World News Briefs -- March 1, 2016

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura speaks to the media during a news conference after briefing the Security Council in Geneva, Switzerland, late February 26, 2016. REUTERS/PIERRE ALBOUY

Reuters: Exclusive: U.N. may delay Syria talks, says U.S., Russia must guarantee truce

The United States and Russia must make Syria's cessation of hostilities work or else it may become necessary to delay the resumption of peace talks, U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura told Reuters on Tuesday.

Since the agreement to halt nearly five years of fighting came into force on Saturday, the Syrian government and the opposition have accused each other of violating the deal but international observers have reported a decline in violence.

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MIDDLE EAST

Shelling near reporters in Syria shows limits of truce.

Assad backs Syria truce, accuses opposition of violations. Assad proposes 'full amnesty' for Syrian rebels who lay down their arms.

Iraqi forces launch push to retake area north of Baghdad.

IS conflict: Iraqi general killed in suicide attack on base.

Isis kills eight Dutch members for 'desertion'. Isis 'executes 8 Dutch members for trying to desert'.

Iran: We need private auto industry, foreign partners.

Lost Israel troops stray into camp, sparking bloody clashes.

ASIA

Suspected Maoists killed by Indian police in gun battle.

Afghan forces raid another Taliban ‘prison’ in Helmand.

More than $1bn deposited in Malaysian prime minister's account – report.

Myanmar brings forward presidential vote.

U.S.'s Kerry says two local employees, soldiers, killed in Pakistan blast.

Thousands at funeral of Pakistani executed for murdering governor.

Chinese military official scolds North Korea for 'ungrateful behavior'.

U.N. council to vote on North Korea sanctions text agreed by U.S., China.

Sanctions on North Korea hurting businesses in South Korea.

North Korea puts Otto Warmbier, tearful detained American, before cameras.

AFRICA

Tunisia backs plan to host German troops to train Libyan army. UK to send troops to Tunisia to help stop IS crossing Libyan border.

Tunisian forces kill four militants in clashes: ministry.

French special forces target al Qaeda commanders in Mali.

Mali rebel destroyed ancient Timbuktu shrines, ICC told.

Zimbabwe's Joice Mujuru forms ZPF to oppose Mugabe.

South Africa court to hear DA case against Zuma.

Central African constitutional court confirms Touadera elected president.

EUROPE

Europe on cusp of self-induced humanitarian crisis: UNHCR.

Thousands of migrants stranded at Greece-Macedonia border.

Greece's refugee crisis: PM says country is overwhelmed.

EU to call for emergency humanitarian aid to Greece.

Calais camp refugees stage sit-in protest as demolitions resume.

Spain's Socialist leader gears up for unlikely leadership bid.

Germany at UN raises alarm over Ukraine ceasefire.

Imprisoned Ukrainian pilot threatens to go on hunger strike.

Northern Ireland murder case over 1998 Omagh bombing collapses.

Paris police armed with assault rifles after November attacks.

AMERICAS

Super Tuesday: Clinton, Trump look to pull away from rivals.

Hillary Clinton ‘secret’ email count doubles as latest batch is released.

Colombia ex-president Alvaro Uribe's brother arrested.

Argentina's Macri faces first test in Congress with creditors deal.

Brazil's Petrobras corruption investigation targets Lula.

Four charged in Canada with selling stolen satellite equipment to China.

Canada reaches goal of 25K Syrian refugees by March.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Belgian police find evidence that ISIS is looking to build dirty bomb.

Pentagon chief: Gitmo detainees can't come to US 'unless Congress acts'.

Ex-Guantanamo detainee allegedly led recruiting cell for the Islamic State.

Chemical terrorism now a reality, extremists getting real warfare agents - Lavrov.

In secret will, Bin Laden wanted his fortune to keep funding war on West.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Honeywell scraps offer to buy United Tech.

Russia's Putin says Russian oil firms agree not to increase oil output in 2016.

Is the oil crash over? Prices soar 30% in 11 days.