Scotland offered radical union deal
The people of Scotland are to be offered a historic opportunity to devise a federal future for their country before next year's British general election.

Editorial: Greens' wage policy has to be affordable for country
The Green Party's policy to lift the minimum wage by almost $4 to $18 an hour by 2017 is undoubtedly smart politics.

Scotland: 'Yes' vote takes lead
The "Yes" campaign fighting for Scottish independence took a shock lead in the polls last night just 11 days before the country's referendum.

Ukraine crisis: Ceasefire holds, Russia says it 'will react' to further EU penalties
A ceasefire between Ukraine and separatist rebels began last night and appears to still be in place following a five-month bloody conflict left more than 2,000 dead.

Ukraine crisis: Fighting fizzles out as ceasefire agreed – but for how long?
The Ukrainian government and separatist rebels agreed to a ceasefire amid flickering hopes of peace.

Rise of Fiji’s strongman
In the sleepy Fijian town of Rakiraki, Dami Naidu was waiting for a glimpse of the man he regards as the nation's saviour.

Jetsetting PM clocks up kudos and air miles
When dawn breaks tomorrow on the one-year anniversary of his election, Tony Abbott will be at 12,000m, returning from yet another stint abroad as Australia's increasingly globetrotting Prime Minister.

Doubt over fairness of Fiji election
Rob Naidu, a Fijian of Indian descent who lives in Manurewa, is thrilled that he is able to vote in Fiji's first election in eight years.

Russia ban hits NZ exports
Russia's decision to play hardball with Western food producers could not have come at a worse time for the New Zealand dairy sector as the season starts to get into full swing.

Diplomat case: McCully investigated
The Foreign Minister is to be investigated over his decision to withhold papers relating to the Malaysian diplomat case.

UN boss stays mum on NZ bid for seat
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has touched down for a two-day visit, but won't be drawn on NZ's chances of securing a seat on the Security Council.

Russia trembles on the brink of war
Russia is "practically in a state of war against Europe", with the crisis in Ukraine rapidly approaching "the point of no return", warn EU leaders.

MP anxious to undo orang-utan slur curse
The senior politician who caused outrage by comparing Italy's first black minister to an orang-utan now claims he is under siege from vengeful African spirits.

Tests done in diplomat case
The psychiatric evaluation of the Malaysian diplomat facing sexual assault charges in New Zealand has reportedly been completed.

Central banks to lawmakers: You try growing this economy
Power of monetary policy to drive global growth is nearing its limit. Further progress depends on government leaders.

S&P upbeat on US growth picking up
Viewed from the vantage point of Standard & Poor's global chief economist the world economy does not seem too inhospitable a place right now, but not without risks either.

Russia retaliates against McDonalds
Russia widened investigations into McDonald's restaurants in what looks like a tit-for-tat retaliation against American interests after the West imposed sanctions over Ukraine.

China vs US - superpower standoff in Africa
As Muammar Gaddafi's regime began to unravel in 2011, amid chaotic fighting between Libya's military and rebels, foreign nations rushed to withdraw their citizens.

Editorial: Green Party's move on benefits not the answer
The Green Party is offering a simple answer to child poverty: give beneficiary parents the same wage subsidies paid to low and middle income earners with children. That, the party calculates, would give beneficiaries an extra $60 a week.

Assange hopes to soon quit embassy
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange last night argued that it was time he should be allowed to leave the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

Russia's beef industry rounds up help amid sanctions
Russia is scouring the world for produce ranging from Chilean salmon to Egyptian oranges to fill a big hole left by its ban on Western food imports.

No military with Ukraine aid
Russia's defence secretary has assured his US counterpart that there are no military personnel in its controversial aid convoy for Ukraine, the US says.