Seoul digs in heels ahead of Japan talks

South Korea on Sunday dug its heels ahead of talks with Japan over the thorny issue of wartime sex slaves that has long strained ties.

Wildfire burns 500 hectares outside LA

Firefighters on Saturday gained the upper hand on a wildfire northwest of Los Angeles that burned about 502 hectares of land, forced the closure of parts of a major highway and led to evacuations, fire officials said.

Police defend probe following protest

Thai police on Sunday defended their investigation into the 2014 murder of two British tourists after a court sentenced two men from Myanmar to death for the killings, prompting protests in Myanmar and Thailand.

European capitals warned of 'possible attack'

Vienna police said on Saturday a "friendly" intelligence service had warned European capitals of the possibility of a shooting or bomb attack before New Year, prompting police across the continent to increase security measures.

Firms tone down cheer at holiday

Forget corporate holiday bashes where glitterati are treated to fine champagne and French delicacies: Russia's economic crisis has taken the glow off the holiday season this year.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Putin, Modi hail nations' 'partnership'

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the "partnership" between their two nations on Thursday as they oversaw the signing of energy and other deals.

Death toll climbs to 63 in ferry accident

The death toll from a ferry disaster in central Indonesia has risen to 63 with a handful of people still missing as the search and rescue operation winds down, an official said on Friday.

Death sentences prompt protest

Hundreds called for the release of two Myanmar migrant workers in a protest in Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city, on Friday, a day after a Thai court sentenced the two to death for the 2014 murders of two young British tourists.

Visit arranged to settle 'comfort women' row

Japan's foreign minister will visit Seoul on Monday to meet his South Korean counterpart for talks aimed at an early resolution to a row over comfort women, as those forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels are euphemistically known.

Okinawa sues Tokyo over US base move

The defiant southern region of Okinawa countersued Japan's government on Friday over local resistance to a new US military base, the latest chapter in deepening mistrust between central authorities and the strategic island.

UNESCO condemns destruction of key World Heritage site in Syria

Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Irina Bokova on Thursday condemned the destruction of parts of the ancient Syrian city of Bosra, a World Heritage site, in fighting earlier this week, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.