IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Russia builds barracks in disputed area

Moscow said it had built new barracks for troops on a disputed chain of islands near Japan and would build more facilities for armored vehicles, prompting a diplomatic protest from Tokyo.

Myanmar, ASEAN commit to cooperate on repatriation issue

YANGON - Myanmar and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have vowed to cooperate in repatriating displaced persons from Bangladesh, Myanmar News Agency reported on Wednesday.

British Airways to resume flights to Pakistan after decadelong hiatus

ISLAMABAD - British Airways announced on Tuesday it will resume flights to Pakistan next summer, in a major vote of confidence from a Western airline a decade after suspending operations due to security fears.

Mosul embraces makeovers, beauty salons after shedding rule of terror group

MOSUL, Iraq - For three years, Mosul's women were covered in black from head to toe and its men had to keep their beards long. Salons were shut, and plastic surgery considered a crime.

US envoy to visit peninsula amid tensions

A US envoy was due to start a visit to the Republic of Korea on Wednesday, officials said, as Washington and Pyongyang struggle to find a breakthrough in their stalled talks aimed at denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

Post-Brexit UK will be open to skilled workers

The British government has said the United Kingdom will welcome migrants from all nations after it leaves the European Union, instead of favoring unskilled workers from EU countries, as it does now.

Russia will strengthen its strategic nuke forces if US leaves INF treaty

Russia has said it would resume mid-range missile development if the United States leaves a major arms control agreement the two signed in 1987.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Unease as Japan unveils defense plan

Tokyo's approval of a new defense plan for the next five years, which outlines China as a "potential threat", was strongly opposed by Beijing and criticized by experts who said it may increase instability in Northeast Asia.

Cabinet discusses plans for no-deal Brexit

The UK Cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss plans for a no-deal Brexit as the clock reached 101 days until Britain's scheduled departure from the European Union - and still no deal approved by Parliament.

Clashes erupt in Yemen after peace talk

Clashes erupted on Tuesday in Yemen just minutes after a ceasefire deal took effect in the country's flashpoint port city of Hodeidah, while the UN Security Council is considering actions to back the deal.