Monday, January 25, 2016

World News Briefs -- January 25, 2016



BBC: Syria conflict: Peace talks 'to start on Friday', UN says

Talks to end the war in Syria are expected to start on Friday and last six months, the UN's special envoy on Syria has said.

However, Staffan de Mistura said discussions over who should take part in the talks were still ongoing.

The priorities are to bring about a broad ceasefire, stop the Islamic State group (IS) and increase aid, he said.

The announcement came as 23 people were reported killed in an attack on a rebel checkpoint in Aleppo.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State concentrates on seizing Syrian Deir ez-Zor — Russian General Staff.

Syria talks to seek ceasefire, excluding ISIL and Nusra.

Peace talks between Damascus & opposition to start January 29 - UN Syria envoy. Lavrov, Kerry call for earliest beginning of inter-Syrian talks in Geneva.

Iraq doesn’t need foreign troops for fight on terror - Foreign Minister.

Kerry says US-Saudi friendship stronger than ever.

Tumultuous 1st year for Saudi King Salman's 'decisive' reign.

Iran arrests 100 people over attack on Saudi embassy.

Two Palestinians shot dead after stabbing two Israelis in West Bank: police.

ASIA

IS in Afghanistan: We will bury them, says President Ghani.

Afghan forces liberate over 30 southern villages rrom militants.

China considers larger role in Afghanistan peace process.

Vietnam PM Nguyen Tan Dung pulls out of party boss race.

Laos 'bomb attack' kills two Chinese.

US announces initiatives to aid Laos.

US urged to press Cambodia for reforms.

Filipino comfort women seek talks with Japan's emperor.

East Asia cold snap 'kills 85 in Taiwan'.

AFRICA

Egypt steps up security for fifth anniversary of uprising.

Libya conflict: UN-backed unity government rejected.

Algeria raises alarm over Moroccans crossing toward Libya.

Suicide bombers kill 25 in Cameroon. Suicide bombers strike northern Cameroon town. Suicide attackers hit Cameroon marketplace.

UN seeks over $500 million to help Nigerian, CAR refugees.

Ethiopia boundary dispute puts human rights violations in spotlight.

Africa wants veto powers in UN Security Council.

EUROPE

EU security chiefs brace for more Islamist attacks.

Migrant crisis: EU seeks to boost Schengen border controls. Schengen crumbles: EU ministers in crisis meeting over border controls.

Despite patrols, sealing Greek sea border is near impossible.

European youth turn against immigration.

Child watchdogs warn of European refugee 'race to the bottom'.

Centre-right Sousa wins Portugal presidential poll.

15,000 protest in Moldova to demand an early election.

Russian economy hit by oil price slide.

AMERICAS

US blizzard: Millions battle snow travel chaos. After East Coast blizzard, the cleanup and the workweek begin.

Zika virus set to spread across Americas, spurring vaccine hunt.

Zika: Olympics plans announced by Rio authorities.

Trump surging in Iowa one week before vote. Seven-day sprint to Iowa.

Obama calls Republican vision ‘unrecognizable’ in 2016 race.

Hope grows at Vermont HQ that Bernie Sanders effect can go national.

68% of Americans destroy credit before age 30: Survey.

Dominican economy lures Puerto Ricans in crisis.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Former spy seeks to show UK knew of Guantanamo torture: Sunday Times.

Isis video threatening UK claims to show Paris attackers in Syria and Iraq.

Europol: New-style Islamic State group seeks to target Europe.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple results: talk swirls of iPhone decline.

Lagarde seeking second term as IMF chief.

Oil prices in reverse amid Opec call.

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