A Qatari diplomat trying to sneak a cigarette in an aeroplane bathroom has sparked a bomb scare on a flight from Washington DC to Denver.

The United States will host a meeting of major economies in Washington, to advance talks on a global deal to fight climate change.

The Kyrgyz opposition claims it has forced the Central Asian country's government to resign after a day of violent protests.

Protesters in Thailand claim they are planning their biggest demonstration yet, as a state of emergency remains in place in Bangkok.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

Kyrgyzstan-based photographer Vladimir Pirogov’s images of Wednesday’s violent clashes in Bishkek are examples of the power of photography in telling stories. Here are a selection of the best. Click here to view the slideshow of images.

Men lay dead during clashes between riot police and anti-government protesters near the presidential administration in Bishkek.

A protester carries a rocket propelled grenade and a riot shield during clashes with riot police in Bishkek.

A victim of clashes between riot police and anti-government protesters is seen in Bishkek.

Riot police are attacked by anti-government protesters in Bishkek.

Anti-government protesters clash with policeman during riots near the presidential administration in Bishkek.

Armed demonstrators are seen on the street during clashes between riot police and anti-government protesters near the presidential administration in Bishkek.

Protesters try to take a rocket propelled grenade from a riot policeman during clashes in Bishkek.

Protesters grab hold of a policeman during clashes with riot police in Bishkek.

An anti-government protester gestures in front of a burning car during clashes near the presidential administration in Bishkek.

A combination picture shows a demonstrator being shot during clashes near the presidential administration in Bishkek.

Medics attend to a man injured during clashes between riot police and anti-government protesters, at a hospital in Bishkek.

The shuttle Discovery arrives at the International Space Station for one of Nasa's last maintenance runs before the fleet is retired.

The Thai Prime Minister has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok after opposition activists stormed the grounds of parliament.