The election, in an area long known for violent separatists, was marred by a shootout that killed three, officials said.

A surge in the U.S. average price for diesel to an all-time high of $6 a gallon has reinforced concerns about higher global inflation.

Saudi Arabia is running out of work-arounds to keep its oil flowing, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatening its exports via the Red Sea.

Indonesian authorities intensified on Monday a search for people missing after a ferry overturned in bad weather in the Java Sea. At least six passengers were killed and 129 people are still missing.

North Korea conducted a "joint firepower attack drill" involving long-range artillery, missiles and drones over the weekend, state-run media reported Monday.

Asian shares are mixed and U.S. futures have edged lower. Oil prices have gained more than 3%, as worries grow over global oil supplies after Saudi Arabia shuts down a major oil pipeline used to help bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

The comment follows decades of White House neutrality and leave both sides of the dispute wondering if he was backing Ireland, trolling Britain or talking off the cuff.

European leaders were meeting Monday to discuss growing competition in the Arctic, where global warming is opening new shipping routes, governments are vying for vast natural resources and a Russian military buildup is heightening security concerns.