United Nations (UN)

Flying into disaster areas is risky, but the World Food Programme insists aid relief is a vital role.

Gulf state pledges to donate $100mn to fund to help people deal with soaring food prices.

Tehran holds talks with senior Russian officials on proposals to defuse nuclear row with world powers.

Discussions between Tehran and the IAEA may be making headway, senior Iranian official says.

Top atomic watchdog arrives in Tehran to investigate claims of weapons aspirations.

Kingdom gives $1bn to Islamic Development Bank's fund to reduce poverty.

Washington signs pact with Gulf state as it tries to isolate Iran and weaken influence in region.

Iran's oil minister says latest UN sanctions over its disputed nuclear plans will not affect its oil sector.

Sanctions include travel ban on certain officials and freezing of more assets.

Resolution will be put to vote on Monday; West looks to win over those with reservations.

Moscow threatens to support new UN sanctions against Tehran.

Iran says sanctions will not hit economy as West pushes for new UN resolution.

Islamic Republic's top nuclear negotiator critcises Security Council over pushing for additional sanctions.

Tehran claims FDI hit $10.27bn last year, oil income helped reduce effect of sanctions.

Tehran will never back down to pressure to halt programme, Ahmadinejad says.

DAVOS: World leaders insist that global poverty requires action not just more promises.

US and allies look to keep up pressure on Tehran to curb nuclear programme.

Iraq's Kurdish regional gov't postpones public vote for six months, parliament speaker Mufti says.

Beijing sending out mixed signals on whether it will back US following intel report clearing Tehran.

Acclaimed economist and UN adviser Jeffery Sachs speak to Talal Malik about his formula to make poverty history.

Victims compensated for Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait, brings total paid out to $23bn.

The world's major healthcare bodies have appealed for US $84.8 million to help cover the needs of 2.2 million Iraqis residing in neighbouring countries.

TEPCO examines reactors' resistance after earthquake causes leaks and closes down plant.

Ministers of the two countries sign agreements for military partnership and nuclear energy project during Sarkozy visit.

The country will press ahead with tighter UN sanctions against Iran if necessary, British foreign office says.

With a growing number of restaurants opening in the Middle East, Ian Thomson, consul and trade commissoner agri-food, from the Consulate of Canada, Dubai, explores current food trends.

Investment in renewable energies such as solar power leapt in 2006, according to a UN report.

Economists accuse the Iranian government of economic mismanagement.

Several nations make commitments on debt relief, but negotiations are still to be concluded.