World News Briefs -- June 3, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Syrians Vote In Wartime Election Set To Extend Assad's Rule -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Syrians voted on Tuesday in an election expected to deliver an overwhelming victory for President Bashar al-Assad but which his opponents have dismissed as a charade in the midst of Syria's devastating civil war.

Rebel fighters, the political opposition in exile, Western powers and Gulf Arabs say no credible vote can be held in a country where swathes of territory are outside state control and millions have been displaced by conflict.

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MIDDLE EAST

Amid war and shelling, Syrians vote for president. Syrians vote with little contest expected for Assad.

Iran claims victory with Assad’s anticipated win in Syrian election.

Saudi admits scores of unrecorded MERS deaths.

At least 120 dead in clashes in Yemen.

Deadly attacks and shelling hit Iraq.

Exclusive: Iran's reactor fuel demand emerges as sticking point in nuclear talks.

UN probe of Iran nuke program may slow Iran talks.

Weakened Hamas cedes power to save face.

US to work with Palestinian unity government.

Israel ‘deeply disappointed’ at Obama’s embrace of Hamas-backed government.

Turkish PM says foreign media brings chaos.

Turkey lifts block on access to YouTube: official.

Apocalypse Tehran: Moment Iranian capital was hit by 150km/h dust wall which blacked out sun, killed five and injured 30.

ASIA

Bergdahl-Taliban prisoner exchange 'won't help the peace process in any way' - Taliban spokesman.

North Korea says U.S., South Korea smear it to hide own rights abuses.

Tiananmen anniversary: China tightens crackdown. China defends Tiananmen crackdown on eve of 25th anniversary.

China shrugs off security concerns on new link to restless west.

China-Vietnam naval confrontation escalates.

Tension along Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

Thai coup leaders warn against making 'Hunger Games' sign.

Leading Pakistani politician arrested in London. Karachi in fear after Altaf Hussain arrest.

Japan says Abe may visit North Korea.

AFRICA

Report: 10 generals guilty of arming Boko Haram.

U.S., citing new hope for Somalia, to name Somalia ambassador.

Exclusive: Guinea-Bissau's ex-navy chief pleads guilty in U.S. drug case.

Islamist militia help new Libyan PM seize office amid turmoil, election dispute.

DR Congo: UN and partners renew call for surrender of Rwandan rebel group.

Somalia risks growing food insecurity.

'I will never allow destruction of South Sudan' - Salva Kiir

Sisi won 96.91 percent in Egypt's presidential vote-commission.

Egypt's police seek ability to monitor social media for signs of dissent.

Nigeria: Australia offers SAS troops to help rescue students taken by Boko Haram.

Congo: War criminals are in charge.

Striking S.African mine union considers government wage proposal.

EUROPE

NATO agrees to 'readiness action plan' to counter Russia.

Ukraine army targets separatists in new offensive in east. Ukraine military launches offensive against rebels.

Over 180 killed in special op against protesters in southeastern Ukraine – Kiev.

Obama offers military help to eastern Europe allies worried by Russia. US unveils $1bn Europe security plan.

Poland hopes for Obama’s assurance on Russian aggression.

Russia, Ukraine hope for gas deal this week.

Inauguration of Ukraine's Poroshenko set for June 7.

Putin to meet Merkel during D-Day visit, no plans to meet Obama.

Bosnia floods unearth grim wartime mass grave.

Spanish politicians lay out abdication timetable. Spain's Prince Felipe set to become king after June 18 -speaker.

Ex-Syria fighter arrested over Belgium museum killings.

AMERICAS

NSA not amassing Americans' photos for face-recognition program, chief says.

U.S. central states brace for severe storms, possible tornadoes.

Obama defends swap of Taliban for American P.O.W.

Cuban spy calls for prisoner swap, like with Taliban.

Venezuela must play fair and release airlines' money: IATA.

Children flooding over southern border deemed ‘urgent,’ but Obama offers no plan.

Teen unemployment in major U.S. cities tops 50 percent.

Countdown to 2014 World Cup in Brazil: Day 10.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

'They can move around freely,' Gulf official says of 5 freed Taliban commanders.

White House defends release of Taliban detainees, Afghans upset.

Taliban leader touts Gitmo prisoner swap as ‘great victory’.

American suicide bomber in Syria raises fears for U.S..

Yemen: Al Qaeda suffers a major defeat.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

G7 powers meet without Russia in summit snub over Ukraine.

Russia, China agree on cooperation in monetary policy.

Apple takes on Dropbox and WhatsApp with integrated apps.

France says mooted BNP Paribas' $10 billion U.S. fine 'unreasonable'.