Thursday, February 4, 2016

World News Briefs -- February 4, 2016 (Evening Edition)



AFP: S.America holds crisis meeting as Zika 'nightmare' spreads

Montevideo (AFP) - South American health ministers held an emergency meeting on slowing the spread of the Zika virus, dubbed a "nightmare" by hard-hit Brazil, where it is blamed for brain damage in babies.

With health authorities warning the disease could infect up to four million people in the Americas, ministers from 14 countries held talks in Uruguay to plot their response to the growing crisis, with fears the virus could spread worldwide.

The meeting focused on ways to control the mosquito population spreading the virus, though reports of a US patient catching the disease by having sex fueled fears that it will not be easy to contain.

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MIDDLE EAST

Saudi says ready to take part in any U.S.-led ground operations in Syria.

Russia and Turkey trade accusations over Syria.

Turkey's Erdogan says Syria talks pointless while Russian attacks continue.

Tens of thousands flee as Syria regime advances near Aleppo.

Syria peace talks fizzle, again, amid growing despair.

Syrian forces break rebel siege of key towns.

Kerry: Most of Turkey-Syria border sealed off from ISIL.

Billions pledged for Syria as tens of thousands flee bombardments. Syria civil war: Donors pledge billions for refugees.

Iraq: Baghdad to get a security wall and trench.

Turkey bans Russian observation flight near Syria border.

Suicide attack in Yemen's Aden wounds security chief.

Iran claims $100 billion windfall from sanctions relief — double what White House estimated.

Iran calls on U.S. to reassure European banks over trade with Tehran.

ASIA

Tunisia lifts nationwide nighttime curfew: ministry.

Russia to cut troop levels in Tajikistan amid questions about its influence.

North Korea missile launcher on the move, Japan reports. North Korea 'preparing long-range missile launch'.

Pentagon chief says U.S. keeping eye on North Korea's missile program. Russia 'strongly calls' on North Korea to refrain from planned rocket launch.

Interview: Afghanistan's Abdullah expects talks with Taliban in months.

Pakistan and Afghan intelligence chiefs hold talks.

Ahead of Chinese New Year, Xi pushes economic, military reform.

Pakistan’s radical madrassas retain clout despite crackdown.

12 Pacific nations sign major Free Trade Agreement.

AFRICA

President Ouattara says 'won't send any more Ivorians to ICC'.

Congolese army attacked U.N. troops meeting Islamist rebels: U.N..

Nigerian leader says Army will limit use of force. Nigerian Air Force: Drone bombs Boko Haram base.

Funding falls short for task force to fight Nigeria's Boko Haram.

Congo, U.N. troops fire in air to stop clash between machete-armed villagers.

Exclusive: Burundi rebels say trained by Rwandan military - U.N. experts.

South Sudan rebel leader visits Egypt.

Signs of torture on body of missing Italian student found near Cairo.

South Africa opposition dismisses President Zuma's refund gesture.

EUROPE

Cologne opens carnival on edge after sex attacks.

Over 91,000 asylum seekers arrived in Germany in January. 81% of Germans say refugee crisis 'out of control' under Merkel govt – poll.

German police raid homes, refugee shelters in hunt for ISIS-linked Jihadis. Germany arrests Algerian suspected of planning terrorist attack.

Woman who turned in Paris attack ringleader feels 'abandoned'.

Paris attack leader said he entered France in group of 90.

Ukraine entering `serious political crisis' after minister quits.

France seeks to extend state of emergency despite protests.

Tear gas, Molotov cocktails deployed during general strike in Greece .

Lavrov, Kerry confirm plans to hold meeting on Syria in Munich on February 11.

Irish election hopefuls spar over century-old uprising.

Julian Assange is being arbitrarily held, UN panel to say.

Under fire for smacking, UN tells France to ban corporal punishment.

AMERICAS

Brazil president testifies on alleged bribery scheme.

Obama to seek new tax on oil in budget proposal.

The latest on Zika: Florida declares a health emergency.

Latin America scrambles to squash Zika-spreading mosquito.

Brazil Zika virus: 'War' declared on deadly mosquitoes.

Colombian president arrives in D.C. as a peace accord appears imminent, but some grumble at the cost. Colombia Farc: Santos to ask Obama to help with peace deal.

Poll: Most Haitians would vote if they saw elections as fair.

Democrats Clinton, Sanders debate over progressive credentials.

Drones banned from flying within 32 miles of Super Bowl.

U.S. eyes ways to toughen fight against domestic extremists.

Mexico issues order to quiz actress over Chapo links.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State numbers go down in Iraq, Syria; up in Libya.

Top al Qaeda commander killed in Yemen drone strikes: residents.

To silence propaganda, Iraq seeks to take Islamic State offline.

Islamic State widow shames IS leaders.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Biggest ever trade deal signed as US seeks to counter China.

Global stocks having another lackluster day on economy fears.

Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal signed in Auckland.

Google puts AI expert in charge of its search algorithms.

Credit Suisse takes big loss on write-down in 4th quarter.

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