Thursday, April 20, 2017

World News Briefs -- April 20, 2017



CNN: Venezuela's capital braces for more anti-government protests

(CNN)Opposition leaders again are calling for protests in Venezuela's capital on Thursday, a day after three people were shot dead in demonstrations that have rocked the South American country following weeks of unrest.

The opposition, which accuses President Nicolas Maduro of creating a dictatorship, asked people to hit Caracas streets Thursday morning -- where thousands gathered the day before in what activists dubbed "the mother of all marches."

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi forces 'make further gains' against ISIL in Mosul. Iraq forces retake more areas in west Mosul.

Scared Syrian evacuees stuck at site of deadly bombing.

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

Saudi 'should be blacklisted' over Yemen hospital attacks.

Tillerson warns ‘unchecked Iran’ could be as bad as North Korea. US accuses Iran of 'alarming provocations' amid nuclear tensions.

Russia to build 2 nuclear power plants in Iran.

Clashes at protest to support Palestinian hunger strikers.

ASIA

North Korea: Our 'super-mighty' preemptive strike will reduce America's military to ashes.

China left as observer as tensions rise on Korean Peninsula.

Putin sends troops to Russia's border with North Korea after China also sends soldiers to its boundary over fears Trump will attack Kim Jong-un, sparking a tidal wave of refugees.

Japan and Australia to deepen ties amid North Korea tension.

Two killed in bomb blast in Thailand's restive south.

Jakarta election: 'Quick count' shows Muslim candidate soaring past Christian governor Ahok.

New citizenship policies emphasize 'Australian values'.

Pakistan court keeps Nawaz Sharif in power but orders inquiry of family.

AFRICA

Drought-hit Somalia moves closer to famine, says aid group.

Egypt army says kills 19 Islamic extremists in north Sinai. Egypt says air raids kill 19 ISIL fighters in Sinai.

Pentagon chief pledges support for Egypt's Sisi.

Egypt, Sudan vow not to aid respective opposition groups.

Kenya leader warns against violence as poll fever hits.

Nigeria's Buhari suspends spy chief after $43m found in Lagos.

Zambian opposition leader to stay in custody over treason charge.

Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai and Mujuru in anti-Mugabe alliance.

EUROPE

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

Russia denies Reuters report think tank drew up plan to sway U.S. election.

Chasing pair Fillon, Melenchon level as French election nears.

Fresh claims of Azerbaijan vote-rigging at European human rights body.

Romania intends to buy Patriot missiles from U.S. to boost defenses.

U.N. court denies request to act against Russia in Ukraine.

‘Conspiracy theory fantasies’: Russian think tank dismisses report it masterminded Trump victory.

US, Russian crew blasts off to International Space Station.

AMERICAS

White House defends portrayal of 'armada' push toward Korean peninsula.

Trump plans his own Asia pivot with attendance at key November summits in Vietnam and the Philippines.

General Motors quits Venezuela after officials seize plant.

Poll: Venezuelans say they 'suffer' more than 'thrive'.

Mexican ex-governor stalls fast-track extradition from Guatemala.

Deadly landslides hit Colombia for 2nd time in 2 weeks.

Asylum seekers crossing into Canada increase with warmer weather.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Tillerson: US may restore North Korea to list of state sponsors of terror.

Egypt army says senior IS cleric killed in Sinai.

Climate change will fuel terrorism recruitment, report for German foreign office says.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil producers 'might have to' extend output cuts: Saudi.

Russia's Aeroflot airline accused of 'sex discrimination'.

How Amazon will become the first $1 trillion stock.

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