Thursday, April 13, 2017

World News Briefs -- April 13, 2017

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves to people cheering during an opening ceremony of a newly constructed residential complex in Ryomyong street in Pyongyang, North Korea April 13, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Reuters: China warns against force as North Korea prepares celebration

Military force cannot resolve tension over North Korea, China said on Thursday, while an influential Chinese newspaper urged the North to halt its nuclear programme in exchange for Chinese protection.

With a U.S. aircraft carrier group steaming to the area and tension rising, South Korea said it believed the United States would consult it before any pre-emptive strike against the North.

Fears have been growing that the reclusive North could soon conduct its sixth nuclear test or more missile launches in defiance of U.N. sanctions and stark warnings from the United States that a policy of patience was over.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian army claims a US-led airstrike has hit an ISIS poison gas depot 'killing hundreds’. Hundreds poisoned in US-led coalition’s strike on IS depot in Deir ez-Zor.

Russia sends drones to Deir ez-Zor where 'coalition strike' caused chemical leak.

Syria chemical attack was 'fabricated' - Assad. Syria's Assad says chemical attack '100 percent fabrication'.

Syria war: Anger after Russia vetoes resolution at UN.

U.S. military says misdirected airstrike in northern Syria killed 18 allied fighters.

U.S.-backed forces launch new attacks on Islamic State in Syria: statement.

Iraqi Kurds restrict movement of US-backed Anti-IS forces in Syria.

Turkish referendum polls show 'Yes' vote above 51 percent.

Abbas seeks 'unprecedented' steps to end Palestinian split.

ASIA

North Korea could conduct nuclear test on day of celebration. North Korea preparing for nuclear test, satellite images suggest.

N. Korea could have sarin-tipped missiles, Japanese PM says ahead of Pyongyang's ‘big event’. North Korea may be capable of sarin-tipped missiles: Japan PM.

China says military force in Korean Peninsula unacceptable as U.S. warships near.

North Korea-US saber rattling ramps up tension in Asia.

Rohingya fleeing Myanmar describe military tactic of systematic rape.

Suicide bomb attack in heart of Kabul kills five.

Duterte cancels visit to disputed South China Sea island after warning from Beijing.

Women accused of killing North Korean leader's half-brother appear in Malaysian court.

AFRICA

Nearly 100 migrants feared missing after boat sinks off Libya - coastguard.

South Sudan violence amounts to 'genocide': UK minister.

Zambia denies detained opposition leader barred access to lawyers.

US sanctions for CAR warlords.

Central African Republic violence worst in years - MSF.

Diarrhoea kills more than 500 in Somalia since January: UN.

South African minister promises new chief, revamped image for elite police unit.

Nigeria seizes $43 million cash stash in Lagos house.

EUROPE

Lavrov doubtful talks with Tillerson will show any results soon. Kremlin: No positive shift yet on Russia-US ties.

Lavrov-Tillerson talks: 'Ukraine is what US is concerned least about.

European court rules Russia mishandled Beslan school siege. ECHR finds 'serious failings' in Russia's handling of the 2004 Beslan massacre.

Borussia Dortmund attack: Iraqi suspect 'linked to IS'.

U.N. envoy: Cyprus talks 'at crossroads', only few issues still to be resolved.

Hungary's Orban eyes 2018 election with 'anti-Soros' university law.

Marine Le Pen campaign HQ building hit by arson attempt.

AMERICAS

Trump says 'things will work out fine' with Russia.

Dems winning fight over building the wall.

George W. Bush makes case for foreign aid and immigration reform.

Venezuela protest deaths mount as Maduro taunted.

FARC flouting terms of Colombian peace deal, U.S. officials fear.

Brazil’s political class is in crisis as over 100 are investigated for corruption.

President Trump to meet with Argentina's Macri at the White House.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S.-backed forces launch new attacks on Islamic State in Syria: statement.

Islamist arrested following soccer bus attack; was IS member in Iraq, says German prosecutor.

Rise of terrorism in Africa.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Tesla's Musk tells disgruntled shareholders: Buy Ford.

Saudi raises $9 bn in first global Islamic bond issue.

Donald Trump: China 'not a currency manipulator'.

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