Taliban heads to peace talks in Russia as Afghan govt declines

KABUL - The Taliban said on Wednesday it would send senior members to Russia for peace talks on Afghanistan, hours after the Afghan government declined the offer to attend.

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US steps up pressure on Russia

WASHINGTON - US lawmakers have pushed for more aggressive steps to counteract the Russian "menace", despite the government insisting current sanctions were having an effect and vowing to impose more economic pain if Moscow does not change its behavior.

Warning being used to 'justify presence'

The US, France and Britain threatened to respond strongly if the Syrian government uses chemical weapons to retake Idlib province, a move a Chinese expert believes is to legitimize their military presence in the war-torn country.

UN urges support for victims of terrorism

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged people everywhere to support victims of terrorism and their families, saying it is "a moral imperative" to promote, protect and respect their human rights.

Berlin backs EU payment system without US

The German foreign minister has said Europe must create a new system for financial transactions to save the landmark nuclear deal with Iran.

Dutton planning a second challenge to Australian prime minister

CANBERRA - A second challenge to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's leadership loomed on Wednesday, a day after Turnbull rejected the resignations of seven Cabinet members who had backed a rival who is openly preparing a new bid.

Korean families bid emotional farewell

SEOUL - Hundreds of elderly Koreans tearfully said their final goodbyes on Wednesday at the end of the first round of rare reunions between relatives separated by the 1950-53 Korean War.

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Local effort may provide blueprint

Helping Southeast Asian countries to achieve their sustainable development goals will lead to "new growth points of China-ASEAN cooperation", China's Ambassador to ASEAN Huang Xilian told a two-day symposium that ended on Tuesday.

Australian PM clings to power after winning leadership contest

SYDNEY - Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull survived a leadership challenge by narrowly winning a ballot on Tuesday, a government official said.

Aid agencies rush to help quake survivors

SUGIAN, Indonesia - Indonesian aid agencies and government officials rushed on Tuesday to help survivors after another series of powerful quakes rattled Lombok island, killing at least 10 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.