Councils warned over child sex abuse
Vulnerable children in England are at risk of sexual exploitation because of failings by councils, the education watchdog warns. BBC News – UK
Craig Taylor
Russia seeks Nato pledge on Ukraine
Russia is seeking guarantees from Nato that Ukraine will not be allowed to join and that the alliance will stay away from its borders. BBC News – Europe
Farc defends general’s abduction
Colombia’s Farc rebels issue a statement defending the kidnap of an army general and his two companions during peace negotiations. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
PM’s vow in ‘battle for Jerusalem’
PM Benjamin Netanyahu vows to win a “battle for Jerusalem” as the Israeli death toll in a Palestinian attack on a synagogue rises to five. BBC News – Middle East
Ivorian troops ordered to end protest
Ivory Coast’s defence minister orders soldiers to return to barracks after they stage protests in at least two cities to demand unpaid allowances. BBC News – Africa
Keystone bill fails to pass Senate
The US Senate narrowly fails to pass a bill approving the controversial Canada-to-US Keystone XL oil pipeline. BBC News – US & Canada