In a statement on events unfolding in Egypt, the US President Barack Obama urged the Egyptian army to ensure power was handed over "to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process."

See here for full statement. extract reproduced below:

"As I have said since the Egyptian Revolution, the United States supports a set of core principles, including opposition to violence, protection of universal human rights, and reform that meets the legitimate aspirations of the people.  The United States does not support particular individuals or political parties, but we are committed to the democratic process and respect for the rule of law.  Since the current unrest in Egypt began, we have called on all parties to work together to address the legitimate grievances of the Egyptian people, in accordance with the democratic process, and without recourse to violence or the use of force."

Defending the US surveillance programme, Khurshid said:

“Some of the information they (the US) got out of their scrutiny, they were able to use it to prevent serious terrorist attacks in several countries,”

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has said he was not consulted by the army about a statement, giving him 48 hours to find a solution for the political crisis that has gripped the country.

"The presidency asserts that the presidency is going on in its pre-planned path to hold a comprehensive national reconciliation," said a statement by the president’s office.

The president's statement also said that the ultimatum "may cause confusion in the complex national scene".

The United Nations human rights office today called on Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, to listen to the demands of the Egyptian people that, over the last few days, have been expressed through mass demonstrations.

The UN has begun its mission in Mali, taking control of around 6,000 West African troops.

The force will take over from French forces, which have controlled security operations in the country.

"This is not an anti-terrorist operation but of course the mandate has an element of real robustness in it and of course we are in a position to use all necessary means to defend ourselves and of course to defend the mandate," Herve Ladsous, the UN's head of peacekeeping, said on a visit to Timbuktu.

Croatia has joined the EU, becoming its 28th member. It has been over two decades since it split away from Yugoslavia in order to secure its independence.

Amidst widespread celebrations, Croatia's president Josipovic said, it was "a great and joyful day for our homeland".

"This the day when we open a new chapter in the thick book of our history."

Meanwhile, the president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso embraced the cheering crowds, stating: "Welcome to the European Union!"

The Egyptian army gave the country’s rival parties 48 hours to resolve the deadly political crisis, today.

The head of the armed forces, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said that the recent protests were an “unprecedented” expression of the popular will.

Whilst on a visit to strengthen trade relations with Kazakhstan, British Prime Minister David Cameron has been urged to bring human rights issues to the table in discussions.

Over 40 people where killed in bomb blasts in Pakistan whilst the UK prime minister visited the country to hold talks with the newly elected prime minister Nawaz Sharif. 

One bomb by checkpoint near a Shiite Muslim mosque in the south-western city of Quetta killed over 20 people, whilst a car bombing in Peshawar, killed 17. 

One of the UK's top generals in Afghanistan has told the Guardian that the West should have tried to talk to the Taliban over a decade ago as it would have been easier to find a solution in 2002 when the Taliban were on the run.  

General Nick Carter said,   

"Back in 2002, the Taliban were on the run."