'Candidate Putin' makes first appearance

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin held an annual news conference on Thursday in his first major public appearance since announcing he would seek a new six-year term in March 2018 elections.

Islamic world in firm solidarity over Jerusalem

ISTANBUL - Islamic countries have showed solidarity to the world by declaring a series of steps to counter a US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, including discrediting Washington's role as a peace mediator, though some doubt the moves can be implemented.

White House: Not right time for DPRK talks

WASHINGTON - No negotiations can be held with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea until it improves its behavior, a White House official said on Wednesday, raising questions about US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's offer to begin talks with Pyongyang any time and without preconditions.

Three-man crew returns from space station

DZHEZKAZGAN, Kazakhstan - Two astronauts, from the US and Italy, and a Russian cosmonaut on Thursday landed in Kazakhstan after almost five months on the International Space Station, footage from the Russian space agency showed.

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Muslim countries hold summit over Jerusalem

ISTANBUL - Leaders and senior officials from Muslim countries called on the world to recognize East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state.

China pledges national carbon trading system

China will launch its national carbon trading system "in coming days", said Vice-Premier Ma Kai in Paris on Tuesday, as French President Emmanuel Macron urged countries to put their climate solutions on the table.

Firefighters wrestle to control wildfire

CARPINTERIA, California - An out-of-control wildfire that has already destroyed nearly 700 homes in its path of destruction crept closer to the upscale hillside community of Montecito on Tuesday despite calmer winds that slowed its progress.

Shark-spotting drones on patrol at Australian beaches

SYDNEY - High-tech shark-spotting drones are patrolling dozens of Australian beaches this summer to quickly identify underwater predators and deliver safety devices to swimmers and surfers faster than traditional lifesavers.

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Tillerson signals readiness to talk

WASHINGTON - Washington's top diplomat on Tuesday expressed willingness to talk with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea without precondition, indicating a softening of the hawkish US stance, though the White House publicly remained unrelenting.

DPRK might be 'digesting UN message'

UNITED NATIONS - UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman said on Tuesday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea could be digesting the message he took to Pyongyang last week.