The prime minister of Mali has called on the United Nations Security Council to authorize a military force to recapture the north of the country. The area has been under the control of militant Islamists since a military coup early this year degenerated into an insurrection and divided the country. The Malian government wants to bring in 3000 West African soldiers to help expel the militants.

Violent clashes have erupted outside the Greek parliament in Athens between riot police and protesters angry about austerity. Many of them are taking part in a 24-hour general strike. From Athens, Mark Lowen reports.

Familiar anger on the streets of Athens. It had been a peaceful protest. But as the marchers arrived on Syntagma Square, violence erupted. Anarchists threw Molotov cocktails at police who responded with volleys of tear gas. Plumes of smoke billowed from the square as the protesters were charged into the side streets. They faced many rounds of spending cuts already and now for yet more, bringing the country to its knees. This is the biggest show strength from the Union in months and a sign that Greeks have reached their limits.

World news from the BBC.

Direct talks between the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan have still not settled their grievances which led to open fighting in April. African Union mediators Cefric tracked their announcement that an agreement will be signed by the end of the day. The BBC correspondent at the talks in Addis Ababa says some sort of deal may be signed but it is unlikely to be comprehensive.