World News Briefs -- March 30, 2016

WSJ: Iran Will Continue Missile Program, Supreme Leader Says

‘It’s the time of both missiles and dialogue,’ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that Iran wouldn’t abandon its ballistic missile program despite growing international pressure following last year’s historic agreement limiting its nuclear program.

“I approve of political dialogue on international levels,” Mr. Khamenei said, according to his official website. But today, he said, “it’s the time of both missiles and dialogue.”

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MIDDLE EAST

Top US General: 'No doubt' Russia stabilized Syrian regime.

Russia, U.S. discussing coordination to liberate Syria's Raqqa: Interfax.

Exclusive: Russia, despite draw down, shipping more to Syria than removing.

Assad says Damascus to base Geneva talks on U.N. document: RIA.

Assad says conflict has cost Syria more than $200 billion.

Turkish police detain 16 suspected Nusra Front members: news agency.

Yemeni army advances against al Qaeda in southern city.

Khamenei says missiles, not just talks, key to Iran's future. Iran's Khamenei: Missiles are part of the future.

ASIA

Fifteen Afghan troops killed in fighting with Taliban.

North Korea: We are ready for ‘pre-emptive nuclear strike’ on U.S..

North Korea: U.S. military drills take region to 'brink of war'.

US allies seek to manage China on North Korean sanctions.

Myanmar gets first civilian government in decades.

Thai junta gives troops wide-ranging powers 'because not enough police'.

Bangladesh issues arrest warrant for opposition leader.

Mumtaz Qadri case: Pakistan police warn supporters to leave.

AFRICA

Nigeria Defense Minister: Military made gains against Boko Haram.

Libya could ‘open the floodgates’ for thousands of migrants into Europe.

Head of Libya's UN-backed unity govt arrives in Tripoli.

South Sudan starvation levels alarming, U.N. warns.

Burundi warns against execution investigations at ICC.

'Somalia-bound' ship of weapons seized by French navy.

EgyptAir hijacker wanted to 'see wife and children'.

EUROPE

Brussels attackers 'searched on net for Belgian PM's home'.

Migrant arrivals to Greece rise sharply despite EU-Turkey deal.

Germany tells refugees: Integrate or lose your right to live here permanently.

France's Hollande drops plans to change constitution. French leader abandons plan to strengthen state of emergency.

US accuses Russia of dismantling security agreements.


Ukrainian parties fail to form new governing coalition.

Ukraine bans all Russian movies released since 2014.

AMERICAS

Brazil's PMDB party abandons Rousseff, quits coalition. Rousseff blow as Brazil's biggest party quits coalition.

Venezuela congress passes bill to free jailed activists. Venezuela's National Assembly passes amnesty bill. Venezuela parliament approves amnesty law, Maduro vows to veto.

Colombia and leftist ELN rebels to begin formal peace talks: source.

Polls show Trump with big lead, Clinton edge narrowing.

Trump drops pledge to back Republican presidential nominee other than himself.

Poll: Half of American voters back Trump's Muslim ban.

Former Canadian Cabinet minister killed in plane crash.

Mexico says experts investigating 43 students will cease work in April.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US intensifies air campaign against al Qaeda in Yemen.

ISIS claims bomb attack on Russia police in Dagestan. Russia police say blast kills officer, Islamic State claims responsibility.

Poll: Few think ISIS will be destroyed within year.

Al Qaeda-linked publication weighs in on the U.S. presidential race.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Cautious Yellen drives world stocks near 2016 peaks.

China proposes new Web rules that could enhance censorship.

Foxconn finalises Sharp takeover.

Apple remains in dark how FBI hacked iPhone without its help.