AFP, BERLIN: German Chan­cellor Angela Merkel owes her party 9,500 euros ($10,500) in membership fees, Bild am Sonntag weekly reported Sunday, as the party failed to inform her of an change in rules requiring her to contribute more. A spokesman for the Christian Democratic Union’s chapter…

AFP, KATHMANDU: Nepal held memorial services on Sunday for the thousands killed in a massive earthquake one year ago, as victims still huddled in tents…

AFP, TEHRAN: South Africa’s embattled President Jacob Zuma praised Iran’s 1979 revolution Sunday at the start of a three-day state visit which he said could “dramatically expand trade” with the Islamic republic. The overthrow of a US-backed Shah was a source of encouragement…

AFP, PARIS: Some 600 disease experts from 43 nations will gather in Paris on Monday to pore over scant but increasingly worrisome data emerging about the Zika virus sweeping Latin America and threatening the world. Scientists and public health specialists will discuss the virus’ links to microcephaly,…

AFP, BEIJING: Chinese religious groups must obey the staunchly atheist ruling Communist Party, President Xi Jinping has told a key meeting on religion according to state media, as Beijing tightens controls on civil society organisations and churches. “Religious groups... must adhere to the leadership…