Monday, September 28, 2015

World News Briefs -- September 28, 2015



New York Times: At U.N., Obama and Putin Trade Blunt Criticisms Over Syria

UNITED NATIONS — The leaders of the United States and Russia traded blunt criticisms on Monday at the United Nations, essentially blaming each other for the catastrophic war in Syria and the refugee crisis it helped to spawn.

The speeches of President Obama, followed more than an hour later by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, dominated the opening of the annual General Assembly of world leaders.

Mr. Obama made a forceful defense of diplomacy but also castigated Russia by name multiple times in his speech for its defense of the Syrian government, its takeover of Crimea and its actions supporting Ukrainian rebels.

“Dangerous currents risk pulling us back into a darker, more disordered world,” Mr. Obama said.

MIDDLE EAST

World leaders at UN lay out sharply different views on Syria. US-Russia tensions on show as Putin and Obama clash over Syria.

Scores dead as Saudi-led airstrikes hit Yemen wedding.

"Mistake" made in bombing Yemen wedding party, officials say.

Ahead of Putin-Obama meeting, Russia presses military efforts in Syria.

Russia props up Assad as he reinforces coastal heartland.

Syrian rebel commander who turned over equipment to militants says he was threatened.

Iran cheers ‘new chapter’ with world.

Saudi forces kill ISIL suspects in Riyadh and Dammam.

Turkey urges renewed global efforts to stem refugee wave. Turkey says Assad can't be trusted to manage Syrian transition.

Jerusalem holy site witnesses fresh clashes.

Lebanese journalist fined for contempt in Hariri killing case.

ASIA

Government spokesman: Afghan city largely in 'hand of enemies'. Taliban fighters 'hoist flag' over Afghan city. Taliban fighters seize Afghan city centre of Kunduz. Taliban attempt to capture key Afghan city. Taliban fighters seize parts of Kunduz city for first time. Taliban free hundreds of prisoners in attack on strategic Afghan city.

Maldives president unhurt in boat blast on return from Hajj.

Hong Kong 'umbrella movement' marks first anniversary and vows to fight on.

China's Xi says to commit 8,000 troops for U.N. peacekeeping force.

China angered by Hillary Clinton tweet on women's rights.

Junta mulls 'Great Firewall' for Thailand.

Typhoon hits Taiwan as local financial markets to shut Tuesday.

Malaysia orders schools shut Monday as air quality worsens.

Mount Everest to be declared off-limits to inexperienced climbers, says Nepal.

AFRICA

Fighting in Central African Republic capital kills 36. All night fighting in Central African capital despite curfew.

More than 500 prisoners escape jail in Central African Republic capital as chaos deepens.

U.N. rights chief alarmed by rising killings, arrests in Burundi.

Burkina Faso military says coup plotters refusing to disarm. Burkina Faso coup guards RSP 'refuse to disarm'.

Obama admits mistakes in Libya, says West should have done more.

South African military says 1 peacekeeper killed in rebel ambush in Sudan's Darfur region.

Germany jails Rwandan for Congo war crimes.

EUROPE

Fatal clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia-backed Karabakh stir tension.

Catalan separatists win election and claim it as yes vote for breakaway. Victorious Catalan separatists claim mandate to break with Spain.

Spain PM rules out discussing split with Catalonia. Catalonia vote: Spain PM Rajoy 'ready for dialogue'.

Petro Poroshenko will seek to put Ukraine conflict back on U.N.’s radar.

Russia says hopes for deal on east Ukraine elections soon.

Merkel's welcome to refugees sparks conservative backlash.

German president warns of limits to number of refugees.

Germany quells migrant mass brawl at camp in Calden. Attacks on refugee shelters in Germany more than doubled, police say.

France says will work with Russia, Iran on Syria, but no Assad.

Russia envoy 'regrets' offending Poles in WW2 spat.

AMERICAS

Castro demands end of US embargo.

Mexico: thousands join march to mark one year since 43 students disappeared.

Colombia rebel leaders' political participation undecided after deal.

Venezuela to let deported Colombians return after border dispute.

Guyana and Venezuela restore ambassadors despite border row.

Bolivia row with Chile over strip of land to Pacific Ocean goes to The Hague.

Panama murder rate drops by 21%.

Asians on pace to overtake Hispanics among U.S. immigrants, study shows.

Canada election: Leaders to debate foreign policy.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

30,000 foreign fighters including up to 250 Americans have poured into Iraq and Syria to join ISIS since 2011, US intelligence fears.

U.S., allies target Islamic State with 23 air strikes: statement.

ISIL unlikely to infiltrate refugees – Danish security service.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Gates Foundation sues Brazilian oil company, Petrobras.

Icahn warns of potential looming catastrophe.

Shell abandons Alaska Arctic drilling.

Apple reports record sales of iPhone 6s, 6s Plus in first weekend.

Swiss authorities will probe the fixing of metal prices.

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