Indonesia’s State-run electricity firm PLN said Monday it was sounding out the possibility of securing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Iran to meet the surge in gas demand from its power plants.

Officials from a German symphony orchestra scheduled to play a concert in Tehran this week expressed hope Monday that the visit would improve cultural ties between the two countries.

GHAZNI, Afghanistan – Taliban militants agreed Tuesday to release 19 South Korean church volunteers held hostage for six weeks after Seoul reaffirmed a pledge to withdraw its troops by year’s end and prevent Christian missionaries from working in Afghanistan.The militants apparently backed away from demands for a prisoner exchange. But …