World News Briefs -- August 29, 2014 (Evening Edition)

NATO To Russia: Stop 'Illegal' Military Operations in Ukraine -- Voice of America

NATO has called on Russia to cease its "illegal military operations" in eastern Ukraine, which it says are aimed at destabilizing the country.

The comments by NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Friday followed an emergency meeting in Brussels to discuss the worsening crisis.

Rasmussen, referencing satellite images released by his organization Thursday, said it is now clear that Russian troops and equipment have illegally crossed the border into eastern Ukraine. He said this is not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern over many months to destabilize Ukraine as a sovereign nation.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria conflict: UN says more than 3m have fled war. Three million people have now fled war-torn Syria, say UN, who declare it the 'biggest humanitarian crisis of our era'.

Syrian rebels surround Filipino UN peacekeepers in Golan Heights.

Islamic State: Arab leaders reluctant to heed US call for 'allies against Isis'.

Iraqi Kurds say their fight is against more than just the Islamic State.

Defiant Gaza militants vow to rearm amid shaky truce.

Iran's foreign minister hopes for nuclear accord 'in short time left' till deadline.

U.S. slaps more sanctions on Iranian banks, firms.

U.S. sends arms to bolster Lebanon army after Islamist incursion.

ASIA

Anti-terror drills highlight China’s push into Central Asia.

India's Modi to visit Japan to cement defense, economic ties.

Afghan election audit will take two more weeks, U.N. says.

With an eye on China, the U.S. and Japan grow closer.

Pakistan 'soft coup' fears as army chief holds talks with protest leaders.

Gunmen target minority sect in Pakistan.

North Korean money manager for Kim Jong-un defects in Russia. Kim Jong-un's banker defects in Russia, say reports.

China investigates senior legislator amid corruption crackdown.

Jack Ma emerges as China’s richest man before Alibaba IPO.

AFRICA

Rwandan army officers charged with inciting rebellion.

Cameroon military takes back land seized by Boko Haram.

Libya Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni resigns.

Ebola outbreak reaches Senegal, riots break out in Guinea.

Ebola: Guineans riot in Nzerekore over disinfectant. Guinean security forces break up riot in Ebola-racked south.

No respite for South Sudan: cholera down but malaria, parasitic disease up: MSF.

Four found guilty of shooting Rwandan general

Kenya passes law to step up fight against human trafficking.

Angola to 'forgive' half of Mozambique's debt.

EUROPE

Poland, Ukraine bar overflight by Russian defense minister's plane.

Families of Russian troops in Ukraine want answers.

Death toll in Ukraine fighting hits 2,593: U.N. human rights official. UN report claims nearly 2,220 dead, 6,000 injured in Ukraine crisis since mid-April. UN: Ukraine conflict death toll hits 2,600, civilians ‘trapped inside conflict zones’.

Separatists say will allow 'trapped' Ukrainian forces to withdraw. Putin calls on pro-Russian separatists to release trapped Ukrainian soldiers.

Nato accuses Russia of violating Ukraine sovereignty.

Ukraine to seek Nato membership, says PM Yatsenyuk.

Ukraine seeks to join NATO; defiant Putin compares Kiev to Nazis.

Russia warns EU of Ukraine gas shortage. Russia ready for gas talks with Ukraine, warns of disruptions.

Putin likens Ukraine's forces to Nazis and threatens standoff in the Arctic.

Ruble sinks to record on Ukraine fighting: Russia reality check.

UK terror threat level raised: Jihadist attack now 'highly likely'.

Finland suspects Russian airspace violation.

Iceland volcano alert at red after small eruption, no ash detected.

AMERICAS

Obama delays self-imposed immigration deadline.

Judicial Watch: Feds’ bulletin describes threat of imminent terrorist attack on southern border.

Suriname leader's son pleads guilty to trying to help Hezbollah.

Silence surrounds Colombia's 92,000 disappeared: ICRC.

FARC negotiator says disarming will be 'long process'.

Brazil's economy falls into recession, latest figures show.

Argentina workers claim general strike 'successful'.

US economic growth revised upwards.

Obama's "strong disapproval" double his "strong approval".

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Recipe for hate: Al-Qaeda publish car bomb ‘shopping list’ and suggest UK targets.

Obama on ISIS in Syria: 'We don't have a strategy yet'.

Jihadist recruitment tools raise US concerns.

War by social media: Islamic State’s propaganda is growing online.

ISIS vs. Al Qaeda: How they're different (Video).

Syrian extradited to US on terrorism charges.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil tanker carrying $100million cargo mysteriously disappears off the coast of Texas in dispute over Kurdish oil.

Google reveals secret drone delivery tests.

McDonald's says 12 Russian branches temporarily closed.

It's official! Apple sets event for Sept. 9.