DPRK, ROK hit impasse at Asian Games negotiations

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea failed to reach any agreement on Thursday during working-level talks to discuss the DPRK's participation in the ROK-hosted Asian Games

Israel: New truce deal sealed

But Hamas denies claim as rocket attack marks end of five-hour lull

Moscow brands fresh sanctions 'blackmail' as jet is shot down

The United States and the European Union bolstered sanctions against Russia over its alleged support of separatists in Ukraine, drawing an angry rebuke on Thursday from Moscow which said the measures amounted to "blackmail".

US spying: 'Stupidity beyond belief '

The United States has badly underestimated the level of anger in Germany over its spying operations and the damage could be long-lasting if Washington fails to back off, former US officials said on Wednesday.

Australia abolishes divisive carbon tax; PM dubbed 'environmental vandal'

Australia's government repealed a much-maligned carbon tax on the nation's worst greenhouse gas polluters on Thursday, ending years of contention over a measure that became political poison for the lawmakers who imposed it.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Assad sworn in for another term as Syrian leader

President says foreign powers backing rebels will pay price

Typhoon kills 12, shuts down Manila

A typhoon killed at least 12 people as it churned across the Philippines and shut down the capital, cutting power and prompting the evacuation of more than 370,000 people, rescue officials said on Wednesday.

Israeli operations intensify

Homes of Hamas leaders targeted; Palestinian death toll climbs to 208

Worldwide AIDS epidemic can be controlled by 2030

New HIV infections and deaths from AIDS are decreasing, the United Nations said on Wednesday, making it possible to control the epidemic by 2030 and eventually end it "in every region, in every country".

Kissinger, 91, resting after heart surgery in New York

Nobel Peace Prize winner and former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger underwent heart surgery at a New York City hospital on Tuesday and was resting comfortably, hospital officials said.

Japan nuke plant gets safety clearance

A nuclear power plant in southern Japan cleared an initial safety hurdle on Wednesday, which could make it the first such facility to restart under tough new safety regulations after the industry was idled by the 2011 Fukushima disaster.