Merkel wins party nod for coalition

BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party has approved a coalition deal with the Social Democrats, or SPD, bringing closer a fourth term for her as well as an end to political limbo in Europe's pre-eminent power.

Freeze engulfs Europe; flights disrupted

ROME - Bitterly cold weather gripped parts of Europe causing travel chaos on Monday, and a rare snowstorm in Rome prompted Italian authorities to call in the army to help clear the streets.

Corbyn's Brexit plan praised and panned

British politicians and the media were divided after a speech by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Monday in which he said the United Kingdom should remain in the customs union after it leaves the European Union.

Russia-backed humanitarian 'pause' takes effect in Syria's Eastern Ghouta

DAMASCUS - A humanitarian "pause" announced by Russia in Syria's deadly bombardment of Eastern Ghouta took effect on Tuesday, after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for a monthlong cease-fire in Syria, amid reluctance from the rebels.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Sanctions likely to end hopes of dialogue

The presence of Ivanka Trump at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics is unlikely to led to dialogue between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, experts said.

Democrats release counter-memo over Russia probe

WASHINGTON - The US House Intelligence Committee on Saturday released a classified Democratic memo that counters GOP claims that the FBI abused government surveillance powers in its Russia investigation.

In year of #MeToo, women win big in Berlin

BERLIN - An experimental Romanian docudrama exploring sexual intimacy and the fears around it, won the Golden Bear top prize at the Berlin film festival Saturday in a strong year for female filmmakers and women's stories.

Sign of the times as Macedonia begins changes after name row with Greece

SKOPJE, Macedonia - Authorities on Saturday began altering signs at an airport and a highway after a dispute with Greece.

Suspects held in murder of Filipina maid

BEIRUT - The employers of a Filipina maid found dead in a freezer in Kuwait were both arrested in the Syrian capital Damascus, Lebanese and Philippine officials said on Saturday.

Focus turns to UN Syria resolution implementation

UNITED NATIONS - After the adoption of a Security Council resolution which demands a cessation of hostilities of at least 30 days in Syria, all eyes are on its implementation - or non-implementation.

NRA, Florida face backlash after shooting

NEW YORK - The National Rifle Association, and now the State of Florida, faced a growing backlash as companies cut ties to the gun industry following the latest school massacre, and student survivors called for tourism boycotts of their home state until gun control measures are enacted.