Wednesday, June 7, 2017

World News Briefs -- June 7, 2017 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: On eve of election, May tries to put focus back on Brexit

On the eve of an election Prime Minister Theresa May returned to her core message that only she can deliver a good Brexit deal, moving on from a heated national debate over security after two deadly Islamist attacks.

May unexpectedly called the snap vote seven weeks ago, seeking to increase her working parliamentary majority of 17 seats ahead of the start of negotiations on leaving the European Union.

But the campaign has seen unexpected twists - the shrinking of May's poll lead over the opposition Labour Party from over 20 points to a range between one and 12 points, and attacks in Manchester and London that killed 30 people.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iranian military blames Saudis after 12 killed in Tehran terrorist attack. Iran says Saudi Arabia was behind deadly Tehran parliament building attack claimed by ISIS that left 12 people dead as they arrest five suspects.

At least 12 killed in rare militant attack in Tehran. IS-claimed attacks on Iran’s parliament, shrine kill 12. Gunmen attack Iran's parliament, Khomeini shrine. Twin attacks strike Iran's parliament, Khomeini's tomb.

Kuwait tries to mediate Arab fallout with Qatar as Donald Trump says Saudi Arabia trip is 'paying off'.

Saudi FM: Qatar must stop supporting Hamas, Brotherhood.

Trump offers to help resolve Gulf crisis, UAE tightens squeeze on Qatar.

Jordan downgrades ties with Qatar. Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan criticises Qatar sanctions.

Turkey's parliament to debate troop deployment to Qatar.

Trump takes sides in Arab rift, suggests support for isolation of Qatar. Qatar row: Trump urges Arab unity in call to Saudi Arabia's King Salman.

Mosul: As the battle against ISIS rages on, so does terror, suffering for civilians.

Iraqi Kurds to hold independence referendum in September.

Hezbollah threatens to strike US in Syria over ‘red lines’.

US says Raqqa fight will ‘accelerate’ as IS loses in Iraq.

Turkey arrests head of Amnesty over 'Gulen links'.

Germany decides to quit Turkey’s Incirlik base.

ASIA

Head of U.S. missile defense says North Korea missile advances a 'great concern'.

Australia economy slows but marks record 26 years recession-free.

Pakistan waging 'undeclared war of aggression' against Afghanistan, Ghani tells Kabul Process.

Power struggle seen within surging IS in Afghanistan.

North Korea attempts to split South Korea-US security alliance.

Japan conducts simulation drill for North Korea attack.

Philippines asks social media to remove militant video.

Burmese military plane vanishes over Andaman Sea.

China slams Pentagon report on overseas military bases.

AFRICA

Boko Haram launches major attack on northeast Nigerian city.

Shabaab steps up attacks in Kenya.

Cease-fire in effect in South Sudan's war-torn Yei River State.

Libya's neighbors push political deal over military solution.

Congo faces U.N. deadline of June 8 for human rights probe.

Lesotho: Opposition wins most Parliament seats in snap election.

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari is 'recuperating fast'. Nigeria adrift as leader in London for month of treatment.

China ensures its position in Africa by pouring billions into infrastructure and education.

EUROPE

UK PM May's lead over Labour holds at 8 points: Panelbase poll.

UK contenders trade blows on last day of election campaign.

Two days from UK election, security dominates campaign after London attack.

London Bridge attack: last of eight victims identified as Xavier Thomas.

Corbyn trying to shed rebel image to win UK election.

London Bridge victim's body recovered from River Thames.

U.S., partners plan European military exercise with 25,000 troops.

Germany backs pullout from Incirlik airbase in Turkey row.

Video emerges of Notre Dame ‘terrorist’ hammer attack.

Paris pollution victim sues France for bad air.

98% of Greeks consider their economic situation as "bad", survey says.

AMERICAS

Ex-FBI head Comey accuses Trump of pressure on Russia probe. Comey offers dramatic details of Trump meetings in opening statement.

GOP chairman: U.S. Senate panel will 'deal with' Russia in June.

House votes to condemn Turkish security violence against protesters. US Congress calls for charges over Turkey embassy brawl.

Trump to nominate ex-Justice Department official to lead FBI.

Washington braces for Comey impact.

DEA warns police of accidental overdose risks in drug fight.

Venezuela blocking medicine, humanitarian aid from US groups.

Brazil judges to cast votes which could topple president. Brasilia tribune starts trial that could unseat President Michel Temer.

Puerto Rico's bankruptcy leaves US island facing hard times.

Accused leaker Reality Winner is scared after arrest, mom says.

Obama and Trudeau meet up for dinner in Montreal.

Overdoses are now the leading cause of death among Americans under 50, figures reveal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

London attacker’s mom blames internet for radicalizing son.

Islamic State claims stunning attack in heart of Iran.

Rights group asks Germany to arrest CIA deputy director.

Al-Qaeda’s attempts to counter drone strikes.

Islamic State jails hidden among ordinary villas in Mosul.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Comey relief buoys Wall Street; energy falls with crude.

OECD predicts fastest global growth in six years.

Risks warned over US dropping conflict minerals rule.

U.S. Congress plans self-driving car legislation to speed rollout.