World News Briefs -- May 12, 2017 (Evening Edition)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects the defence detachment on Jangjae Islet and the Hero Defence Detachment on Mu Islet located in the southernmost part of the waters off the southwest front, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency/REUTERS

Reuters: In global appeal, North Korea urges states not to enforce U.N. sanctions

North Korea made a global appeal in a letter released on Friday for states to reconsider enforcing U.N. sanctions on the Asian nation as Washington seeks to step up pressure on Pyongyang to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The United Nations Security Council first imposed sanctions on North Korea in 2006 and has strengthened the measures in response to its five nuclear tests and two long-range rocket launches. Pyongyang is threatening a sixth nuclear test.

In the letter to 192 U.N. members and two observer states - dated Thursday - North Korea urged them to "reconsider any of their implementation activities until the legality of those 'sanctions resolutions' are to be clarified."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

More than 1,200 'quit Damascus rebel zones' under deal.

SDF: Final push on ISIL's Raqqa 'likely next month'. Kurdish-led forces say they will push on to IS capital.

Coalition: Capture of IS-held town undermines militant group.

As summer heat looms, post-IS Mosul faces water crisis.

Iran candidates exchange barbs in fiery final debate. Iran's Rouhani lashes out at hardliners in blistering final debate before vote.

Yemeni government rejects southern autonomous council.

Israel plans for President Trump's visit.

Trump to back Palestinian 'self-determination' on Mideast trip -aide.

ASIA

Japan's Aso says global economy improving, but uncertainty over U.S. policies.

Exclusive: U.S. complains to China about North Korea's attendance at Silk Road summit.

US intelligence: Afghanistan will 'almost certainly' deteriorate.

North Korea denounces U.S. sanctions bill. North Korea sends protest to US Congress over sanctions.

Trump, South Korea's Moon agree to cooperate on North Korea.

Pakistan blast targets senator's convoy, killing 25. Bomb attack kills at least 25 in Pakistan's Balochistan.

Philippines-China tensions simmer over underwater plateau.

Myanmar army chief compares Rohingya crackdown to Northern Ireland.

New Zealand population surges most since world turmoil of 1974.

AFRICA

Congo election risks delay due to militia violence: commission president.

South African opposition leader says coalition will beat ANC in 2019.

South Sudan's ousted army chief 'in a fighting mood', says president. President seeks to assert South Sudan authority after sacking army chief.

Somalia signs security pact with backers at London talks.

258 Nigerians deported from Libya return home, some in pain.

In Senegal, Iran and Saudi Arabia vie for religious influence.

Torture victim images spur brutality accusations against Uganda's police.

Gunfire as I.Coast troops resume protest despite 'apology'. Ivory Coast soldiers revolt over bonus pay dispute.

Democratic Republic of the Congo hit by Ebola outbreak.

EUROPE

Global cyber extortion campaign disrupts UK hospitals. World cyberattack cripples UK hospitals, demands ransoms.

Cyberattack hits Russian Interior Ministry computers: Interfax.

Kremlin says may retaliate against USA over expulsion of Russian diplomats.

America's 'emotional obsession' with Russia will end soon, Kremlin says.

'U.S. supports Ukraine' against Russia, Trump tells foreign minister.

Macron to visit Merkel in Berlin on Monday.

IMF, eurozone still at loggerheads over Greece.

UK Labour leader accuses Theresa May of ‘pandering’ to Trump.

Anxiety mounts as Italy moves to get more migrants out.

AMERICAS

Guatemala declares emergency in border areas to fight heroin trafficking.

Top Mexican officials to visit Washington next week.

Trump warns sacked FBI chief over media leaks.

Trump wrote a letter to Lindsey Graham about Russia investments.

US Treasury chief to brief key allies on Trump policies.

Protesting pensioners throw punches in latest Venezuela unrest.

Venezuela protests: Young demonstrators fling faeces at soldiers as unrest claims more lives.

Attorney: At least 65 Venezuelan military members detained.

Venezuelans face severe food shortage.

Brazil ends state of emergency over Zika virus.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. Treasury adds 3 JDQ leaders, charity to list of global terrorists.

Defense Secretary Mattis to hold 'major' ISIS press conference next week: Trump.

EU alarmed by US laptop plans. US & EU in urgent talks over Washington plan to expand laptop ban on flights from Europe.

American al Qaeda member turned informant avoids long sentence.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street falls, department stores take a drubbing.

G7 finance chiefs warn U.S. not to upset global growth.

Another record in reach of tech stocks as big 5 add $500 billion.

Sierra Leone: 709-carat diamond fails to attract buyers.

US and China sign trade agreement. China to import poultry, beef in new U.S. trade deal.