"Our determination to fight corruption and implement the necessary reform together with today's firm commitment of long support from our international community would be crucial as we take over responsibility for our own security in the framework of the transition process, seek peace, sustained confidence, cooperation and economic communication with our region."
The man who used to lead Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo, has become the first former head of state to appear before the International Criminal Court. He's
been charged with
crimes against humanity following last year's disputed elections. Mr Gbagbo said his transfer to the ICC was illegal.
The European naval force in the Indian Ocean says the number of vessels hijacked at sea by Somali pirates has fallen sharply due to a combination of measures, including ships carrying armed guards. Officials said there had also been an increased number of naval
interceptions
of pirate boats.
The American space agency Nasa has confirmed the existence of an Earth-like planet beyond our solar system where there could be water in liquid form. Matt McGrath has the details.
Kepler-22b is the most interesting discovery yet made by Nasa's space telescope. It's more than twice as big as the Earth, but its location -neither too near nor too far from its sun - means it's the strongest candidate yet that could harbour liquid water, which Nasa believes to be a key indicator of life. Scientists estimate that the planet's surface temperature might be a rather balmy 22C. But it's not going to be easy to investigate this planet. Travelling at the speed of light, it would take you 600 years to get there.