Thursday, May 31, 2018

World News Briefs -- May 31, 2018 (Evening Edition)



NBC: U.S. hits E.U., Canada and Mexico with steel, aluminum tariffs, sparking trade war

"This is not about the American people. We have to believe that at some point their common sense will prevail," said Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau.

The Trump administration on Thursday slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union, prompting outrage from America’s closest allies and major trading partners and setting off a trade war that could see U.S. consumers pay more for everything from canned soup to cars.

The move to implement tariffs under the guise of national security measures triggered strong response across the globe, including a firm reproach from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who denounced the punitive tariffs as "totally unacceptable" and "an affront," saying that the very idea "Canada could be considered a national security threat to the United States is inconceivable."

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian leader praises Russia, pans U.S. and Trump in rare interview.

Syria's Assad vows to retake areas held by US-backed Kurds.

Israeli Defense Minister praises Russia's understanding of its needs in Syria.

Erdogan hosts Putin's Syria envoy as cooperation tightens.

UN agencies appeal for funds for Syrian refugees to avoid cuts.

Iraq's election commission annuls thousands of votes.

Several wounded after gunmen attack Saudi military base in Taif.

New US sanctions target Iran for human rights abuses, censorship.

Israel approves more than 2,000 settlement units in West Bank.

Gaza violence: Red Cross sends surgeons 'to help health crisis'.

United Arab Emirates jails activist for 10 years 'for defaming nation'.

ASIA

US admiral says China is Asia's biggest long-term threat.

Taliban officials 'in talks with Afghan government', US says. Top Afghanistan general: Some Taliban involved in 'secret' talks to end war.

11 dead after militants attack Afghan interior ministry.

Kim Jong Un complains of US ‘hegemonism’ as summit nears.

Mike Pompeo tweets 'great opportunity' for North Korea after steak dinner.

Trump pick for South Korea ambassador: North Korea 'most imminent threat'.

North Koreans get a taste of Facebook in Pyongyang.

China rejects US accusations it seeks hegemony in Asia.

Senators seek stronger action on China in S. China Sea.

China shares hot seat with North Korea for the upcoming Shangri-La Dialogue.

China criticizes 'uncooperative' U.S. policy on visas.

India's annual growth slows to 6.7%, Q4 picks up.

AFRICA

Neighborhoods hit and supplies cut in Libya's Derna, U.N. says.

Libya's December election goal faces political, legal, security hurdles.

US wants UN deadline for South Sudan to end fighting.

Biafra sit-at-home protest shuts down southeast Nigerian cities.

Growing anger over South Africa's stalled land reform.

Algeria seizes 700kg of cocaine on container ship.

Uganda imposes WhatsApp and Facebook tax 'to stop gossip'. Uganda slaps tax on social media users to curb 'gossip'.

EUROPE

EU to impose measures against 'unacceptable' U.S. tariffs: Juncker.

Spain PM Mariano Rajoy faces defeat in Friday no-confidence vote.

Italy's populist parties reach new deal to form a government.

Azerbaijani military advances on tense Nakhchivan-Armenia border.

NATO-Russia Council meets for first time since Skripal poisoning.

SNP report outlines new prospectus for Scottish independence.

Germany warns against 'protectionism getting upper hand'.

Arkady Babchenko: Ukraine condemned for faking journalist's murder.

Protesters meet US military convoys streaming through Europe ‘preparing for war’.

Macedonian PM says name change to be put to a public vote.

Denmark bans full-face veils in public.

AMERICAS

Nicaragua: peace talks with Ortega abandoned after 11 killed at protest.

Nicaraguans block roads across country, want Ortega out. More Nicaragua protesters killed in Mother's Day march.

Canada slaps sanctions on Maduro's wife and 13 other Venezuelans.

Trump plays down chances of quick North Korea breakthrough, talks wrap up.

Trump revises Comey firing, Giuliani blasts ‘lynching mob’.

Trump to pardon Dinesh D’Souza.

Colombia presidential candidate alleges voter fraud before runoff.

Brazil oil workers walk out as truckers' strike eases.

UN says people disappearing in northern Mexico border city.

U.N. says Mexican security forces are likely behind disappearances in border city.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US military says it killed dozens of Taliban leaders in Afghanistan.

European court: Lithuania, Romania permitted CIA to torture militants.

Landmines made by Isis undo progress made by Princess Diana campaign.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. slips on renewed trade-war worries but posts monthly gains.

U.S. allies hit back at Washington's steel, aluminum tariffs.

EU-US: Two months of escalating trade tensions.

China lowers tariffs, rejects US trade war escalation.

Amazon blocks Australia from global sites over tax.

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