Abe may push for reform before end of the year

TOKYO - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants to accelerate plans to amend Japan's pacifist constitution, saying he expects to submit a proposed revision to lawmakers before the end of the year, media reported on Sunday.

Panda mania hits Berlin as cuddly envoys arrive

BERLIN - Germany was bracing for panda mania as two furry ambassadors arrived from China on Saturday, destined for a new life as stars of Berlin's premier zoo.

DPRK says US war bombs still a danger

PYONGYANG - Unexploded bombs, land mines and shells left over by US troops in the 1950-53 Korean War are still endangering the lives of people, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea said on Sunday.

Myanmar strives to end child soldiers

YANGON - Myanmar has released 67 children who were recruited and used in military service.

Oil truck explosion kills 146 people in Pakistan

LAHORE, Pakistan - An oil tanker crashed on a road in Pakistan on Sunday and 146 people, many of whom had rushed to collect leaking fuel, were killed when it exploded, apparently after someone lit a cigarette, officials said.

India's Modi in Washington for 'no frills' visit

WASHINGTON - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States for his first meeting on Monday with US President Donald Trump, seeking to build on growing ties and move beyond disagreements over climate change.

Qatar hits out at Saudi ultimatum

DOHA, Qatar - Qatar on Saturday denounced a sweeping list of demands from Saudi Arabia and its allies in an escalating Gulf diplomatic crisis as unreasonable and an impingement on the emirate's sovereignty.

Tower blocks evacuated amid safety fears

LONDON - The United Kingdom said 27 high-rise apartment blocks had failed fire safety checks carried out after the deadly Grenfell Tower blaze, including several in north London where residents were forced to evacuate amid chaotic scenes late on Friday.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Hey, big spender

Naoya Sato's recent marketing pitch about the soon-to-be-opened Hotel de Crillon in Paris summed up just how serious luxury hotels are about attracting Chinese travelers.

Fairmont Beijing's air continues eco-friendly tradition

When an air quality examiner showed that indoor PM2.5 concentration was 5 micrograms at the Fairmont Beijing - a luxury hotel under AccorHotels - guests were amazed.

Grill 79 offers healthy concept menu, 300 meters above ground

Grill 79, the capital's highest restaurant on the 79th floor of the China World Summit Wing, Beijing, is an ideal spot for some good photos. Even more so, now that chef de cuisine Deivid Paiva has introduced a new a la carte menu at the restaurant, with a natural health concept and beautiful food presentation.