Syrian army says fighting has halted near Damascus

DAMASCUS/TEHERAN - Syria's army announced on Saturday a halt in fighting in parts of Eastern Ghouta after rebels and ally Russia agreed on how a safe zone will function for the besieged opposition enclave.

Erdogan warns against prolonging crisis over Qatar

ISTANBUL - Prolonging the crisis in the Gulf sparked by the isolation of Qatar is not in the interest of anyone, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday as he embarked on a key visit to the region.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Lawmakers reach deal on sanctions

WASHINGTON - US Republicans and Democrats on Saturday have reached agreement on a bill that would include new sanctions against Russia, Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Trump brands warship 'work of art'

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump helped commission the USS Gerald R. Ford on Saturday at a naval base in Virginia and promised additional money to beef up defense.

Reactor robot finds 'melted fuel'

TOKYO - Lava-like rocks believed to be melted nuclear fuel have been spotted inside Japan's stricken Fukushima reactor by an underwater robot, the plant's operator said at the end of a three-day inspection.

Charlie Gard hospital reports threats

LONDON - Protesters who want critically ill British baby Charlie Gard to receive an experimental treatment are planning a rally and prayer vigil and hospital officials say they have received death threats in the case.

A fairy-tale vacation: opening arms to kids

Chinese hotels are presenting special programs for children as family travel becomes a major trend in the Chinese tourism market.

Simple, authentic flavors of northern Italy arrive in Beijing

Via Roma, the Italian restaurant at Kempinski Hotel Beijng Lufthansa Center, is offering a new menu featuring simple but authentic flavors from northern Italy.

Roundup

Appointment

White House, Kremlin play down 'secret' talks

WASHINGTON - The White House and Kremlin on Wednesday played down the significance of an additional, previously undisclosed meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin during this month's G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

Teheran threatens response to sanctions

TEHERAN, Iran - The country said on Wednesday that it will stand up to the United States and retaliate for any new sanctions that Washington imposes on the Islamic republic.