Thursday, July 14, 2016

World News Briefs -- July 14, 2016

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, July 14, 2016. REUTERS/Vasily Maximov/Pool

Reuters: Kerry takes Syria strikes cooperation proposal to Russia

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry took a proposal to boost military and intelligence cooperation against Islamic State and al Qaeda in Syria to Moscow on Thursday, despite doubts among U.S. defense and intelligence officials.

U.S. officials described the visit as a test of Moscow's willingness to use its influence on the Syrian government to help revive the country's peace process, and time was running out for that.

Kerry met President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Thursday evening and both said before the meeting they hoped they could make progress on Syria. Kerry was also to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian rebels stunned as Turkey signals normalisation of Damascus relations.

Islamic State fighters say bring down Syrian jet.

Russian Air Force intensifies strikes on terrorists near Palmyra (VIDEO).

Assad: No talks with Russia about leaving power.

UN says Syrian government denies medical aid to civilians in besieged areas.

Yemen's Houthi rebels head for Kuwait to resume talks.

Iraq marks national holiday with military parade.

One year after Iran nuclear deal, sides remain compliant but wary.

Iran signals ability to restore nuclear program if needed.

House votes to bar heavy water purchases from Iran.

US House panel approves bills to stop Boeing's sale of planes to Iran.

US looks to clamp down on Hezbollah funding.

ASIA

Kashmir hospitals overwhelmed after days of violence.

Philippine army kills 11 Muslim rebels, girl caught in a crossfire.

China should respect South China Sea ruling, says Philippines.

Beijing grapples with PR crisis after S. China Sea ruling.

China's Li calls on Vietnam to help safeguard South China Sea peace.

EU's silence on South China Sea ruling highlights inner discord.

Japan's Emperor Akihito not preparing to abdicate, palace insists.

AFRICA

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir calls for calm as foreigners flee.

Ugandan army crosses into S Sudan to evacuate citizens.

UN accused of failing as north-east Nigeria at risk of famine.

Cameroon Boko Haram suspects 'dying in Cameroon jails'.

France to end military operations in CAR in October.

Shabaab reportedly recaptures southern port city.

Kenyan gunman kills police, takes hostages. Kenyan police officer fatally shoots six colleagues.

Congo election likely to be delayed: U.N. mission chief.

Libya's army could be regionalized, UN envoy says.

Zimbabwe pastor Evan Mawarire calls for more protests.

Exclusive: Zimbabweans suffer 'savage' police abuse as anti-Mugabe movement grows.

Handful of U.N. staff return to Western Sahara after dispute.

EUROPE

UN notes possible 'war crimes' by both sides in Ukraine.

Moldova asks NATO for help in withdrawing Russian troops from Tiraspol.

EU offers new immigration plan, hoping to sway reluctant countries.

IOM highlights refugee drownings.

Refugees lead to record German immigration: statistics office.

France will not extend state of emergency beyond 26 July.

May builds new-look Brexit cabinet to steer EU divorce.

'Outrageous' and 'a liar' – Germany and France lead criticism of Boris Johnson. Boris Johnson is a liar with his back to the wall, says French FM. Allies surprised, angry at British Foreign Secretary choice.

AMERICAS

Feds fear prospect of violence at GOP, Dem conventions. FBI, Homeland Security chiefs preparing for violence at political conventions.

Obama: US must bridge divide between police and public.

The FBI may release two memos with the State Department about the Clinton email probe.

Trump expected to pick Indiana Governor Pence for running mate: sources.

Ginsburg apologizes for "ill-advised" criticism of Trump.

Cuban Economy Minister Marino Murillo is sacked.

Oxfam urges US to end embargo on struggling Cuba.

Brazil Olympics: France warned of attack plan on Rio team.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

IS recruits in SE Asia a rising threat despite weak attacks.

FBI warns about 'terrorist diaspora' after IS defeat.

CIA remains concerned about Europe’s ability to track terrorists.

Hard-to-kill IS commander targeted by Pentagon July 10. US reveals Isis commander was not killed in March airstrike.

Success against ISIS abroad may spark more terror attacks at home, officials warn.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Nintendo shares up more than 50% since Pokemon Go release.

Global call to development banks: don't fund projects that violate human rights.

Microsoft wins federal appeal over warrants for data held outside US.

European Union opens new anti-trust case against Google.

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