Wednesday, April 27, 2016

World News Briefs -- April 27, 2016



Reuters: Parties in struggling Syria talks unclear on date of next round

The United Nations said on Wednesday no date had been set for the next round of Syria peace talks, contradicting a report quoting Russia's deputy foreign minister as saying talks would resume in Geneva on May 10.

U.N. Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura is struggling to keep the peace process alive after the main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) left formal talks last week.

The HNC said on Wednesday that it was up to the United Nations to say when peace talks would resume, but that it would not take part until its demands were met.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Kurds, Shi'ites agree to withdraw forces from north Iraq town after clashes.

Iraq Army renews Mosul offensive. Iraqi army makes modest advance south of Mosul.

Nearly two dozen U.S.-led strikes hit Islamic State in Iraq: statement.

Military buildup, fighting spells end of Syrian cease-fire. Syrian Army battles Al-Nusra terrorists in strategic Latakia hilltops . Russia asks UN to blacklist Syria rebel groups.

Syria: Humanitarian situation in Daraya 'extremely dire' - UN.

Bursa: 'Suicide bomber' hits western Turkey. Female suicide bomber hits Turkey's Bursa.

Turkey PM pledges secularism in draft constitution.

Hezbollah develops new skills in Syria, posing challenges for Israel.

Israel army kills Palestinian siblings in 'attack'.

Iran's Supreme Leader says U.S. lifted sanctions only on paper.

Iran jails four journalists on security charges.

ASIA

With Kunduz in crosshairs again, Afghan forces draw on past mistakes.

US expects more provocations from North Korea.

North Korea to convene rare Party Congress next week. North Korea to stage first party congress in nearly 40 years.

US military searches for Kabul Attack Network members.

Thailand's military government cracks down on opponents.

China reaches consensus with Brunei, Cambodia, Laos on South China Sea issue.

Manus Island detention centre to close, Papua New Guinea prime minister says.

Kazakhstan land protests widen in challenge to strongman leader.

AFRICA

Fear of Boko Haram deters displaced in Chad from going home: aid agencies.

UN envoy: IS attacks threaten Libya's oil installations.

Sudan: 'Largest defeat of Sudan Army in years' - Arman, SPLM-N.

U.S. says can use sanctions, arms embargo if South Sudan backtracks.

African Union denounces Morocco's ousting of UN staff in Western Sahara.

Army commander's killing escalates Burundi chaos.

Burundi death toll jumps to 31 in April: U.N. rights chief.

Mali Protests: Calm returns in Kidal amidst high tensions.

Kenya begins building wall along Somali border.

EUROPE

U.S. F-22s land in Lithuania in show of force amid Russia tensions.

Russia: Latvia, Lithuania politicians stir up anti-Russian feelings.

Kremlin not optimistic about relations with NATO, EU.

Ukraine conflict: Four civilians killed in army shelling, say rebels.

Procedure to extradite Ukraine's Savchenko from Russia started: RIA.

France charges Salah Abdeslam for Paris attacks. Salah Abdeslam, suspect in Paris attacks, is extradited to France.

EU rejects Greece's request for emergency summit.

Refugee riot breaks out on Greek island.

Austria passes tougher asylum law to restrict refugees. Migrant crisis: Austria passes controversial new asylum law.

Spain to hold new elections after coalition talks fail. Spaniards dismayed by prospect of repeat polls as business fears grow.

Catalonia to stick to independence road map despite Spanish stalemate.

Putin lambasts space officials after launch delay.

AMERICAS

Ted Cruz names Carly Fiorina as his running mate, seeking a jolt. Republican Cruz to name Fiorina as vice presidential running mate: reports.

Current US foreign policy a 'disaster,' Trump says.

Clinton’s big night ratchets up pressure on Sanders.

Foes begin drive to recall Venezuela leader amid unrest.

Venezuela introduces two-day week to deal with energy crisis. Protests as Venezuela embraces 2-day workweek to save power.

Parents lead protest of probe into missing 43 students in Mexico.

Ecuador asks IMF for loan after quake: IMF official.

Rio shrugs off doubts for 100 day countdown.

Brazil swine flu: H1N1 vaccinations to begin as virus kills 230.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State: Up to $800m of funds 'destroyed by strikes'.

Fewer foreign fighters joining ISIS, commander says.

Pentagon: ISIS suffering from money shortage, low morale.

The Islamic State seeks to expand its reach in Bangladesh.

US divulging intel to Europe about terrorist cells that Moscow needs to hear.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil jumps to 2016 highs as dollar drops on Fed decision.

Facebook’s profit triples, outpacing forecasts and its peers. Facebook revenue smashes expectations as mobile ad sales surge.

US Central Bank to keep rates unchanged.

Apple revenue shows first fall in 13 years.

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