Brazil hosts a regional summit on how to save the Amazon basin from continuing deforestation and climate change.

Somali pirates say they have freed a Greek-owned ship with a Ukrainian crew, hijacked more than six months ago, after a ransom was paid.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard could return from injury sooner than expected and take his place in the team to face Arsenal in Sunday's Premier League tie.

How a Whitehall battle saved 30% of the UK's cows from an early grave.

Ghana youngster Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu signs a four year deal with Serie A side Udinese after impressing at the U20 World Cup.

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya says US support for Sunday's presidential election could divide the region.

Michael Schumacher's manager says the seven-time champion is "absolutely fit" and "could win races", plus other rumours.

A range of accords are set to be signed as Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visits Venezuela's Hugo Chavez.

A cup of Brazilian mint tea has pain relieving qualities to match those of commercially available analgesics, a study suggests.

Southern African countries have high expectations that they too will benefit from South Africa's World Cup.

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor still has a chance of making England's World Cup squad, says club boss Martin O'Neill.

Sunderland fear Darren Bent may be sidelined for three weeks after their leading scorer underwent a scan on a suspected hamstring injury.

In our series of viewpoints from African journalists, Farai Sevenzo ponders the possible unifying and peacemaking powers of the beautiful game.

Julie Walters takes an acting prize while Sir David Frost wins a lifetime achievement award at the International Emmys.

Brazil has reaffirmed its support for Iran's right to a civilian nuclear programme, but called for a "just and balanced" solution with the West.

A film about the Brazilian president's life proves controversial because of a clash with the next election.

The BBC's Garry Duffy finds out why the rock star Sting is calling on Brazil to listen to indigenous tribes protesting against a proposed new hydro-electric dam in the Amazon.

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart tries to allay fears over David James after the keeper has to pull out of the loss at Stoke because of a calf injury.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes striker Darren Bent "has to be" in England boss Fabio Capello's squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Many Nigerians have returned home to escape the rigours of the downturn in the West. But with Nigeria experiencing its own credit crunch can the country's brain gain be sustained?