In the World

FRANCE

Deal may be near

on climate pact

Talks on a global pact to fight global warming appeared to make progress late Friday, with some negotiators saying that a deal was close.

Negotiators emerged from meetings with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, the host of the talks, amid an air of optimism that had been lacking just hours earlier.

Fabius was expected to present a new, potentially final draft of the elusive accord Saturday morning. The talks were extended past the original Friday deadline.

Negotiators from more than 190 countries in Paris are aiming to create something that's never been done before: an agreement for all countries to reduce man-made emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and help the poorest adapt to rising seas, fiercer weather and other effects of global warming. - AP
CHINA

Mogul goes missing

One of China's best-known entrepreneurs has been reported missing, forcing the suspension of trading in his company's shares and sending shivers through the stock market Friday. Fosun International, which owns Club Mediterranee as well as the Chase Manhattan building in New York, said it had been unable to contact its chairman, Guo Guangchang, since midday Thursday, according to financial magazine Caixin. The magazine cited social media messages that Guo was last seen being taken away by police at an airport in Shanghai. - Washington Post

CUBA

Mail service to U.S.

The United States and Cuba said Friday that they will reestablish direct mail service for the first time in more than a half century, the latest sign of thawing relations between the longtime adversaries.

- Washington Post