An attack by armed militants on an UN office in Somalia has left at least 15 people dead.

Four gunmen entered the UN Development Programme office, after a suicide bomber blew up a car at the entrance of the compound, according to the BBC.

Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

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The US has been forced to reverse its position on talks with the Taliban, just a day after announcing formal talks with the movement.

Anger from the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai at the presence of the white Taliban flag at the newly opened Doha office of the Taliban, and that the office was accredited to the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" - the name used when the Taliban held power - forced the US to say that it had "never confirmed" a meeting.

Karzai threatened to boycott the process unless Taliban militants put an end to their violence and the US pulls out of negotiations with the Taliban.

A ceasefire deal has been signed in Mali with Tuareg separatist insurgents, allowing government troops to return to the last rebel-held town ahead of presidential elections next month.

Mali's minister of communication told the Guardian:

"This agreement is very important for the future Mali. It allows for the strengthening of the Malian state"

The new Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, has said he will make the country’s nuclear programme more transparent. Speaking at a news conference after his surprising victory, Rouhani said the sanctions on Iran were “unfair”.

Rouhani said his government would work towards "constructive interaction with the world", while thanking Iranians for "choosing moderation".

"Our nuclear programmes are completely transparent," Rouhani told media in Tehran.

The US is to commence direct peace talks with the Taliban said White House officials, on the condition that the Taliban renounce violence, endorse the Afghan constitution and denounce al-Qaeda.

The talks are expected to start next week at the Taliban's newly opened political office in Doha, Qatar.

In a statement, the Taliban said:

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan doesn't want any threats from Afghanistan soil to other countries, and neither permits anyone to threaten other countries using Afghanistan soil.

 The United Nations said on Tuesday that 140,000 people remained displaced in Burma’s western Rakhine state, a year after the Buddhist-Muslim clashes left 200 people dead.

The United Nations report, outlined temporary progress made in restoring the livelihoods of Rohingya Muslims in the Rahkine state, describing the quantities of temporary shelters and latrines that had been built.

In its first direct comment on reports that emerged over a week ago of US surveillance of the internet, China called on US authorities to provide the 'necessary explanation', reports Reuters.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying, said on Monday:

The prospect of agreement on how to end the war in Syria looked grim at the G8 summit as Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin remained stiff in their diplomatic pleasantries.

Russian president Putin said:

"Of course, our opinions do not coincide. But all of us have the intention to stop the violence in Syria, to stop the growth of victims, and to solve the situation peacefully, including by bringing the parties to the negotiations table in Geneva."

Speaking after meeting, Obama said:

Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc has threatened military force to disperse the protests in Instanbul.

Arinc told the BBC:

"When a societal event breaks out in a region, our governors are responsible for restoring order and security. In such a case, they deploy firstly police forces, then gendarmeries. If the incidents become widespread, armed forces might be also called on the governor's order to establish peace."

Observers reacted with scepticism, with one blogger writing:

 


As the first red-headed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power will cut a distinctive figure in the organization’s staid meeting rooms and endless cocktail receptions. But she will also stand out in ways that go well beyond appearance. By virtue of her youth, professional background, philosophical commitments, and direct personal style, Power has the potential to be a uniquely effective U.S. envoy. By raising the UN’s visibility and cache, and by doubling down on its role as a force for human rights and the mediation of violent conflict, Power could be just what the United Nations needs to help galvanize it for the twenty-first century.