World News Briefs -- May 1, 2017 (Evening Edition)

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watches a military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in this handout photo by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) made available on April 26, 2017. KCNA/Handout via REUTERS

Reuters: North Korea would have to clear many conditions before Trump meeting possible: White House

North Korea would need to clear many conditions before a meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could be contemplated, the White House said on Monday.

After Trump told Bloomberg News he would be honored to meet with Kim, White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters the United States would need to see North Korea's provocative behavior ratcheted down immediately.

"Clearly conditions are not there right now," Spicer said.

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MIDDLE EAST

New Syria war crimes panel to launch soon: UN.

US-backed forces seize 80% of Syria's Tabqa from IS: monitor.

Syrian war: At least 11 killed in barrel bomb attack following weekend of rebel infighting.

Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces launch operation southwest of Mosul.

Amid the rubble, Aleppo tries to return to normal life.

Turkey threatens further strikes on US-allied Syrian Kurds.

Turkey's Erdogan says 'seriously saddened' by US flags with Syrian YPG. Erdogan seeks to send Trump stern message on Syrian Kurds.

Turkey arrests Iranian, seizes anti-tank missile parts.

Owner of Farsi Language Satellite Network Killed in Turkey.

Iran's Supreme leader dismisses Rohani rapprochement policy toward West.

Iran big winner from region's turmoil: Arab League head.

Mahmoud Abbas squeezes Hamas for control of Gaza Strip.

Hamas to soften stance on Israel, Muslim Brotherhood: Arab sources. Israel blasts Hamas' new charter: Group still dedicated to war with Israel.

ASIA

Winter fighting took heavy toll on Afghan forces: report.

S. Korea media warn of 'Trump risk' to alliance.

Trump would be 'honored' to meet N.Korea's Kim, if conditions right.

CIA chief in S.Korea for 'internal meeting': US embassy.

U.S. looks at sanctions, military action to counter North Korea. 'We'll see': Trump addresses possible military retaliation to North Korean nuclear and missile tests.

Trump: China 'putting pressure' on North Korea.

Trump discusses North Korea options with Asian leaders.

North Korea warns of 'catastrophic consequences'.

N. Korea warns of nuclear test 'at any time'.

China, Russia agree to cooperate on North Korea denuclearization.

China ‘might agree’ to UN oil embargo of North Korea.

India says two soldiers killed, mutilated in Pakistani attack.

I might not take up Trump's invitation to the U.S. says Philippines' hard-man president Duterte after 'friendly' phone call with the White House.

AFRICA

Libyan oil production now more than 760,000 bpd: NOC.

Murders touch off riots in DR Congo's gold-rich northeast.


French forces kill or capture 20 militant fighters near Mali-Burkina Faso border.

Congo's ethnic violence displaces more than 1M people.

UN airlifts aid into Angola for DRC asylum seekers.

South Sudan: UN urges all sides to cease hostilities; regional force starts to arrive.

Central Africa fears return of LRA after hunt for Joseph Kony ends.

Libya seizes oil tankers after shootout at sea.

EU to cooperate with Libya on rebuilding state institutions, report says.

EUROPE

Chaos in Paris as annual May Day march turns into mass riot in protest against Marine Le Pen. French police tear gas hooded youths lobbing Molotov cocktails during May Day protests.

Tear gas in France as Le Pen, Macron hold May Day rallies.

After Saudi stop, Germany’ Merkel heads to neighboring UAE.

Merkel to pay first visit to Russia in two years for talks with Putin.

France election: Le Pen attacks Macron as 'candidate of continuity'. Macron PLUMMETS in the polls as Marine Le Pen enjoys boost a WEEK AWAY from election vote.

May Day rallies provide latest battleground in French presidential campaign. France on extra high alert for May Day as protesters march against Le Pen.

May Day protests kick off in Berlin.

Malta's PM calls elections a year early amid family scandal.

Italy's Renzi regains party leadership with big primary win.

Hungary: Protesters reject government's closer Russia links.

Belarus protest draws 400 despite main organizer's arrest.

Spain rescues 10 migrants crossing Strait of Gibraltar.

AMERICAS

UN rights chief 'watching the US very carefully' under Trump.

Deal on US government funding reached, averting shutdown. US budget: Funding deal reached to avert shutdown.

Trump says new GOP health care plan will have lower premiums.

Thousands expected to hit the streets for May Day protests.

Puerto Rico braces for May Day strike as debt deadline nears.

White House defends Trump invitation to Duterte despite human rights criticism.

US Supreme Court hands Venezuela a win on expropriations.

Venezuela President Maduro hikes wages, distributes social housing. Venezuela protests: Maduro hikes minimum wage by 60%.

Venezuela's Maduro sees local elections later in 2017.

Argentina Plaza de Mayo: Rights group turns 40.

Storms in US South and Midwest kill at least 14.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida leader says group fought alongside US-backed forces.

2 Taliban commanders reportedly killed in US strike in Pakistan.

Six years since bin Laden's death, al Qaeda weakened - but not finished.

US airstrike killed 8 Al-Qaida operatives in Yemen.

Al Qaeda affiliated Uzbek leader assassinated in Syria.

Saudi Arabia arrests 46 militant suspects involved in Medina attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. moves higher as tech gains offset weak economic data.

Fate of the Furious tops box office AGAIN grossing over $1 billion worldwide as newcomer How To Be A Latin Lover is surprise hit.

Elon Musk teases future plans at TED talk.

Eminem sues New Zealand governing party over Lose Yourself.

SpaceX launches US spy satellite on secret mission, nails rocket landing.