World News Briefs -- September 21, 2016 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Kerry demands Russia, Syria ground warplanes to salvage ceasefire

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry demanded on Wednesday that Russia and the Syrian government immediately halt flights over Syrian battle zones, in what he called a last chance to salvage a collapsing ceasefire and find a way "out of the carnage".

An impassioned Kerry faced off with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the U.N. Security Council in New York, in an unusually heated televised showdown, saying the bombing of an aid convoy in Syria raised "profound doubt whether Russia and the Assad regime can or will live up to" ceasefire obligations.

Listening to Lavrov made him feel like he was living in a "parallel universe", Kerry said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Kerry tells UN that Russia must ground Syria air force.

UN says 'ready' to resume Syria aid convoys. Syria's war: Raids hit Aleppo as UN holds crisis talks.

Dozens of air strikes in Syria's Aleppo. Deadly airstrike hits clinic near Aleppo. Syria conflict: Air strike kills five medical workers.

Ceasefire still on table after reassuring Syria Support Group meeting at UN.

Russia to send aircraft carrier to Syria as ceasefire hangs in balance.

Kerry wants aircraft grounded to allow Syria humanitarian aid.

US, Russia trade barbs as Security Council addresses Syria.

Iraq: Security forces close in on ISIL-held Shirqat.

Iraqi finance minister sacked, risking economic fallout.

17 dead as Yemen loyalists battle rebels for heights.

Iran 'determined' to boost its military after US-Israel deal.

Israeli Air Force fighter shoots down Hamas drone.

Turkey attack: Man shot at Israel embassy in Ankara.

Fears mount that Obama will change course on Israel in final months. As Obama's term wanes, so does focus on Israeli-Palestinian issue.

Obama touts US military aid in meeting with Netanyahu.

ASIA

Pakistan's Sharif says India putting unacceptable conditions on dialogue.

North Korea: US supersonic bombers fly over South Korea after Pyongyang nuclear tests.

South Korea confirms it has military plan to remove Kim Jong Un.

SKorea questions 'serial offender' NKorea's UN membership.

North Korea only has 28 websites, according to leak of official data.

Afghanistan says to sign peace deal with warlord Hekmatyar.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte launches profanity-laden tirade at the E.U.. Philippines' Duterte gives middle finger to European Union after criticism of drug war.

Abe: Japan's shrinking population not burden but incentive.

China space station to fall to Earth in 2017.

AFRICA

Sudan says hosting 400,000 S.Sudan refugees.

Kenya calls for more funding to return Somali refugees from Dadaab.

Congo threatens to punish those behind anti-Kabila riots.

Regional troops, Boko Haram clash near Lake Chad: Nigeria. Nigeria: Troops battle Boko Haram near Malam Fatori.

Nigerian army says battling to push Boko Haram out of northeast town. Islamic extremists claim to kill 40 troops in Nigeria town.

Shabaab captures town in central Somalia.

Libyan official says 3 North Koreans freed from ISIS.

Congo threatens to punish those behind anti-Kabila riots.

UN fears Mali clashes could hurt peace process.

Hope fades in Malawi as severe drought leaves millions suffering.

Migrant boat capsizes off Egyptian coast. Scores drown after boat capsizes off Egypt's coast.

Zimbabwean 'flag abusers' face jail.

ICC to rule next month in bribery case of Congo ex-VP, aides.

EUROPE

Ukraine, separatists agree troop withdrawals in three hot spots.

German minister: 2015 migrant influx a one-off, border controls should stay.

French police clash with migrants trying to reach Calais port.

Buoyed by fans, Corbyn heads for re-election in Britain's Labour.

Brexit has had 'no major effect' on UK economy so far.

Brussels under siege as THOUSANDS march against hated EU trade deals.

EU accepts Bosnia and Herzegovina's membership application.

Bosnia: War talk again in the Balkans.

Spanish politicians mull reform to avoid Christmas Day election.

French police make eight new arrests over Nice truck attack.

Greece rejects asylum requests by three Turkish soldiers.

German immigration official charged with spying for India.

Rome 2024 Olympic bid collapses in acrimony. New mayor kills off Rome's bid for 2024 Olympics.

AMERICAS

Obama welcomes Colombia peace deal as an historic achievement.

IRS chief tells House panel he does not deserve impeachment.

Charlotte police: Man killed by officers holding gun, not book. Violent protests break out in Charlotte after police fatally shoot black man; 12 officers injured.

Obama threatens to veto bill targeting Iran's leaders. Ryan has concerns over 9/11 Saudi bill but predicts veto override. European Union asks Obama to stop 9/11 Saudi bill.

Texas threatens to 'exit' the federal refugee program over terrorist concerns.

Colombia’s FARC conference turns into Woodstock-style celebration.

Argentine leader mentions Falklands in chat with British PM.

Brazil's ex-president Lula to be tried for corruption.

Schools in Canadian province evacuated over potential threat: police.

Murder-plagued Chicago to hire more cops: reports.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Britain's MI6 spy chief says Islamist terrorist threat is here to stay.

British MPs warn Islamic State could pose global threat.

Boko Haram ‘more lethal’ than ISIS, Al-Qaeda.

Drone strike kills two suspected Al Qaeda members in Yemen.

Rahami charged over New York, New Jersey bombings. Bomb suspect praised Osama bin Laden, Anwar al Awlaki in notebook.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple eyes deal with carmaker McLaren: FT.

US Fed decides not to lift interest rates — ‘for the time being’.

U.S. begins unblocking jetliner sales to Iran.

Microsoft launches $40bn share buyback.

VW hit by flood of new lawsuits in emissions scandal.