In This EditionGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel says EU foreign ministers will meet soon to consider further sanctions against Russia.

Three explosions struck a campaign rally for a militant Shiite group in Iraq's capital ahead of next week's parliamentary election.

Ukrainians marked the 28th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

And newly publicized wartime archives show that the Japanese government officially authorized the use of "comfort women" by the Japanese army in Asia during World War Two.

Hot Issue ReportsMerkel threatens new sanctions on Russian over UkraineThe US State Department briefing on Ukraine and stalled Middle East peace talksAftermath of bomb blasts that killed at least 31 and injured 37Ukrainians mark 28th anniversary of Chernobyl nuclear disasterArduous Tasks lie ahead for S.Africa 20 years after end of ApartheidLight NewsArchives reveal "comfort women" official actions of JapanVenezuelan government and opposition continue talks amid difficultiesBolivian military protests against discrinination of indigenous soldiersInternational luxury car brands eye China marketIntelligent Vehicles to be Popular in ChinaMedia DigestXinhua: Obama's defense commitment would be war trigger for AbePrepare for worse in Ukraine