Clock ticks on Kiev ultimatum

Protesters call for election, govt dismissal, end to anti-protest law

ROK residents outraged over mass data theft

South Korean regulators on Wednesday vowed harsh corporate penalties for data theft, as angry customers swamped credit card offices for a third day after 20 million people had their financial information stolen.

UN hopes Geneva 2 relieves Syrian plight

The United Nations hopes that talks between the warring sides in Syria will lead to local cease-fires that will allow vital food and medicine to reach millions of civilians, the UN humanitarian chief said on Thursday.

Ban's efforts backfire

Ban Ki-moon made a rare effort at solo diplomacy when he invited Iran to join this week's Syria peace talks, but it backfired, raising questions about the effectiveness of a UN secretary-general better known - and often criticized - for his reserved and scripted style.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Gang-rape ordered by village elders in India

Groups say little progress made in nation's attitude toward women

Despite new laws for women, brutal sexism still endures

The phones were ringing nonstop in the tiny, windowless office in downtown New Delhi, with urgent appeals from desperate women.

Ecuador calls for more cooperation to boost economy

Ecuador is willing to borrow more experience in economic development from China and called for further cooperation in new sectors to take bilateral ties to the next level.

Ties more than 'business as usual'

France's relationship with China cannot be "business as usual" and a solid, dynamic Sino-French partnership can contribute substantially to a more cohesive multipolar world, said former French ambassador to China Pierre Morel.

Expectations low for Geneva 2 talks

Expectations are low for this week's Syria peace talks in Geneva as violence continues unabated in the embattled Middle East country, US experts said.

Rouhani cautiously optimistic

Chances of success in the Geneva 2 talks that aim to resolve the crisis in Syria are slim, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday.

Li calls for open, cooperative global economic system

In a message to commemorate the 35th year of China's attendance at the Davos World Economic Forum, Premier Li Keqiang called for a more open and innovative global trade and economic system to achieve common prosperity.