World News Briefs -- April 19, 2017 (Evening Edition)

BBC: North Korea tension: China 'seriously concerned' about nuclear threats

China says it is seriously concerned about North Korean nuclear development, in the wake of a BBC interview with a top official from the North.

North Korea's vice-foreign minister told the BBC Pyongyang would continue to test missiles and would launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike if it thought the US was planning an attack.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China opposed words or actions that could further raise tension.

North Korea-US tension is growing.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israel says Assad's forces still have several tonnes of chemical weapons.

Syria evacuations resume after deadly bomb attack. Syria resumes reciprocal evacuations after deadly bombing.

U.S.-allied Syrian groups form civilian council to run Raqqa.

Trapped Mosul civilians could face worst catastrophe of Iraq conflict, U.N. warns.

Iraq says 'friendly' nations contacted over Qatari captives.

Australian medics treated Iraqis hit by Islamic State chemical attack, Defence says.

12 Saudi soldiers killed in Yemen helicopter crash.

US to review Iran sanctions relief. US reviews 'failed' Iran nuclear deal.


Turkey's premier warns opposition against street protests. Opponents seek to annul Turkish vote as Erdogan's new powers become reality.

Turkish FM: Trump and Erdogan to meet in May. Trump promised Turkey's Erdogan close cooperation on Syria, Iraq, PKK: Turkish sources.

Trump will try to jump-start Middle East peace deal next month by hosting Palistinian leader Mahmud Abbas.

ASIA

Russia blocks UN condemnation of N.Korea missile test.

US tries to clear waters after N. Korea 'armada' confusion.

‘We are with you 100 per cent’: US Vice-President Mike Pence reassures Japan over North Korea during visit to Tokyo. Mike Pence: U.S. would defeat North Korea attacks against Japan.

North Korea warns 'thermonuclear war could break out at any moment'.

Kim Jong Un condemns Syria strikes, intensifies anti-U.S. propaganda.

North Korea tension: China 'seriously concerned' about nuclear threats.

28 heads of state confirm attendance at China’s belt and road summit next month. Most major Western leaders to skip China's New Silk Road summit.

Jakarta Governor Ahok heading for election loss.

New Zealand toughens requirements for skilled immigrants. New Zealand tightens immigration rules in 'Kiwi-first' crackdown.

AFRICA

Nigeria's Buhari orders corruption probe over humanitarian funds.

Zimbabwe opposition pledge unity against Mugabe.

Burkina Faso ousted leader's trial branded a 'witch hunt'.

Report: 669 killed in Ethiopia violence since August. Ethiopia rights body: 'More than 600 protest deaths'.

S Sudan refugees 'hold 13 UN staff hostage' in DRC camp. UN staff taken hostage by South Sudanese refugees released unharmed.

Another 17 mass graves found in central Congo, UN says.

One killed in Islamic State attack near monastery in Egypt. Police targeted near Egypt's St Catherine's Monastery.

Finding Chibok girls may take years, General warns.

Uganda ends hunt for LRA leader Joseph Kony. Ugandan army says LRA 'neutralised', begins withdrawal.

Hundreds protest in Uganda capital against Chinese traders.

EUROPE

Polarised Albania votes for president without casting ballots.

Exclusive: Putin-linked think tank drew up plan to sway 2016 U.S. election - documents.

UK prime minister defends decision to seek snap election.

UK snap elections do not affect Brexit timetable, says Germany.

Macron faces uncertain first round as French election hopefuls vie for last votes.

French police seize bomb-making materials after election plot arrests.

Russian agents kill 2 men suspected of plotting attacks.

Germany strengthens efforts to secure ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.

Warsaw remembers ghetto uprising on 74th anniversary.

AMERICAS

National security issues multiply for Trump.

Trump orders review of visa program to encourage hiring Americans.

Venezuelan protests against government leave two students dead.

Venezuela braces for the 'mother of all protests' as both sides call for rallies. Venezuelans gear up for major march against Maduro.

Venezuela rejects 'interference' of 'pathetic' Latin American countries.

Ecuador recount confirms Lenín Moreno won presidential poll.

Colombia's armed groups sow seeds of new conflict as war with Farc ends.

These Americans moved to Canada for political reasons. They don't regret it.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. considers restoring Pyongyang to terror sponsor list: Tillerson.

Pentagon chief warns of Yemen 'Hezbollah'.

Double threat? ISIS and Al Qaeda are in talks to join forces, Iraq's VP says.

Six al-Qaeda members killed in Yemen.

JNIM claims number of attacks across Mali.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

IBM sends S&P 500, Dow lower; Nasdaq advances.

US Fed's Fischer says rate hikes unlikely to roil world markets.

IMF says global financial stability has improved.

China, EU keen to push message of free trade, engagement.

Zuckerberg addresses 'Facebook killing'.