Japan to remove ROK from 'white list'

SEOUL/TOKYO - Japan said on Friday it would remove the Republic of Korea's fast-track export status, drawing the threat of a firm response from Seoul and further straining relations already stressed by a dispute over compensation for wartime forced laborers.

Trump has 'no problem' with latest DPRK test

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump played down what appeared to be the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's third missile launch in just over week, saying they were short-range and "very standard" and would not affect his willingness to negotiate with Pyongyang.

US, Russia rip up INF missile treaty

BANGKOK/BRUSSELS - The United States and Russia ripped up a Cold War-era missile pact on Friday, in a move that raised the specter of an arms race between the global superpowers.

EU to work with Iran despite sanctions

The European Union's disagreement with the United States over Iran widened when the EU vowed on Thursday to continue working with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif despite the latest US sanctions against him.

IN BRIEF (Page 8)

Kim guides test-firing of new rocket

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea said on Thursday that it had tested "a new rocket system" in launches conducted the previous day, raising questions about the Republic of Korea's claims that Pyongyang had fired two short-range ballistic missiles.

US rapper takes stand in Sweden assault trial

STOCKHOLM - US rapper A$AP Rocky was set to appear in a Swedish court on Thursday to give his account of a street brawl in a case that has stirred diplomatic tensions and outraged fans.

Houthi missile attack, suicide bombs kill 51 in Aden

ADEN, Yemen - A rebel missile struck a military parade in Yemen's southern port city of Aden as coordinated suicide bombings targeted a police station in another neighborhood of the city on Thursday, killing at least 51 people and wounding dozens, a security official and witnesses said.

Seoul warns Tokyo to drop 'white list' trade threat

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea warned Japan on Thursday that it would be forced to review security cooperation between the two key US allies in Northeast Asia if Tokyo pushes ahead with plans to remove Seoul from its "white list" of trusted trade partners.

DR Congo Ebola epidemic widens on first anniversary

GOMA, DR Congo - The Ebola epidemic in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo widened on Wednesday, the eve of the first anniversary of the outbreak, with one death and another diagnosis reported. Fifteen people were also quarantined in a previously unaffected province.

US extends Iran waivers but hits Zarif

The United States on Wednesday extended waivers allowing foreign firms to work at Iranian nuclear facilities without US penalties while hitting Iran's foreign minister with sanctions. A series of contradictory actions will not change the tense situation between the two sides, an expert said.

US officials believe al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden's son Hamza is dead

WASHINGTON - The United States believes that Hamza bin Laden, a son of slain al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and himself a notable figure in the extremist group, is dead, US officials said on Wednesday.