Abe: No comment on Nobel reports

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declined on Monday to say if he had nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, though he also emphasized he did not deny doing so.

Nigeria counts cost of postponed elections

LAGOS, Nigeria - Nigerians on Sunday counted the cost of the last-minute postponement of presidential elections, with predictions the delay could lose the country billions of dollars.

IS defends last pocket of territory in Syria

BAGHOUZ, Syria - The Islamic State group extremists were defending the last pocket of their "caliphate" in Syria on Monday, as EU foreign ministers meet to discuss the crisis after US President Donald Trump called on European nations to take back their foreign fighters.

Yemeni sides OK first phase of pullback

UNITED NATIONS - Yemen's government and Houthi rebels have agreed on the first phase of a pullback of forces from the key city of Hodeida, in a deal the United Nations described on Sunday as important progress.

DPRK faces 'turning point' before summit

Next week's summit between the leaders of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the United States will be decisive, as both sides are expected to press for more tangible moves to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, experts say.

Qingdao's Shinan district celebrates New Year with variety of cultural performances

Shinan district, one of the most popular tourist destinations and fastest-growing areas in Qingdao, Shandong province, has launched a large-scale cultural project to celebrate this year's Spring Festival and boost traditional Chinese culture, according to local officials.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Thai polls cast political uncertainty

The much anticipated Thai general elections next month could see a high turnout of eligible voters amid global attention. It remains to be seen, however, whether the elections herald a fundamental change in Thai politics.

Nigeria opens borders following election delay

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Nigerian government on Saturday ordered the reopening of all the nation's borders following the postponement of presidential and national assembly polls by the electoral body.

A Kenyan boat shows new uses for old plastic

A traditional Kenyan sailing vessel made from recycled plastic will be a highlight of the upcoming fourth United Nations Environment Assembly, or UNEA, scheduled to take place from March 11 to 15 in Nairobi.

Analysts: Progress is slow in Sochi meeting

ISTANBUL - The latest Syria summit among the Turkish, Russian and Iranian leaders has achieved no major progress as the priorities of the three countries diverge, while Ankara appears to have persuaded its partners to defer a looming military operation in Idlib, analysts said.

Hanoi prepares for Trump-Kim summit

Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, will arrive in Vietnam on Feb 25 ahead of a planned second summit with US President Donald Trump, sources said.