Japan, UK to expand defense ties at sea, military technology

TOKYO (AP) — The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and its strike group will visit Japanese ports in September for joint exercises, defense ministers from Japan and Britain said Tuesday as the two countries step up military ties amid

Muslims mark Eid al-Adha holiday in pandemic’s shadow

CAIRO (AP) — Muslims around the world were observing Tuesday yet another major Islamic holiday in the shadow of the pandemic and amid growing concerns about the highly infectious delta variant of the coronavirus.

South Korean gov’t apologizes over virus-stricken destroyer

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s prime minister on Tuesday apologized for “failing to carefully take care of the health” of hundreds of sailors who contracted the coronavirus on a navy ship taking part in an anti-piracy mission off

Haiti awaits new chief as official mourning starts for Moïse

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — While they await a new leader, Haitians are beginning a series of official ceremonies Tuesday to honor President Jovenel Moïse nearly two weeks after he was assassinated.

Ex-aide launches new salvo against UK’s Johnson over virus

LONDON (AP) — A disgruntled former top aide to Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the British leader was dismissive of the threat caused by surging coronavirus cases last year, saying he did not want to impose a lockdown because the

Belgium’s royals lead a day of mourning for flood victims

BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium's king and queen visited the flood-stricken town of Verviers to lead the nation in a minute of silence Tuesday to remember those who died, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a second tour of the disaster

Turkey aims for dialogue with Taliban on Kabul Airport plan

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s president said Tuesday his country will talk with the Taliban regarding Turkey’s bid to operate and secure the airport in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Taiwan, Lithuania ties grow despite pressure from Beijing

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan will exchange representative offices with Lithuania, the self-governed island said Tuesday, in a breakthrough for its foreign relations that are under constant pressure from China. The offices will seek to enhance economic and t...

Salt for sore eyes: harbour salt pile blocks some of the best views in St. John’s

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Matt Idnurm likes to spend the early summer months watching the marine life off St. John's harbour from his first-floor balcony on Water Street downtown. "I sit out here with my binoculars and I watch the whales

Region in British Columbia calls for more wildfire resources

MERRITT, B.C. — A regional politician in British Columbia's Interior is calling for more support amid a "dire" wildfire situation that he said has filled every available hotel with fleeing evacuees and stretched local security resources beyond their ca...