Livingston will play a businessman named Roy Philips, who comes to town and captures the fancy of Gillian Darmody (played by Gretchen Mol).

Gordillo is one of the highest profile figures in Mexican political life, known simply as "la maestra" or "the teacher".

Western diplomats say a breakthrough is unlikely in Almaty but they hope to schedule more talks soon.

A spokesman for the Malian army confirmed that a car bomb had exploded in the town but was unable to provide further details.

Director General of Liberty Bank Lado Gurgenidze, however, denied later that his bank was purchased by Russia’s Sberbank.

The Afghan government uses buses to ferry soldiers, police and office workers into the center city for work every day.

After the acrimonious nomination fight, Obama said he was pleased there had been at least some bipartisan support for Hagel.