Bush: A great statesman of rare decency

WASHINGTON - Former US president George H.W. Bush is returning to Washington as a revered political statesman, hailed by leaders across the political spectrum and around the world as a man not only of greatness but also of uncommon decency and kindness.

Putin reiterates provocation claim as Merkel calls for calm

Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted on Saturday that the incident in the Kerch Strait was a provocation during his working breakfast with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Trump says Kim talks likely in new year: report

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that his second meeting with the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kim Jong-un, is likely to happen in January or February next year.

Mexico's new president vows end to 'rapacious' elite

MEXICO CITY - Veteran leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office as Mexican president on Saturday, vowing to see off a "rapacious" elite in a country struggling with corruption, chronic poverty and gang violence on the doorstep of the United States.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

EU plays it cautious over dispute

The European Union is aiming to de-escalate tensions between Kiev and Moscow this week after Russia seized three Ukrainian navy ships and their crew, amid concerns about putting fuel on the fire, diplomats and analysts said.

Mexico heads for new era under new leader

MEXICO CITY - Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was scheduled to be sworn in as Mexico's next president on Saturday, as the country seeks a new direction under the left-wing politician.

Singapore tests new way to ease congestion

BANGKOK - Singapore is launching a six-month trial of an on-demand public bus service, using technology to reduce congestion and costs in what could be a model for gridlocked cities in the region.

Report says Brexit fails to deter Chinese investment

Chinese investment in the United Kingdom will continue to flourish despite challenges posed by its scheduled departure from the European Union at the end of next March, according to a new report.

Seoul 'open' for Kim's visit this month

The Republic of Korea's presidential Blue House has left "all possibilities open" for a visit by Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, to Seoul in December.

51 pilot whales die in another stranding

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Fifty-one pilot whales died on Friday in another mass stranding in New Zealand, less than a week after 145 pilot whales and nine pygmy killer whales perished in two other, unrelated strandings.

Madagascar's classic cars trundle on and on

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar - Once a common sight across Europe, much-loved French cars from a bygone era rattle along the streets of Madagascar's capital Antananarivo, doing their duty as private vehicle, taxis or even police cars.