World News Briefs -- December 1, 2016

BBC: France presidency: Francois Hollande decides not to run again

In a surprise move Francois Hollande has announced he will not seek a second term as president of France.

"I've decided not to be a candidate to renew my mandate," the Socialist leader said in a live televised address.

The 62-year-old, faced with very low popularity ratings, has become the first sitting president in modern French history not to seek re-election.

Conservative Republicans party candidate Francois Fillon is seen as a favourite in next year's election.

Recent opinion polls suggest far-right contender Marine Le Pen from the National Front could be Mr Fillon's closest challenger.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian war: Rebel groups form new Aleppo Army alliance to counter regime's powerful offensive.

Syria conflict: Russia proposes safe corridors for Aleppo.

Battle for Iraq's Mosul could take months: ICRC.

Kremlin says Erdogan explained his comments on Syria to Putin.

Syria conflict: US coalition admits killing civilians in Manbij.

IS conflict: 1,950 Iraq security forces killed in November.

Iraq's special forces control 19 Mosul neighborhoods.

US general sees 'uptick' in bad behavior by Iran since nuke deal.

Obama will sign Iran sanctions bill passed by Senate.

Qatar accused of blocking Doha News website.

ASIA

Taliban seizes cache of weapons after overrunning district in Kandahar.

North Korea pledges 'tough' response to UN sanctions.

S. Korean President Park's delaying tactic pays off - for now.

Australia approves indefinite detention of convicted terrorists.

China introduces 10% extra tax on 'super cars'.

Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn proclaimed king.

Buzz Aldrin: Apollo astronaut recovering in NZ hospital after evacuation from South Pole.

AFRICA

IS making 'last stand' in Libyan city: Pentagon.

Armed groups mobilize, exchange fire in tense Tripoli.

Boko Haram attacks destroy farm communities, bring famine risk.

Nigeria: 400,000 children at risk of famine.

Ethiopia says it intercepted rebels linked to arch-rival Eritrea.

South Sudan conflict: UN warns of 'ethnic cleansing'. South Sudan denies UN allegations of 'ethnic cleansing'.

Ethiopia's Merera Gudina detained after trip to Europe.

Namibia will stay in ICC - if United States joins, says president.

Gambia election: Internet and international calls banned.

EUROPE

Russia 'not seeking conflict' - Putin tells nation. Vladimir Putin says 'we are ready to cooperate' with Trump administration.

François Hollande will not seek re-election as president of France.

Eurozone jobless rate below 10% for first time since 2011.

Brexit: 1m EU citizens in Britain 'could be at risk of deportation'.

Euro worries hinge on Italian referendum.

Azerbaijanis may be jailed for insulting president on social media.

Trump's shadow looms over Austrian election.

Russian Space Agency confirms progress cargo spacecraft burns up in atmosphere.

AMERICAS

Companies leaving US will face 'consequences': Trump.

Colombian Congress ratifies new Farc peace accord.

Mexico disappointed at Carrier agreement to keep jobs in US.

U.S. Coast Guard apprehends most Cuban migrants in decade.

Haiti cholera: UN chief apologises for first time over outbreak.

Chapecoense air crash: Bolivia suspends LaMia airline.

Canada prepares for surge of Mexican immigrants after visa lift and Trump win.

Canada opposition says government reneging on electoral reform vow.

Brazil Senate boss Calheiros indicted for embezzlement.

Donald Trump tours Indiana plant ahead of victory tour.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State tells supporters to quit messaging apps for fear of U.S. bombs.

Obama to mark counterterrorism efforts with Air Force base visit.

GOP senators want to amend Saudi 9/11 bill.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices rise further after Opec agrees output cut.

Oil and banks take Dow to new highs, but tech companies dive.

For Americans, Trump's tariffs on imports could be costly.

Nestle says will cut sugar in chocolate by 40%.