The new law - which next goes to the cabinet for approval - would make Lebanon the first country in the Middle East to end capital punishment.

Hiroko Saito was 19 years old when she left Japan for North Korea in June 1961 with her Korean husband and their one-year-old daughter, persuaded by assurances that they were heading to a "paradise on earth" and that she could return to Japan after three years. Instead, she would spend four decades in North Korea, enduring chronic hunger, the deaths of her husband and children and a desperate struggle to survive before finally escaping and returning home in 2001. (News On Japan)

Summer festivals are in full swing across Japan, with distinctive local dances ranging from long-established traditions to unusual routines born at fishermen's banquets and even performances set to the music of American rock band Bon Jovi. (News On Japan)

The ex-president is convicted of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's civil war.

Cold calling is coming to an end in France, with one consumer group calling the ban a "small revolution".

Cold calling is coming to an end in France, with one consumer group calling the ban a "small revolution".

Authorities promise tough new laws in the country, which has high levels of firearms ownership.

The aerial footage shows homes destroyed down to their foundations, with burned cars still parked in some driveways.

The aerial footage shows homes destroyed down to their foundations, with burned cars still parked in some driveways.

The attack was reportedly carried out by Iranian proxy on a small cargo ship, as tensions in region over the US-Iran conflict remain high.

Mangione's lawyers have yet to signal their defence, while prosecutors are in a battle over evidence.

Mangione's lawyers have yet to signal their defence, while prosecutors are in a battle over evidence.

At least 169 people are dead and a state of emergency has been declared after Colombia was hit by one of its largest earthquakes in years.

At least 132 people are dead and a state of emergency has been declared after Colombia was hit by one of its largest earthquakes in years.

The US president was moved from the old Air Force One to a military plane as he left a Nato summit in Turkey last month, US media say.

The ex-president is convicted of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's civil war.

Ukraine's president says strikes in Zaporizhzhia - which killed at least six and injured 19 - involved ballistic missiles from Russia's ally.

Monday's drone strike on the Zawiya refinery was the third such incident in two days.

Monday's drone strike on the Zawiya refinery was the third such incident in two days.

An ex-Japanese envoy said the "sexist" comments "betrayed the close bond" between the countries.