New talks seen as 'last hope' for solution REN QI

A new round of Syrian peace talks pushed by the UN started on Thursday, as violence continues to rage in a seven-year-old war that has claimed more than 340,000 lives.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

US imposes new sanctions on DPRK

The US Department of Treasury has issued new sanctions on entities and individuals, allegedly related to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Hockey players paired up for Olympics

SEOUL - Female hockey players from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea were paired up with each other on Thursday to form their first Olympic squad during next month's Pyeongchang Winter Games, as their countries press ahead with rare reconciliation steps following a period of nuclear tensions.

US govt reopened after Senate deal

NEW YORK - The first government shutdown of Donald Trump's presidency spanned 69 hours.

Lady Liberty defies shutdown with bailout from NY governor

NEW YORK - Huddled masses of tourists rejoiced as the Statue of Liberty reopened on Monday after the US federal government shutdown entered its third day.

Volcano spews lava fountains, 40,000 flee

LEGAZPI, Philippines - The Philippines' most active volcano continued to spew fountains of red-hot lava and massive ash plumes on Tuesday in a dazzling but increasingly dangerous eruption that has sent 40,000 villagers to shelter in evacuation centers.

UK regulator grounds Fox's plan to buy Sky

The United Kingdom government department responsible for strengthening business competition and preventing anti-competitive activities has blocked 21st Century Fox's plan to buy the part of Sky it does not already own.

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US policy risks global instability

Trump has stirred up controversy, unrest over DPRK and Iran issues

UN appeals for $3b as worsening crisis threatens millions in Yemen

SANAA, Yemen - The United Nations on Sunday made what it said was a record appeal for aid to Yemen, calling for nearly $3 billion in humanitarian relief for the war-torn country.

Abe calls for debate over Constitution

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged political parties to advance debate on amending Japan's Constitution while calling for friendly ties with China, on the first day of a 150-day regular session convened on Monday.