Thursday, January 28, 2016

World News Briefs -- January 28, 2016 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Syria peace talks derailed as opposition stays away

The Syrian opposition said it will not attend peace talks due to begin in Geneva on Friday, derailing the first attempt in two years to hold negotiations aimed at ending the five-year-long war.

An opposition council convening in Riyadh said its delegation would "certainly" not be in Geneva on Friday, saying it had not received convincing answers to its demands for goodwill steps including an end to air strikes and blockades.

The failure to get talks off the ground on time reflects the challenges facing peace-making as the conflict rages unabated on the ground.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S., Russian defense officials discuss air safety over Syria: Pentagon.

Russia carries out more long-range bombing sorties over Syria.

Deprivation in Syria deepens as U.N. talks loom.

Syria talks risk further delay as opposition appeals to U.N. chief.

New ISIL attacks kill more than 30 Iraqi forces.

Turkey-PKK conflict: Scores dead in clashes in southeast. Thousands flee mainly Kurdish district in Turkey.

Yemen: Deadly blast at presidential palace in Aden. Islamic State claims Aden suicide car bombing that kills six.

Yemen conflict: Saudi-led coalition targeting civilians, UN says.

Qatari emir shakes up Cabinet amid low oil prices.

'It's not clear if the Holocaust is a reality or not,' Iran's supreme leader says.

ASIA

Pick to lead Afghanistan forces says situation is worsening.

North Korea possibly tested hydrogen bomb components: CNN.

North Korea may be preparing for rocket launch - US.

John Kerry urges China to curb North Korea’s nuclear pursuits.

Maoist rebels kill 7 policemen in eastern India.

Top technocrat seen as safe hands in Vietnam's new leadership.

Japan's economy minister resigns over money scandal, denies bribery.

Taiwan's Ma Ying-jeou visits disputed South China Sea island.

China charges Canadian with spying, stealing state secrets: Xinhua.

AFRICA

Four soldiers killed in two separate attacks in northern Mali.

Satellite images show five possible Burundi mass graves: Amnesty.

Peacekeepers, Congo army to resume joint fight against Rwandan rebels: U.N..

Egypt officials: Sinai bombing kills Army Colonel, 3 troops.

Sudan's Bashir orders border with South Sudan to reopen.

DRC's opposition pushes for elections in 2016.

Italy says West prepared to take on Islamic State in Libya.

UN Libya envoy says changes could be made to peace deal.

Rivalries, squabbles hinder Libya's unity government.

Congo to overhaul voter list, fuelling fears of election delay.

Former Ivory Coast President Gbagbo pleads 'not guilty' of crimes against humanity.

Nigeria violates rights, ignores military violations: HRW.

EUROPE

Sweden and Finland plan to deport tens of thousands of migrants.

More people arriving in Europe without 'genuine asylum claim', says EU executive.

Dutch discussing plan to ferry refugees back to Turkey: party leader.

Migrant crisis: 24 drown off Samos island near Turkey.

Rouhani hails 'new chapter' in Iranian-French ties.

In Croatia, a furor over nationalist's call to register 'traitors'.

Montenegro's government survives confidence vote.

EU pledges crack down on corporate tax avoidance.

Man with 2 handguns, partner arrested at Disneyland Paris. Man arrested with handguns at Disneyland Paris.

AMERICAS

Venezuela reports 4,700 suspected Zika cases.

Spread of Zika virus 'explosive', 4 million cases possible: WHO.

Obama calls for rapid Zika research as virus seen spreading.

Venezuela doctors fume at official silence on Zika.

Lawmakers hit the White House for 'lack of clarity' on Iran.

United States eases trade restrictions with Cuba.

Canada stops sharing some spy info with allies after breach.

Canada signals it will reengage with Russia despite Ukraine.

Trump looks to grab attention as GOP rivals debate.

Ethan Couch: US 'affluenza' teen deported from Mexico.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US blacklists Hezbollah 'money launderers'.

EU police warn that more attacks by IS militants are likely.

Republican wants price tag for closing Gitmo.

Daesh releases unmasked photos of Jihadi John.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fed owns up to global risks in statement shift.

Facebook shares jump 15.5 percent after strong results.

Mark Zuckerberg becomes world's sixth richest person as Facebook shares soar.

Emirates to take $14.5 billion new jets; 21 Airbus Superjumbos.

Oil soars toward $34 on possible production cuts. Brent oil prices over $35 on Russia's confirmation of talks with OPEC.

Google tax: European Commission to consider tax complaint.

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