General Motors rolled out the Chevrolet Volt two years ago with lofty sales goals and the promise of a new technology that someday would help end America's dependence on oil.

The leaders of France and Germany both stressed Saturday that Europe must further deepen its political and economic integration to ensure peace and continuous prosperity across the continent.

Iran's Navy chief says his country is planning to expand its presence in international waters, part of efforts to boost its military and extend its reach all the way to Antarctica.

An earthquake shook parts of southern Mexico on Saturday, causing buildings to sway gently in the capital but causing no immediate reports of damage.

showing some of the world's highest mountains being scaled by world-class climbers through some of Earth's thinnest air.

Scores of people were injured Saturday in clashes in Bangladesh's capital between police and hundreds of demonstrators, as protests continued in the Muslim world against a film produced in the United States that denigrates Islam's Prophet Muhammad.

A Iraqi officials say a roadside bomb, targeting a two-vehicle military convoy has killed five soldiers north of the capital Baghdad.

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (AP) -- A Russian official says four police officers and four suspected militants have been killed in fighting in Chechnya.

New Mexico Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson says it will be New Mexico's Sydney Opera House. Virgin Galactic Chairman Richard Branson has hinted it will host the first of his new brand of lifestyle hotels. And the eclectic hot springs town of Truth or Consequences has been anxiously awaiting all the economic development the nearly quarter-of-a-billion-dollar project is supposed to bring to this largely rural part of southern New Mexico.

Cyprus approved next year's budget Saturday without releasing any figures because of the country's ongoing bailout talks with potential creditors.

A French court has convicted a man for carrying a weapon at an illegal demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy protesting a video that protesting Muslims say insulted the Prophet Muhammad.

The world's largest beer festival has opened Saturday in Germany as Munich's mayor tapped the first keg to kick off the 16-day Oktoberfest, known for its oompah music and traditional costumes.

Long thought of as a useless talk shop or stage for political theater, the Arab League is seeking to transform itself with the seismic changes from the Middle East's revolts. It has shaken off decades of near total submission to the will of the region's leaders, and reformers inside the league want to turn it into a voice for the Arab public.

It is a taboo for Israeli leaders to give even the slightest hint of favoritism in politics in the United States, Israel's closest ally. So some Israelis are squirming over a perception that their prime minister is siding with Republican Mitt Romney in the U.S. presidential race, in the belief he will take a harder line on archenemy Iran if elected.

A breeze of momentum on his side, President Barack Obama was trying to shore up support in a pivotal state Saturday while he and rival Mitt Romney argue over who can change the country's political culture and best protect the financial and health security of older Americans.