Friday, February 26, 2016

World News Briefs -- February 26, 2016 (Evening Edition)



Voice of America: Syrian Cease-fire Takes Effect

A cease-fire has begun in Syria with nearly 100 groups committed to observing the cessation of hostilities.

The truce, brokered by the United States and Russia, took effect at midnight Damascus time (2200 GMT). The Syrian opposition’s umbrella group, the High Negotiations Committee, said in a statement that 97 groups have promised to take part in the cease-fire.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday unanimously demanded that all parties to the civil war in Syria comply with the terms of the deal. The resolution also urged Syria's government and opposition to resume U.N.-brokered peace talks.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.N. demands Syria parties halt fighting, peace talks set for March 7. UN: Syria talks to resume March 7 if truce 'largely holds'.

Syria conflict: Nearly 100 rebel groups 'will respect truce'.

As truce nears, Syria activists report heavy Russian strikes. Heavy airstrikes in Syria hours before cease-fire.

Syria conflict: Obama says next few weeks 'critical'.

U.S. sees capture of Syria town key to dismantling Islamic State.

Powerful Iraq Shi'ite cleric says PM's position at stake unless he reforms.

Iran starts election count to set post-sanctions power balance. Iran votes in first key elections since nuclear deal. Iran elections: Crucial polls a test for Rouhani.

Israel blasts Iran's new cash-for-terrorists scheme aimed at rewarding families of 'martyrs'.

Iran briefly overstepped a limit set by nuclear deal, IAEA says.

ASIA

U.S. urges China's Xi to extend non-militarization pledge to all of South China Sea.

Proposed North Korea sanctions dig deep, implementation falls to China.

Philippine army kills 42 Islamist militants in battles in south.

China adopts law on deep sea exploration.

India says economy to grow 7 to 7.75 percent in 2016/17: report.

Two days after fatal crash, another plane goes down in Nepal, killing two.

Japan opposition parties to merge with eye on July election.

Japan's population declines for first time since 1920s – official census. Japan population shrinks by one million census confirms.

AFRICA

​Police: 14 dead as Al-Shabab gunmen attack hotel in Somalia.

Niger presidential election heads to second round.

Malawi government faulted over arrests of coup suspects.

French special forces waging 'secret war' in Libya - report.

Libya denies presence of French forces.

Chadian UN peacekeeper in Mali held for killing own commander.

Boko Haram sought terror training in Somalia, security chief says.

African leaders in Burundi to push for peace talks.

Burundi strife is turning more sinister, report finds.

UN chief to South Sudan: Respecting peace deal not an option.

EUROPE

Kosovo's parliament elects president; protesters throw teargas, petrol bombs.

France to move cautiously on Calais migrant "jungle" camp clearance.

Europe braces for major 'humanitarian crisis' in Greece after row over refugees.

130,000 refugees vanished after being registered in Germany – media report.

Austria falls out with mighty neighbor Germany in refugee crisis.

Greece slows migrant flow from islands to Athens. Greece seeks to stem migrant flow as thousands trapped by border limits.

Two years after uprising, Ukraine still battling corruption.

Putin to spy service: Defend Russian elections from foreign foes.

Ireland votes in knife-edge election. Irish general election: Voting is under way to elect new parliament. Ireland general election: polls open as Alliance hopes for Independents Day.

AMERICAS

Mexicans back ex-President Fox in vulgar spat with Trump.

Trump wins Christie backing, marches toward Super Tuesday.

Rubio and allies renew Trump attacks after wild debate.

Cuban migration spikes as U.S. relations with Havana thaw.

Haiti interim president appoints prime minister to help organize election.

Jamaican election: Labour Party wins narrow victory.

Brazil police widen corruption probe with raids over railway contracts.

Venezuela is shipping gold to pay debt.

Biden: Campaign rhetoric on Mexico "dangerous, damaging".

Evo Morales's ex-girlfriend arrested in corruption probe.

CDC: Zika infections confirmed in 9 pregnant women in US.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Afghan Ex-IS commanders say money, not ideology drove them.

How the changing media is changing terrorism.

Pakistan is ‘very cooperative and very engaged in the fight against terrorism,’ Secretary Kerry tells Congress.

House intel committee blasts Pentagon over ISIS files.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Why would Donald Trump get audited 12 years in a row?

Alibaba in talks with several banks for up to $4 billion loan: WSJ.

Report: Digital global trade surges, brings profound changes.

China seeks to assure G20 over its economy.

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