Wide-ranging talks pave way for European summit

European leaders are gathering on Thursday and Friday for discussions on a set of key issues ranging from the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, economic sanctions over Russia and the United States' decision to move their Israeli embassy to Jerusalem.

Aussie population growth outpaces world as migrants rush in

SYDNEY - Australia's population is expanding at the fastest pace in the developed world as skilled migrants flock to the resource-rich nation, a fillip to economic growth overall but perhaps also a source of puzzling weakness in wages.

Fury, sympathy over Chongqing Bombing ruling

Chinese plaintiffs, relatives of the victims of the Chongqing Bombing and their lawyers were furious with the verdict delivered on Thursday by the Tokyo High Court.

Half of planet's people lack basic healthcare

LONDON - At least half the world's population is unable to access essential health services and many others are forced into extreme poverty by having to pay for healthcare they cannot afford, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.

'Candidate Putin' makes first appearance

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin held an annual news conference on Thursday in his first major public appearance since announcing he would seek a new six-year term in March 2018 elections.

Islamic world in firm solidarity over Jerusalem

ISTANBUL - Islamic countries have showed solidarity to the world by declaring a series of steps to counter a US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, including discrediting Washington's role as a peace mediator, though some doubt the moves can be implemented.

White House: Not right time for DPRK talks

WASHINGTON - No negotiations can be held with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea until it improves its behavior, a White House official said on Wednesday, raising questions about US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's offer to begin talks with Pyongyang any time and without preconditions.

Three-man crew returns from space station

DZHEZKAZGAN, Kazakhstan - Two astronauts, from the US and Italy, and a Russian cosmonaut on Thursday landed in Kazakhstan after almost five months on the International Space Station, footage from the Russian space agency showed.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Muslim countries hold summit over Jerusalem

ISTANBUL - Leaders and senior officials from Muslim countries called on the world to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state.

China pledges national carbon trading system

China will launch its national carbon trading system "in coming days", said Vice-Premier Ma Kai in Paris on Tuesday, as French President Emmanuel Macron urged countries to put their climate solutions on the table.

Firefighters wrestle to control wildfire

CARPINTERIA, California - An out-of-control wildfire that has already destroyed nearly 700 homes in its path of destruction crept closer to the upscale hillside community of Montecito on Tuesday despite calmer winds that slowed its progress.