Tokyo / AFP Russia has turned down Tokyo’s latest attempt at dog diplomacy ahead of a summit between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later this month, an aide said, as the two leaders look to end a decades-old territorial row. Japan had planned to give the Russian president—who is known for being a canine lover—a male Akita …

  Rome / AFP Italian President Sergio Mattarella summoned Paolo Gentiloni to see him on Sunday in what was seen as a signal the current foreign minister will become the country’s new prime minister. Gentiloni is the favourite to replace outgoing premier Matteo Renzi, who resigned last week after suffering a crushing defeat in a referendum on constitutional reform. “The President …

  Seoul / AFP South Korea warned Sunday of “fatal” consequences for Pyongyang’s leadership if provoked into conflict, after North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw a military drill simulating an attack on Seoul’s presidential Blue House. Kim watched with binoculars as North Korea’s special operation forces conducted an exercise aimed at “destroying specified targets of the enemy”, including the Blue House, …