Putin and Erdogan hold rare phone talk

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday sought to heal ties in their first phone call since Ankara downed one of Moscow's jets in Syria last year.

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Turkey 'sorry' about downing Russian jet

The incident caused a rift between the two countries and led to economic sanctions

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Nation cheers historic peace accord with rebels

Colombians cried and hugged as the leaders of their government and the country's biggest rebel group signed a cease-fire and disarmament deal moving their country to the verge of a final peace accord to end decades of fighting.

Lawmakers mull law to keep office out of the home

Hyper-wired South Korea is considering legislation that would ban bosses from bothering their staff at home, after growing complaints about the country's already onerous work-life imbalance.

Masked gunman killed by police after storming cinema

A masked gunman barricaded himself in a German multiplex cinema with dozens of people on Thursday before being killed by police on high security alert following a string of attacks around Europe, officials said.

With tears, immigrants vow to keep fighting

After learning the Supreme Court was deadlocked on an immigration plan that would protect her from being deported, Marta Gualotuna could barely speak through her tears.

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Luxury reborn

The Peninsula Beijing has undergone a renovation, and what a difference it has made, rising on the stepping stone of its former self to be something altogether better, and - well - more Peninsula really.

Shangri-La promotes events planning reward program

Four properties of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in Beijing launched the Shangri-La Events Collection and Golden Circle Event Planner Rewards with a grand reception on Tuesday.

Tea expo offers wide selection

The annual Beijing International Tea Expo will run this year at the Beijing Exhibition Center from June 24 to 27. The expo can be a lot of fun for people who are interested in sampling Chinese tea, judging from my visits the previous two years.