UK, EU reach agreement ahead of Brexit summit

Negotiators from London and Brussels have come to an agreement on Britain's future relationship with the European Union after Brexit.

EU moves to discipline Italy over budget, Rome remains defiant

ROME - The European Commission took the first step on Wednesday toward disciplining Italy over its expansionary 2019 budget after Rome refused to change it, raising the stakes in a dispute that has alarmed the whole eurozone and could eventually lead to fines.

Summit to stress strength amid shadow of protectionism

China and Europe are aiming to work together to boost free trade and foster greater global economic integration, despite the current backdrop of increased trade protectionism, industry insiders say.

Saudi Arabia warns of 'red line' in Khashoggi investigation

Saudi Arabia has warned criticism of its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a "red line", after US President Donald Trump praised the kingdom in defiance of concerns that he was giving Riyadh a pass on a writer's murder.

Clash in US over judicial neutrality

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts have clashed in an extraordinary public dispute over the independence of judiciary of the United States, with Roberts bluntly rebuking the president for denouncing a judge who rejected his migrant asylum policy as an "Obama judge".

Washington and Seoul scale back military exercise

Despite the scaling down of the war game between Washington and Seoul, there are concerns that slow progress in US-DPRK talks could still deter denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula.

Afghan Taliban not serious about peace, govt chief says

PARIS - The Taliban in Afghanistan have not yet shown any sign they are serious about ending their 17-year insurgency despite US efforts to push a fresh peace process, the country's de facto prime minister has said.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Two shootings claim 5 lives in the US

Two separate shootings in the US cities of Chicago and Denver left five people dead and four wounded on Monday.

Saudi says CIA report on writer murder is false

CAIRO - Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said on Tuesday that claims, including by the CIA, that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gave the order to kill journalist Jamal Khashoggi were false, according to an Arabic-language newspaper interview.

Russia announces lunar mission plan

Russia has announced to send its cosmonauts to land on the moon in 12 years and a woman is likely to head the mission, according to the country's manned space program developer and contractor.

UN hopes for meeting on Syria constitution next month

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations is still aiming to send invitations to 150 Syrians by mid-December to participate in a committee that would draft a new constitution for Syria, which is key to holding elections and ending the country's civil war, a UN envoy said on Monday.