The US vice-president's visit comes after a flare-up of violence between Israel and Hamas that threatened to derail the 12-day-old truce.

A staunch conservative, she takes over as Japan grapples with rising cost-of-living and mounting debt.

The airport, out of action since war broke out two years ago, was due to reopen on Wednesday.

The airport, out of action since war broke out two years ago, was due to reopen on Wednesday.

Experts warn that whilst the criminals may yet be caught, the gemstones they stole may never be recovered.

Experts warn that whilst the criminals may yet be caught, the gemstones they stole may never be recovered.

Nicolas Sarkozy, president from 2007-2012, has appealed against his jail term at La Santé prison.