Europe set to ban use of halogen light bulbs from Sept 1

The European Union is set to ban the use of halogen bulbs and households are expected to switch to more energy-efficient lights, starting next month.

Trump accuses Cohen of making up stories

US President Donald Trump has insisted he did nothing wrong after Michael Cohen implicated him in illicit hush payments made before the 2016 election, as experts warned the legal maelstrom swirling around the Republican leader could further threaten his presidency.

Defiant Australian PM Turnbull refuses to 'give in to bullies'

CANBERRA - Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull vowed not to "give in to bullies" on Thursday in the face of a new leadership challenge, but said he will quit politics if his party no longer supports him.

Putin calls US sanctions 'counterproductive'

SOCHI, Russia - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called US sanctions against Moscow "counterproductive and senseless" after Washington warned that more "economic pain" was to come.

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.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

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.