Friday, December 16, 2016

World News Briefs -- December 16, 2016



ABC News Online: Aleppo: Evacuations of civilians from rebel enclaves halted, conflicting reports over sticking point

The Syrian Government has suspended evacuations from eastern Aleppo just hours after they resumed, officials said, amid conflicting reports as to why the operation had come to a halt.

"The operation is not yet complete, there are many who should have left … but the operation halted before its end," a Syrian official overseeing the evacuation told reporters.

It was not immediately clear how long the suspension would last or whether it would delay the ceasefire deal under which tens of thousands of residents and rebel fighters are being evacuated to opposition-controlled areas in the surrounding countryside, a process likely to take several days.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Aleppo evacuation suspended as al-Qaida-linked rebels block deal. Syria Aleppo: Evacuation grinds to a halt. Aleppo: Evacuation of civilians and rebels suspended.

U.S.-led strikes destroy tanks, air defenses near Syria's Palmyra.

Putin and Erdogan push for Syria talks without U.S. or U.N.. Turkish foreign minister confirms planned Syria peace talks in Kazakhstan.

Yemen edging nearer famine as war, 'shredded economy' take toll: U.N. official.

U.N. nuclear watchdog chief to visit Iran on Sunday.

Iran sanctions renewal becomes law without Obama signature.

Trump chooses pro-settlement hardliner as Israel envoy.

ASIA

UN condemns Myanmar over plight of Rohingya.

One dead in 'Indian shelling' on school van in Kashmir.

US, Australia urged to get tough on Beijing over South China Sea.

Putin: Kuril Islands may become unifying element, help Moscow & Tokyo finally sign peace treaty.

Post-impeachment South Korean Presidential race begins.

Philippines says won't protest China actions in Spratly Islands.

Philippines' Duterte tells U.S. to prepare to leave the country.

Philippines: Duterte confirms he personally killed three men.

AFRICA

Eleven killed in attack on Burkina Faso military post.

Libya operation continues despite ISIS defeat.

5 million people affected by drought in Somalia: action is needed now.

Ethiopian troop withdrawal from Somalia exposes peacekeeping problems.

Amid growing unrest, South Sudan kicks out aid workers.

Zimbabwe's Mugabe decries party indiscipline.

Millions of Kenyans at risk of elephantiasis disease.

EUROPE

Kremlin: US must either stop accusing Russia of elections meddling or prove it. Russia to US: Prove election interference claims or shut up.

EU leaders criticize Russian role in Syria, but no new sanctions.

Dutch government prepares to ratify EU-Ukraine deal.

Tsipras cites strong economic growth for Greece during Berlin talks.

Switzerland makes U-turn over EU worker quotas to keep single market access.

Germany arrests Turkish man suspected of spying for Turkey.

EU blanks May's call for quick Brexit deal on expat rights.

Catalan parliament speaker in court for holding independence vote.

AMERICAS

Barack Obama vows retaliation against Russia for suspected hacking in US election. Obama vows retaliation for suspected Russian hacking.

Conway condemns leaks to media about Russian intel.

Michelle Obama: 'We’re feeling what not having hope feels like'.

Venezuela's 100-bolivar note withdrawal causes chaos.

Brazil's former President Lula faces another set of charges. Brazilian president Temer's popularity falls on scandals, recession.

No progress as Colombia's president, rival meet with pope.

Trudeau to be quizzed over fundraising events. 'Honeymoon ending?' Canada's Trudeau sees first big drop in polls.


TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

For Guantanamo prisoners, questions loom as Trump era begins.

State Department increases reward for Baghdadi to $25 million.

Islamic State-influenced boy, 12, suspected of planting nail bomb at German market.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices rise on expectation of OPEC compliance.

Pressure on Yahoo grows after massive hack attack.

China cedes top US creditor crown to Japan as yuan struggles.

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