World Health Assembly closes after charting new course for WHO

GENEVA - The 71st World Health Assembly closed on Saturday charting a new course for the World Health Organization in the light of the "triple billion" targets for the next five years, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

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New generations trigger recovery

Strong consumer demand from the younger generations and a booming tourism sector have triggered a quick recovery of China's hotel industry - especially mid-level facilities that provide bespoke and special experiences.

International brand refresh aims to excite customers

Pan Pacific Hotels Group announced a refresh of its global brand at the Pan Pacific Beijing on Thursday, as the group outlined plans to establish itself as the preferred hotel chain in the region for the next decade and beyond.

Iran: Europe must protect trade to save nuclear deal

TEHERAN - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has set out a series of conditions for European powers if they want Teheran to stay in a nuclear deal after the US exit, including steps to safeguard trade and a guarantee for Iranian oil sales.

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Russians' view of China grows increasingly positive

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia - More and more Russians have a positive attitude toward China because, under Western sanctions, they see the great potential of the economic partnership between the two countries, experts said.

Facebook chief faces EU grilling over his 'digital monster'

European Union lawmakers have criticized Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg after the tech guru appeared before them to apologize for the company's role in the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the proliferation of fake news, and to explain how he will comply with new EU privacy laws.

Countries unite to eliminate malaria

GENEVA - China is on the verge of eliminating malaria, a senior health official has told a side-gathering during the World Health Assembly, at which Beijing was praised for its efforts in helping other countries fight the lethal disease.

Palestinians demand ICC probe into 'abuses'

THE HAGUE - Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki asked prosecutors at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday to launch a full investigation into accusations of Israeli human rights abuses on Palestinian territory, saying the evidence was "insurmountable".

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US mulling 'strongest sanctions'

WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned Teheran would be hit with the "strongest sanctions in history" and cautioned European firms against continuing to do business with it, toughening up Washington's policy line after its withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.