Italy crisis may end with two options

ROME - Italy's struggles to create a government more than a dozen weeks after an inconclusive general election are now reduced to two flawed options - a weak technical government most likely led by economist Carlo Cottarelli or a political government that somehow eluded political bosses up to now.

Killings by Belgian inmate treated as terror; IS claims responsibility

BRUSSELS - A Belgian prison inmate who killed four people while on furlough committed "terrorist murder" and likely intended to cause more harm, prosecutors have said, as authorities searched for possible accomplices and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the bloodshed.

Japan closer to controversial labor reforms

The Lower House of Japan's parliament on Thursday approved the labor reform bill, defined by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as top of the agenda for the current session. The bill will be sent to the Upper House for deliberation and approval.

Journalist turns up at news conference after reported murder

KIEV/MOSCOW - Ukraine sought to justify faking the death of a Russian journalist who appeared alive and well at a news conference in Kiev less than 24 hours after he was "murdered", citing an alleged Russian plot to kill him.

Brazil oil workers begin strike in new blow

RIO DE JANEIRO/SAO PAULO - Brazilian oil workers began a 72-hour strike on Wednesday in a new blow to President Michel Temer following a nationwide trucker protest that has strangled Latin America's largest economy for over a week.

Europe talks tough over US tariffs

The European Union is bracing for new United States' tariffs against steel and aluminum as tension between the two trading superpowers ratchets up.

Shuttle diplomacy over key summit

The key to setting the stage for the historic summit between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea top leader Kim Jong-un and the United States President Donald Trump is whether the visiting DPRK high-ranking official and his US counterpart can settle the disagreements in denuclearization, experts said.

UK homes in on nuisance callers

Directors of companies that bombard people in Britain with unsolicited nuisance phone calls could face fines of up to half a million pounds ($666,000) under new proposals being considered by the government.

Former student claims doctor left her feeling 'violated'

He moved his hands in and out of her body, took off his gloves, and then proceeded to stroke her breasts.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

US sees 'signs of progress' for Trump-Kim meeting

The "Trump-Kim" summit is necessary for both the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to start a possible peaceful relationship, yet there should not be excessive expectations, experts said.

Russia hits back at claims of MH17 downing

Russia on Tuesday rejected Dutch representations at the United Nations that it was responsible for the downing of Flight MH17 over Ukraine, after it was accused in an investigation saying that a Russian army missile was used in the attack.