January 24, 2017 Key points in the Syria statement issued in Astana Russia, Turkey and Iran, who sponsored the first face-to-face meeting between Syria's armed opposition and Syrian government in Kazakhstan this week, issued a joint statement at the conclusion of the talks Tuesday announcing their intention to establish a trilateral mechanism to ensure full compliance with a cease-fire for Syria in place since Dec. 30.
January 24, 2017 Vietnam War-era tear gas bombs found in Cambodian village Demining experts say a village in eastern Cambodia will have to be largely evacuated next month when two large bombs left over from the Vietnam War containing a powerful tear gas are excavated from the grounds of a Buddhist temple.
January 24, 2017 Afghan official: Arrest warrants issued for VP's guards Afghanistan's attorney general is ordering the arrest of nine employees of Vice-President Rashid Dostum in connection with allegations of kidnapping and torturing a former ally.
January 24, 2017 Philippines apologizes to South Korea for Korean's killing The Philippine government has apologized to South Korea for the reported killing of a South Korean man at the country's main police camp, a crime that has tainted law enforcers carrying out the president's controversial anti-drug crackdown.
January 24, 2017 Hong Kong releases 9 seized Singapore troop carriers Authorities say nine armored personnel carriers belonging to Singapore that were seized in the Chinese territory of Hong Kong in November will be returned.
January 24, 2017 Russia, Iran, Turkey promise to safeguard Syria cease-fire Russia, Iran and Turkey -- sponsors of talks in Kazakhstan between Syria and rebel factions -- pledged Tuesday to consolidate the country's nearly month-old cease-fire and set up a three-way mechanism to ensure compliance of all sides.
January 24, 2017 Briton fatally shot in Porsche in Thai resort town Thai police say a 39-year-old British man was killed in his Porsche sedan in the resort town of Pattaya by a gunman who pulled open the door and shot him at point-blank range.
January 24, 2017 Japan's military launches first communications satellite Japan's Defense Ministry has launched its first communications satellite.
January 24, 2017 Hopes fade for justice for dead, lost Sri Lankan journalists Activists and relatives say hope is fading fast for the new Sri Lankan government to act against the perpetrators in the killings and disappearances of journalists during the long civil war or the country's previous administration.
January 24, 2017 China's birthrate rises after one-child policy loosened The number of births in China has risen nearly 8 percent in the year after the government loosened its unpopular one-child policy.
