Wednesday, May 3, 2017

World News Briefs -- May 3, 2017

The Syrian opposition delegation attended talks in Astana in January [File: Mukhtar Kholdorbekov/Reuters]

Al Jazeera: Syrian opposition walks out of Astana talks

Talks 'suspended' after rebels protest new barrage of air strikes on areas they hold in Syria.

Syrian rebels have suspended their participation in the latest round of Russian-backed talks in Kazakhstan in protest against ongoing air strikes in the war-torn country.

Syrian rebel and government delegations were discussing a Russian plan for "de-escalation zones" on Wednesday when the opposition walked out, citing the bombardment of rebel-held areas.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria rebels 'suspend' participation in Astana peace talks.

Erdogan says to discuss Syria operations with Russia's Putin, Trump.

Lebanese army intensifies crackdown on ISIL fighters.

Saudi land push in Yemen would cause heavy casualties: top prince.

Food imports to war-torn Yemen at all-time low: NGO.

Mahmoud Abbas set to meet Donald Trump in US visit. Trump and Abbas to discuss peace efforts at first talks.

Iran Golestan mine explosion: More than 50 trapped.

Only one in four Middle East men backs equality, study suggests.

ASIA

Activity at North Korea nuclear site resumes: monitor.

China warns its citizens in North Korea to leave as conflict with US looms.

North Korea says US professor detained for attempted subversion.

South Korea calls for North's denuclearization before dialogue.

Anger grows in South Korea over US anti-missile system.

Japan's anti-war constitution to be debated as North Korea tensions rise.

Blast hits NATO convoy in central Kabul. Kabul bomb attack targeting Nato convoy kills eight.

Four Pakistan 'Taliban members' executed after military trials.

Pakistani, Indian DGMOs make hotline contact after soldiers killed across border.

Philippines says Trump recognized 'great job' Duterte is doing.

AFRICA

Nine Malian soldiers killed in central Mali attack.

Millions are on the brink of war-driven starvation in South Sudan.

Boko Haram leader Shekau 'injured in air strike'.

AFRICOM commanders make visit to Mogadishu in bid to improve security.

Libya PM in rare meeting with rival strongman.

Voters disillusioned ahead of Algeria poll.

Buhari misses cabinet meeting amid health fears.

EUROPE

French election: Le Pen, Macron gear up for final TV debate. Le Pen and Macron to face off in French election debate.

Le Pen as president would seek French electoral law change: aide.

EU negotiator Barnier reveals plan for Brexit talks.

UK will not pay 100 billion euro EU exit bill, says Brexit minister.

UK parliament dissolves ahead of snap elections.

Kremlin: Merkel promised to discuss settlement in Ukraine with Poroshenko.

Greek court blocks new extradition request for Turkish soldiers.

Czech parties look to avoid snap election after PM quits.

Security guards to protect Dutch ATMs from explosion thefts.

AMERICAS

From safe zones to terrorism, Trump talks Syria with Putin.

Senate intel panel to CIA headquarters for briefing on Russia probe.

Donald Trump lashes back at Hillary Clinton's claims misogyny, FBI, Russia cost her election.

Trump won't trade US jobs for China's help on North Korea, says official.

Exclusive: U.S. senators seek sanctions, other ways to address Venezuela crisis.

Brazil FM calls Maduro's constitution move a 'coup'.

13 Venezuelan government supporters die in bus crash.

NSA collected over 151mn phone records in 2016 despite surveillance law changes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US Defense Secretary Mattis Says additional $21Bln from Congress to accelerate anti-Daesh campaign.

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on NATO convoy in Kabul.

Al-Qaeda claims it is ‘fighting alongside’ US-backed coalition forces in Yemen.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple's dilemma: what to do with $256 bn cash pile.

China's HNA now largest Deutsche Bank shareholder.

Apple reports unexpected fall in iPhone sales.

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