Iraq is to ask US officials for an explanation after a new book suggested the United States had been spying on senior members of the Iraqi government.

The French President is preparing a visit to Moscow in a renewed effort to strengthen a peace deal between Russia and Georgia over its breakaway regions.

Libya’s long journey towards international acceptance began four years ago. It was in 2004 that diplomatic relations between Washington and Tripoli were re-established. Dialogue was re-opened and economic sanctions were brought to an end.