Abe dissolves lower house for election

He could theoretically serve until 2021 if reelected as party leader next year

Russia destroys all chemical weapons

MOSCOW - Russia has completed the task of destroying its huge, Cold War-era chemical weapons stockpiles, winning praise from an international chemical weapons watchdog.

Moon urges transfer of wartime command

SEOUL - Moon Jae-in, president of the Republic of Korea, on Thursday stressed the need for the early transfer of wartime operational control of its forces from the United States to better tackle the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

Arrival of giant pandas ignites mania in Indonesia

JAKARTA - A giant panda pair from China arrived in Indonesian capital Jakarta on Thursday on a 10-year joint research lease, making Indonesia one of the 16 countries and regions to host and help breed the endangered bear species.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

'Slim chance' of military response

ISTANBUL - As Iraq's neighbors are cooperating with Baghdad to impose sanctions against the Iraqi Kurds over an independence referendum, Turkish analysts downplayed the possibility of a military intervention.

Saudi women will be allowed to drive

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Tuesday issued a royal decree granting driving licenses for women in the kingdom, local media reported.

Fire prompts mass evacuation

KALYNIVKA, Ukraine - A huge fire at an ammunition depot in central Ukraine has set off a series of explosions and prompted an evacuation of thousands of people, officials said on Wednesday.

Sino-French forum staged in Lyon

LYON, France - The second Sino-French cultural forum was held on Tuesday in the southern French city of Lyon. The two-day event, under the theme of "The Cultural Silk Road, the Franco-Chinese Confluences", had participants sharing their insights and experiences in various fields, including culture, art and education.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Changing preconceptions

Young people stole the limelight at the second China-Russia New Media Forum held in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Tuesday.

Deal between China Daily Website, SPB TV

A license agreement has been signed between the China Daily Website and Russia's SPB TV at the Second China-Russia New Media Forum held in Russia on Monday and Tuesday.