Potential for cooperation under initiative

Under the double circulation of global value framework, countries and regions that support the Belt and Road Initiative will have great potential for economic cooperation, according to an economic development report.

Anti-nuclear weapon campaigner receives 2017 Nobel Peace Prize

OSLO - The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, or ICAN, received the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize at an awarding ceremony on Sunday, for its efforts to give new momentum to the process of abolishing nuclear weapons.

US move adds woe to Mideast

CAIRO - The US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital has brought further misery to the already troubled Middle East, causing rising tensions in the region and a growing rift between the United States and its European allies.

Iraq holds victory parade after defeating IS group

BAGHDAD - Foreign leaders congratulated Iraq on Sunday following the prime minister's declaration of victory over the Islamic State group. Saudi Arabia said the achievement is a big victory against terrorism in the region and the United Kingdom applauded Iraq's security forces "for their courage and sacrifice".

Russian forces to start partial pullout from Syria

MOSCOW - Declaring a victory in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday visited a military air base in the country and announced a partial pullout of Russian forces from the Middle East nation.

New evacuations as huge California wildfire flares up

SANTA BARBARA, California - A massive wildfire that has already destroyed nearly 800 structures scorched another 23,000 hectares on Sunday, making it the fifth largest such blaze in recorded state history, as it ran toward picturesque coastal cities.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Two ancient tombs found in cemetery

LUXOR - Egypt on Saturday announced the discovery of two small ancient tombs in the southern city Luxor dating back some 3,500 years and hoped it will help the country's efforts to revive its ailing tourism sector.

France caught in war with wolves

SERON, France - Furtive, wily and the animal of fairy tales, wolves fascinate nature lovers, but they raise fears among French sheep breeders who are trying to save their flocks.

Sri Lanka joins initiative with port handover

COLOMBO - Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Saturday that his country had joined the Belt and Road Initiative with the launch of operations at the Hambantota Port through a joint venture with China.

Retailers float idea on plastic bottles

LONDON - A return scheme for plastic bottles could soon allow British consumers to enjoy a drink of juice or water without adding to a sea of pollution - as well as getting some of their money back.

Women scarce in male-dominated Nobel history

STOCKHOLM - The Nobel Prize statistics are dour reading for women, who've been awarded only one of every 20 prizes. And while the numbers are slowly improving, the Sunday prize ceremony will be an all-male affair for the second straight year.