The Presidents of Bulgaria and Germany discussed the political crisis in Europe, the Eastern Partnership and the development of Eastern European and Black Sea region countries. The two heads of state met Tuesday in Krakow, Poland, according to the press office of the Bulgarian President.

The Algerian government said Tuesday it was taking dramatic steps to secure the release of diplomats kidnapped in northern Mali. Algerian diplomats were kidnapped by al-Qaida allies who seized territory in northern Mali following a coup in Bamako in 2012.

Islamic militants have shelled the largest town in the north of Mali. It was the first such attack in months, following the French-led military operation to drive them out of the area. Two houses in the town of Gao were hit and at least one Malian soldier was wounded as …