Daily World News Briefs -- January 14, 2020

Reuters: Europeans trigger dispute mechanism in Iran nuclear deal

PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) - France, Britain and Germany formally triggered the dispute mechanism in Iran’s nuclear deal on Tuesday, the strongest step the Europeans have taken so far to enforce an agreement that requires Iran to curb its nuclear programme.

The European powers said they were acting to avoid a crisis over nuclear proliferation adding to an escalating confrontation in the Middle East. Russia, another signatory to the pact, said it saw no grounds to trigger the mechanism.

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MIDDLE EAST

High-gear diplomacy aims to avert U.S., Iran conflict.

Iran vows to punish those responsible for downing Ukrainian plane.

Iran makes arrests in relation to Ukrainian plane crash, Justin Trudeau points finger at US.

Iran calls for expulsion of UK ambassador as arrests made over plane crash.

Erdogan would not refrain from 'teaching a lesson' to Haftar.

Lebanese demonstrators take to the streets in show of ongoing anger.

Human rights group: Saudi Arabia executed 184 people in 2019.

ASIA

South Korean President Moon: Door not closed on U.S.-North Korea dialogue.

Melbourne chokes amid warning gigantic fires could become routine.

China says Taiwan independence movement will 'stink for eternity'.

China's latest move in its Uighur crackdown is forcing Muslims to redecorate their homes to make them look more Chinese.

Wuhan pneumonia: Chinese tourist in Thai case did not visit outbreak-linked market, while scientists say virus not likely to prove as deadly as Sars. WHO says new mysterious China coronavirus linked to SARS could spread, warns hospitals worldwide.

Kerala state challenges India's citizenship law in Supreme Court.

Philippines volcano: Residents warned to stay away.

AFRICA

Insurgent Libyan leader leaves peace talks without signing cease-fire. Libya’s Haftar positive about outcome of Moscow talks, but needs 2 days for discussions with tribal leaders – Russian MoD.

Germany calls Libya conference in Berlin.

Gunfire erupts in Khartoum as security agents resist reform.

Two shot dead in Guinea protests.

Burundi: More than 4,000 mass graves uncovered.

Sailor kidnappings surge 50% off West Africa.

Lesotho Prime Minster Thabane's wife wanted by police.

Malawi police face legal action over failure to investigate alleged rapes.

EUROPE

Britain, France, Germany file dispute over Iran nuclear violations.

Boris Johnson: Replace Iran nuclear plan with 'Trump deal', says PM.

Ukrainian parliament demands official apology from Iran over downed plane.

Court in Ukraine orders investigation of Poroshenko, Obama administration members.

Scottish independence: Johnson rejects Sturgeon's indyref2 demand.

Irish general election to be held on 8 February.

Low tide leaves Venice's canals dry, just months after severe floods.

Pope Benedict wants his name removed as co-author of controversial new book about celibacy.

AMERICAS

Republicans brush off Trump's call for impeachment dismissal.

McConnell knocks call for additional impeachment witnesses.

House chairman: Pompeo won't testify at Iran hearing Tuesday.

Donald Trump retweets fake image of Democrats in Muslim clothes, drawing accusations of bigotry.

Trump administration sanctions 7 Venezuelans over failed National Assembly takeover.

Mexico mass grave holding 29 bodies found near Guadalajara.

Guatemalans demand arrest of outgoing president for corruption.

Trudeau: 'Lots of discussions' about Harry and Meghan's move.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France agrees to send more troops to West Africa to fight terrorism.

Will new measures to fight terrorism in the Sahel region be enough?.

Trump says it doesn't matter if Soleimani posed an imminent threat.

German police raid 'Islamists' suspected of planning attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Boeing reports lowest order numbers in 30 years following 737 Max catastrophes.

US lifts China’s currency manipulator designation ahead of phase one trade deal.

Trade war: China to make huge purchases of US goods as details of phase one deal revealed.