World News Briefs -- October 20, 2015 (Evening Edition)

New York Times: U.S. and Russia Agree to Regulate All Flights Over Syria

MOSCOW — Russia and the United States signed an agreement on Tuesday that regulates all aircraft and drone flights over Syria, the defense departments of both countries announced.

At a Pentagon briefing, Peter Cook, the department’s press secretary, said the agreement, called a memorandum of understanding, established safety protocols requiring both sides to maintain professional airmanship at all times, use specific communication frequencies and establish a communication line on the ground.

Anatoly I. Antonov, the Russian deputy defense minister, said in a statement, “The memorandum contains a set of rules and restrictions aimed at preventing incidents between the Russian and U.S. aviation.” He did not go into details, but said it had “important practical significance.”

MIDDLE EAST

U.S., Russia sign memo to avoid air conflict over Syria: Pentagon.

U.S.-Russia deal on Syrian air space expected shortly.

U.S., allies conduct 15 strikes in Iraq, two in Syria against IS.

UN says 35,000 displaced by Syrian regime's Aleppo offensive.

Iraqi Army, Shiite militias report success in Baiji.

Residents in ISIL's Syrian capital fear military conscription.

Turkey ready to accept six-month transition period for Syria's Assad: officials.

West Bank gripped by fresh violence. Israeli security forces kill four more Palestinians as knife attacks continue.

UN chief tries to calm Israel-Palestinian violence. UN chief warns against misuse of force as he meets Netanyahu.

Saudi urges Iran to stop 'meddling' in neighbourhood.

Hajj deaths 'almost triple' official Saudi toll.

Kerry heading to Mideast, looking for plan to end 2 crises.

ASIA

Seoul's spy service says N. Korea preparing for nuclear test.

US Army intelligence system in Afghanistan said down during hospital attack.

Exclusive: Dissident commanders meet to choose rival Afghan Taliban leader.

Taliban threatens southern Afghan city, civilians flee.

U.S. imposes sanctions on senior Taliban figure.

Clashes erupt in Indian Kashmir over beef killing.

North Korean families reunited with relatives from South after six decades. S Koreans arrive in North for emotional family reunions.

U.S. calls on Myanmar to cool religious tension ahead of election. Around 4 million voters shut out of historic Myanmar election.

China says South China Sea lighthouses not meant to alter 'status quo'.

Xi Jinping visit: Chinese leader given ceremonial welcome. Rolling out the red carpet: China's glamorous First Lady steals the show as the Queen welcomes president Xi Jinping to Buckingham Palace at start of spectacular state visit.

AFRICA

UN eyes new Central African Republic sanctions.

Congo cuts communication ahead of opposition rally. Protests in Congo against extending President's rule. Congo anti-third term protests: Gunfire and tear gas.

Warplanes hit Libyan city of Sirte, target Islamic State.

U.N. Libya deal stalls after elected congress rejects draft. Libyan officials reject UN-proposed unity deal with rival government.

Uganda troops begin South Sudan pull-out: official.

Tunisia premier dismisses justice minister, reasons unclear.

Supplies for CAR pile up as truckers refuse to drive.

Oscar Pistorius released from prison under house arrest.

EUROPE

Over 500,000 migrants reach Greece this year, arrival rate rising: U.N..

Fears of far-Right resurgance in Germany as 20,000 join Pegida anti-immigration rally.

Merkel's own MPs call for 'Berlin Wall' in refugee crisis revolt.

Migrant crisis: Slovenia votes on deploying army. Slovenia says overwhelmed by migrant influx.

Crunch time nears for Cyprus peace talks: UN.

Recordings posted online suggest Moldova's former PM asked for bribes.

Putin: Operation in Syria confirms Russia’s ability to respond to terrorist threat.

Russia calls Estonian/NATO air base plan destabilizing 'provocation'.

Switzerland preparing explanations over incident with plane carrying Russian lawmakers.

Kiev forces attempt to launch offensive near Donetsk — DPR defense ministry.

Recordings posted online suggest Moldova's former PM asked for bribes.

New star, veteran leftist rock Portugal's political stage.

Marine Le Pen goes on trial charged with anti-Muslim hate speech.

Welcomed with pageantry and protests, China's Xi hails 'bright' ties with Britain.

AMERICAS

Brazil quits Venezuela observer team after leader barred.

Canada's Trudeau topples PM Harper in shock election win.

Obama congratulates Canada's Trudeau.

Joe Biden gauging politics, staffing for 2016 run.

Jim Webb to drop out of Democratic presidential primary.

US cuts millions in Mexico cartel-fighting aid amid human rights concerns.

Search for "El Chapo" intensifies in Mexico.

Colombia ex-leader demands Bogota plane crash probe.

Colombia: 'Crime drops' after Venezuela border operation.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ACLU demands CIA disclose drone program details after document leak.

Putin: MidEast terrorists recruit fighters from ex-Soviet states, seek to expand into other regions. Putin says Russia stepping up fight on terrorism after Syria strikes.

Biden contradicts Clinton's account of bin Laden raid decision.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Yahoo signs ad pact with Google; earnings and revenue miss.

Russia is on course to global Platinum domination.

Facebook data transfers to U.S. face probe after EU court ruling.

Swiss watch exports slide as China, other Asia demand plummets.