World News Briefs -- April 13, 2016 (Evening Edition)

ABC News (Australia): Syrian conflict: Government holds parliamentary elections as diplomacy struggles in UN peace talks

Syrians have voted in a parliamentary election in Government-held areas of the country in what voters called a show of support for President Bashar al-Assad, who is holding the poll in defiance of opponents seeking to oust him.

The election has gone ahead independently of UN-led peace talks which re-started in Geneva on Wednesday, aiming to find a political solution to the five-year-long war.

The Government said the election is being held on time in line with the constitution, while the opposition says the vote is illegitimate. Britain and France have dismissed it as "flimsy facade" and a "sham".

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MIDDLE EAST

U.N. reopens Syria peace talks, wants new pledge to uphold truce.

Syria conflict: Aleppo fighting threatens peace talks.

Syria’s partial cease-fire shows signs of crumbling.

Syrians vote for parliament as diplomacy struggles.

U.S., allies stage 9 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq, Syria: statement.

Thousands of Iraqis flee from IS as Iraq Army moves to retake Mosul.

Turkey introduces draft law to strip ‘terrorist’ lawmakers of immunity.

Jordan closes Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in Amman.

Saudi Arabia's religious police ordered to be 'gentle'.

ASIA

Magnitude 6.9 earthquake hits north-west Myanmar, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, dozens injured.

US report criticizes China's crackdown on lawyers in 2015.

Philippine diplomat warns China over disputed shoal in South China Sea.

Beijing condemns Manila for upgrading work in S. China Sea.

China summons G7 diplomats to protest S. China Sea statement.

Beijing appreciates Lavrov's statement on South China Sea dispute.

China says tech firms pledge to counter online terror activities.

4th Kashmiri dies in clashes with Indian troops amid curfew.

South Korean elections: President Park Geun-hye 'loses majority'. South Korean president's party suffers election setback.

Hiroshima survivors look to Obama visit for disarmament, not apology.

AFRICA

Egypt's president defends giving Red Sea islands to Saudis.

3 French soldiers killed in Mali mine blast.

South Sudan rebel arrivals 'signal end of war'. South Sudan deputy rebel leader arrives in Juba.

Libyan unity government rejects British troops for anti-ISIS mission.

Boko Haram crisis: 'Huge rise' in child suicide bombers.

Burundi: 6 people killed in gunfire linked to rebels.

UN official: More help needed for Africa’s Sahel region.

Saudi king's visit overshadowed by Egyptian islands row.

Yellow fever spreads to DR Congo, kills 21.

EUROPE

Ukraine parliament speaker chosen to head new government.

Islamic State hails Brussels suicide bombers.

Spanish police arrest man suspected of arming Paris supermarket gunman.

Macedonian president pardons 56 in wiretap scandal, U.S. raps move. Macedonia: Protests turn violent after politicians pardoned. Macedonia protesters wreck one of president's offices.

New clashes between migrants, Macedonian police. Macedonian police fire tear gas at migrants on Greek border.

Parties to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict accuse each other of ceasefire violations. Azerbaijani MoD claims Armenia violated ceasefire 120 times in 24 hours.

Russia pushes back 'Putin's bridge' to annexed Crimea by a year.

NATO, Russia council to meet on April 20 in Brussels.

Germany fears return of Turkish-Kurdish violence on its soil.

Belgium releases three people held on Tuesday over Paris attacks.

French PM calls for ban on Islamic headscarves at universities.

AMERICAS

Brazil's Rousseff pledges unity gov't as momentum for impeachment grows. Support for Brazil’s Rousseff wanes ahead of impeachment vote.

Argentina's Fernandez defiant in face of string of law cases.

More than 1,000 migrants storm border into Costa Rica.

Mexico president's approval at lowest for last 4 leaders.

Canada under fire over Saudi arms sale.

Bernie Sanders sets first US Senator endorsement. Clinton pins racially charged skit on New York City mayor's shoulders.

Cruz says Trump using dirty tricks and threats to intimidate voters and delegates. Trump slams RNC chairman, calls 2016 process 'a disgrace'. Billionaires fund anti-Trump delegate push.

Panama papers: Mossack Fonseca headquarters raided. Panama raids offices of Mossack Fonseca law firm.

Gangs declare war on police as El Salvador violence rages.

Venezuela's Supreme Court overturns amnesty bill.

Cuba loosens Communist control of some restaurant cooperatives.

Paul Ryan rules out 2016 presidential bid.

McCain wants US military to help secure border with Mexico.

EU Commission buys time to decide on visas for U.S., Canada.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

New UN proposal aims at extremists use of chemical weapons.

Al Qaeda suspect awaits trial, warned 'war is not over'.

In Libya, Islamic State struggles to gain support.

Pentagon: Terrorists killed in Somalia airstrike posed 'imminent threat'.

US, Italian security chiefs plan more cooperation in war on terror - DHS.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Many U.S. corporations pay little in federal income taxes: report.

World tax officials huddle in Paris to talk Panama Papers.

Oil hits 2016 high above $43 on producer meeting hopes.

IMF: Global economic growth 'disappointing'.

About 40,000 Verizon workers launch strike.

Coal giant Peabody files for bankruptcy protection in US.