Russia, Turkey, Iran near deal over Syria truce efforts

Russia, Turkey and Iran on Tuesday were working on a statement to reaffirm a fragile cease-fire between Syrian warring parties that could agree to establishing a mechanism to observe its compliance and pave the way for a UN-led peace settlement.

3 dogs give avalanche rescuers hope

Italian emergency crews pulled three wiggling, white sheepdog puppies out Monday from under tons of snow and rubble at an avalanche-struck hotel, lifting spirits even as the search for 15 people still missing dragged on six days after the disaster.

France's Fillon: Russia sanctions are pointless

European Union sanctions on Russia are pointless, the front-runner in France's presidential election Francois Fillon said on Monday in Berlin, warning Russia and the United States under Donald Trump could forge links that exclude the European Union.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Ex-PM Valls fights leftist outsider for presidential nod

Leftist outsider Benoit Hamon will fight ex-prime minister Manuel Valls for the French Socialist presidential nomination next Sunday after winning the first round of a primary seen as a battle for the party's soul.

Painkiller warnings sought amid rising deaths

As deaths from powerful painkillers continue to rise, Canada is pursuing unprecedented measures to curb their use, including requiring cigarette-style warning stickers on every prescription, said Health Minister Jane Philpott.

Trump turns to talks after bad weekend

US President Donald Trump was set to meet with congressional leaders from both parties to discuss his agenda, as he entered his first official week in the White House and works to begin delivering on his ambitious campaign promises.

Syria dialogue underway in Kazakhstan

Syrian peace talks brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran and seeking to bolster a shaky cease-fire in place since last month opened on Monday in Kazakhstan, marking the first face-to-face meeting between the Damascus government and rebel factions fighting to overthrow it.

Exiled leader 'plundered' Gambia coffers

Gambia's exiled leader Yahya Jammeh plundered millions of dollars in his final weeks in power leaving state coffers "empty", an aide to new President Adama Barrow said as West African troops prepared to secure his arrival.

South Korea ruling party to change its name, second time in five years

South Korea's ruling party is to change its name for the second time in five years, it said on Monday, as it seeks to dissociate itself from the corruption scandal surrounding impeached President Park Geun-hye.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Trump bristles over crowd counts

On his first full day in office, President Donald Trump on Saturday berated the media over its coverage of his inauguration, and turned a bridge-building first visit to CIA headquarters into an airing of grievances about "dishonest" journalists.