Thursday, June 23, 2016

World News Briefs -- June 23, 2016



Reuters: Polls point to UK staying in EU, Leave campaigner pessimistic

Voting closed in Britain's bitterly fought referendum on whether to quit the European Union on Thursday, with a prominent Leave campaigner saying he expected to lose and early surveys suggesting voters had chosen to remain in the bloc.

Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party and a leading voice in favour of leaving the EU, told Sky News he did not expect to be on the winning side.

"It's been an extraordinary referendum campaign, turnout looks to be exceptionally high and looks like Remain will edge it," Farage told Sky News. A spokesman for Farage declined to elaborate.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Fighting escalates between US-backed groups in northern Syria.

Syria: Kurdish-led forces enter ISIL-held Manbij city.

Islamic State claims 3 Russian soldiers killed in Syria.

UN: 5 million Syrians now in hard-to-reach areas.

Offensives against Islamic State could displace 2.3 million Iraqis: U.N..

Residents say al-Qaida has returned to southern Yemen cities.

Severe food shortages in Yemen.

Turkey close to restoring diplomatic ties with Israel.

Anti-money laundering body seen keeping Iran on blacklist: officials.

ASIA

Kim says missile launch gives North Korea 'capability' to attack US in Pacific.

Russian, Chinese, Mongolian leaders adopt program of economic corridor between countries.

China brushes off doubts over support on South China Sea, says it is growing.

Indonesia president visits islands on warship, makes point to China. South China Sea: Indonesian leader visits Natuna Islands amid growing tensions.

78 dead, 500 hurt by storms in eastern China.

U.N. refugee chief urges Pakistanis not to label Afghan refugees 'terrorists'.

Tests confirm anthrax deaths, infections at village in central Kazakhstan.

AFRICA

Morocco arrests 10 suspected Islamist militants, including Algerian.

Uganda to be out of Somalia 'by 2017'.

Likely renewed civil war in north and central Mali threatens military and UN troops and aviation assets.

Nigerian militants claim the President faces a military coup.

Death toll in South African protests rises to five. Special police unit probes mayhem in South Africa’s capital.

UN will repatriate troops who didn't react to Sudan attack.

Obama speaks with Kenya president about support for refugees.

U.S. begins targeted sanctions on Congo official.

Black boxes from crashed EgyptAir flight will go to France for repair.

EUROPE

UKIP's Farage says looks like Remain to win EU vote: Sky News.

Russia's opposition descends into infighting before elections.

Moscow warns U.S. against imposing Cold War-style restrictions on Russian diplomats' travel.

Is Moscow preparing for new Cold War? Russia agrees to build spy base in Nicaragua and prepares to deploy missiles on Polish border.

Thousands march in tense Paris labour protest.

5,000 migrants rescued in wave of Med crossings.

EU agrees new border, coast guard scheme.

Gunman killed by police after storming German cinema.

AMERICAS

Obama immigration plan blocked by 4-4 tie at Supreme Court. Deadlocked Supreme Court deals big blow to Obama immigration plan.

Colombian president, head of FARC rebels agree on cease-fire. Colombia's FARC rebels sign historic ceasefire with government.

OAS chief blames Maduro government for Venezuela crisis. OAS chief urges support for vote on removing Venezuela's president.

Aeromexico latest airline to suspend flights to Venezuela.

Argentina calls for Falklands negotiations, Britain says no.

'Heroin epidemic': US users at 20yr high - UN.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pentagon transfers former bin Laden bodyguard from Guantanamo detention center.

ISIS shows it won't be dislodged quickly or easily.

Poll: Concern about terrorist attack at highest level since 2003.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global stocks, sterling climb as polls flag UK to stay in EU.

For the first time, America is no longer No. 1 for super-rich.

Volkswagen reportedly to pay $10.2 billion in emissions claims settlement.

US jury clears Led Zeppelin of stealing 'Stairway' intro.

No comments: