Wednesday, April 12, 2017

World News Briefs -- April 12, 2017

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson enter a hall during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, April 12, 2017. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Reuters: Putin says trust erodes under Trump, Moscow icily receives Tillerson

Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday trust had eroded between the United States and Russia under President Donald Trump, as Moscow delivered an unusually hostile reception to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a face-off over Syria.

Any hope in Russia that the Trump administration would herald less confrontational relations has been dashed in the past week after the new U.S. leader fired missiles at Syria to punish Moscow's ally for its suspected use of poison gas.

Just as Tillerson sat down for talks, a senior Russian official assailed the "primitiveness and loutishness" of U.S. rhetoric, part of a volley of statements that appeared timed to maximize the awkwardness during the first visit by a member of Trump's cabinet.

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MIDDLE EAST

US military spokesman says siege of Raqqa coming.

Evacuation of Syria towns begins with prisoner exchange.

Protests called as Lebanon MPs expected to extend own term.

Turkey says Diyarbakir blast caused by bomb in tunnel.

Turkey considering bid for 2026 Winter Olympics.

Candidates register for Iran's presidential vote as hardliners seek boost. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registers to run for president. Iran's Ahmadinejad to run for president despite Khamenei warning.

Israeli cabinet minister welcomes Spicer's apology over Hitler remarks.

ASIA

Japanese warships to join US fleet near North Korea as tensions rise.

North Korea warns of nuclear strike against US if aggression continues.

China's Xi urges Trump to peacefully resolve North Korea tensions. China urges restraint as Carl Vinson closes on Korean waters.

North Korean ships return home with coal after China tightens sanctions.

At least eight killed in militant attack on Philippine resort island. Militants flee after foiled Philippine resort kidnap raid: army.

Key Abu Sayyaf commander killed in Philippine military clashes.

Afghan officials: Suicide bomber strikes in Kabul.

Thai junta to lift political party ban for 2018 polls.

AFRICA

Boko Haram 'plot to attack UK and US embassies foiled'.

'Alarming' rise in Boko Haram child suicide bombers.

South Sudan's war disrupts farming, creates famine.

Somali security forces free hostages held by pirates.

Senegal arrests suspected Boko Haram recruiter, extremists.

Somali security forces 'rescue sailors' from Indian ship.

Zambia opposition leader arrested on treason charges.

Political parties stage anti-Zuma protests in Pretoria.

EUROPE

US top diplomat Tillerson in tense exchange with Russian counterpart. Russia accuses US of unlawful Syria raid as Tillerson visits.

Syria war: US-Russia ties worse under Trump, Putin says.

Borussia Dortmund attack: Islamist suspect held. Borussia Dortmund explosions: police detain suspect. Dortmund bus explosion: Police investigate Islamist connection.

Northern Ireland power-sharing talks given extended deadline.

Spectre of Russian influence looms large over French election.

Conflict erupts in top ranks of Poland's ruling party.

EU launches probe in Hungarian education law.

AMERICAS

Trump hosts NATO leader amid tension with Russia.

US Attorney Sessions: 'The border is not open. Please don't come'.

FBI investigated Trump campaign advisor's Russia links: report.

Puerto Rico seen sliding toward bankruptcy as deadline nears.

Venezuela's Maduro jeered by crowd as unrest grows.

Brazilian judge orders corruption investigation into upper ranks of government. Brazil judge targets dozens of politicians for ‘corruption’.

Colombia forces struggle to root out coca.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Putin: Nearly half of 20,000 foreign fighters in Syria hail from CIS.

Sweden truck attack suspect tried to join Islamic State: Uzbek security source.

Gruesome details of Bin Laden killing revealed in Navy Seal’s new book.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Large US firms stashed $1.6 trillion in tax havens: Oxfam. Largest US firms stash huge sums in tax havens: report.

Russia could soon control a U.S. oil company.

United Airlines boss Oscar Munoz will not resign.

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