World News Briefs -- December 18, 2015 (Evening Edition)

New York Times: U.N. Security Council Approves Resolution on Syria Talks

UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved on Friday a resolution calling for a cease-fire and political talks to help end the civil war in Syria.

The measure, adopted 15-0, is the first time that Russia and the United States, who have been at loggerheads over the future of Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, agreed on a road map for a political process.

The resolution makes no mention of whether or not Mr. Assad would be able to run for office in new elections, which it says must be held in the next 18 months.

MIDDLE EAST

UN endorses peace process for Syria, but no mention of Assad.

Foreign Ministers in New York begin talks on Syrian crisis. Syria war: Powers meet to push ceasefire plan. World powers meet in New York for Syria talks.

Iran calls for concerted international effort to beat Isis and end Syrian war.

Syrian negotiator says opposition wants transition without Assad.

US military in Syria violate sovereignty, not fighting terror – Damascus.

U.S., allies conduct 22 strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military.

Hundreds of ISIS fighters launch 17-hour assault on Kurds in Iraq. Islamic State routed in Iraq battle, US officials say.

2 ballistic missiles fired from Yemen at Saudi Arabia – reports.

Turkish battle with Kurdish militants kills 55, party calls for resistance. Turkish military: 62 Kurdish rebels killed in past 3 days.

Obama presses Turkey's President to lower tensions with Iraq.

Israel and Turkey reach 'understanding' on restoring ties.

Turkey seizes dozens of blank European passports at Istanbul airport.

Exclusive: NATO agrees Turkey air defense package, seeks 'predictability'.

Lebanon, U.N. seek $2.48B to address refugee crisis.

Israeli troops kill three Palestinians in West Bank, Gaza clashes.

ASIA

Seychelles' leaders call for calm as presidential poll count begins.

Pentagon Chief: Afghan war is far from over.

U.S. Defense Secretary, in Afghanistan, warns of IS threat.

Afghan forces retake Helmand district from Taliban.

Six wounded in blasts at mosque in Bangladesh naval base.

China central bank sees economic growth slowing to 6.8 percent in 2016.

North Korean band's shows cancelled over 'anti-American lyrics'.

India and Russia eye nuclear, helicopter deals before Modi's Moscow visit.

China smog: Beijing issues second ever pollution red alert. Beijing grinds to halt as second ever 'red alert' issued over severe smog.

AFRICA

11 killed in Libya fighting between Ajdabiya residents, Qaeda.

Nigeria warns Boko Haram planning Chibok-style student kidnappings.

Niger opposition figure rubbishes 'foiled coup' claim.

African Union OKs deployment of Burundi peacekeeping force. Burundi crisis: African Union plans to deploy peacekeepers.

African Union says ready to send 5,000 peacekeepers to Burundi crisis.

Niger government foils a military coup attempt.

Central African Republic capital votes yes to new constitution.

Rwandans vote on allowing third Kagame presidential term. Rwandans decide on presidential term limits.

Ethiopia security forces kill up to 50 people in crackdown on peaceful protests.

UN accused of 'gross failure' over alleged sexual abuse by French troops.

EUROPE

Suspense as Spain's eventful election campaign draws to a close.

Switzerland boosts counter-terrorism forces.

Refugee crisis: EU summit exposes impotence and unfulfilled pledges.

Migrant crisis: EU to prioritise new border force.

IOM: Nearly 1 million migrants have entered Europe in 2015.

Ukraine refuses to repay all debt to Russia. Ukraine halts $3bn Russia debt repayment.

IMF says it may freeze aid to Ukraine if Kiev does not comply with requirements. IMF says Ukraine loan programme under threat.

Food aid provides lifeline for most vulnerable in Ukraine conflict.

Rajoy raises specter of left-wing pact as Podemos rises in Spain.

AMERICAS

Obama lays groundwork for final year in office.

U.S. Presidential race: GOP candidates slam Trump over Putin praise.

U.S. Presidential race: Sanders camp accuses DNC of move to 'undermine' campaign, as spying dispute flares.

US House overwhelmingly passes trillion dollar spending bill.

GOP senators: Don't lift sanctions on Iran.

Obama reassures Americans about security threat at home.

Feds can't say whereabouts of those whose visas were revoked over terror threat.

DNC penalizes Sanders campaign for improper access of Clinton voter data.

Cuba is willing to keep improving ties with U.S., says Raul Castro.

Brazil Supreme Court scraps President Rousseff impeachment commission.

Venezuelan first lady's nephews deny US drug trafficking charges.

Canadian special forces, warplanes strike IS as minister seeks mission reset.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Obama digs in on plan to close Guantanamo prison camp.

ISIS is steadily gaining strength in another Middle Eastern country while everyone looks the other way.

UN adopts resolution to cut off ISIL funding.

Islamic State seeks recruits in China.

Pentagon report on Afghanistan excludes al Qaeda’s pledge to the Taliban.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow drops more than 350, stocks lower for week as oil slides.

Apple crashes into bear market: $160B gone!

Prospects still slim for major global economic pickup.

Dutch court: Shell can be liable for Nigeria spills.

Fifa scandal: Large cash sums frozen by Switzerland.