World News Briefs -- May 16, 2017 (Evening Edition)

A combination photo shows U.S. President Donald Trump (L) in the House of Representatives in Washington, U.S., on February 28, 2017 and FBI Director James Comey in Washington U.S. on July 7, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool, Gary Cameron/File Photo

Washington Times: Comey memo says Trump asked FBI to end Michael Flynn investigation: Reports

A February memo by FBI Director James Comey reportedly says that President Trump asked him to shut down the investigation of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.

The New York Times reported Tuesday that the memo details a conversation between the two men in which Mr. Trump told the FBI chief that “I hope you can let this go.”

“I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go,” the president told Mr. Comey, according to the memo. “He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go.”

The White House denied to the New York Times the memo’s recounting of the conversation.

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MIDDLE EAST

Trump, Erdogan vow friendship despite anger at US arming Kurds. Erdogan, Trump hail U.S.-Turkish ties amid tensions.

Iraq says 90 percent of west Mosul recaptured from 'Islamic State'.

US-backed fighters advance on Syria's IS-held Raqa.

U.S. officials: Syria prison executing at least 50 inmates a day.

Syrian Government denies US accusation of crematorium at prison to dispose of bodies.

Low expectations as Syria talks resume in Geneva. Syria war: Peace talks restart in Geneva.

Turkish military considering bases in Syria's Al Bab, says deputy PM.

Opposition newspaper editor formally arrested in Turkey.

Economy tops voters' concerns in Iran election. Iran vice president pulls out of election, backs Rouhani.

ASIA

North Korea missile detected by THAAD, program progressing faster than expected: South.

UN Security Council weighs tightening sanctions on North Korea.

North Korea missile program progressing faster than expected, Seoul says.

China and Vietnam agree to keep South China Sea tensions in check.

At least 16 Maoist rebels killed in central Indian gunfight.

13 injured as Pakistani, Indian troops exchange fire across LoC.

Philippines throws out impeachment complaint against Duterte.

Pakistanis warned to stop criticising armed forces.

Japan's Abe seeks talks with Chinese, South Korean presidents at G-20 summit.

White House delegation visits Seoul for summit preparations. New South Korean leader to go to White House summit in June.

Scientists find 38 million pieces of trash on Pacific island.

Thai authorities appear to back down on threat to block Facebook.

AFRICA

Central Africa refugees stream into DR Congo by the thousands.

Up to 100 killed last week in Central African Republic as militia violence spreads: U.N..

Four killed in Kenyan car bomb attack.

Ivory Coast rebel troops say they accept deal to end mutiny. Ivory Coast mutiny: Soldiers agree deal with government.

'500 people killed' in DR Congo's Kasai in five months.

EU to conduct border patrols in Libya to stop migrants reaching Europe.

Executions increase in Somalia.

Uganda President Museveni warns against torture use.

Trial of Burkina Faso's ex-leader Blaise Compaore adjourned.

Nigeria army chief warns troops about 'politicking'.

The superhighway threatening Nigeria's tropical rainforest.

EUROPE

French president pushes Paris Olympic bid, forms government.

Putin praises China's Belt and Road initiative, condemns North Korea.

Nagorno-Karabakh: Azerbaijan hits Armenia defence unit.

Chechnya accused of 'gay genocide' in ICC complaint.

Ukraine accuses Russia of attack on president's website after web sanctions.

Ukraine's Poroshenko to block Russian social networks.

Eurozone economy grows at unspectacular rate.

Greek anti-austerity strike hits media, ferries.

AMERICAS

U.S. lawmakers want Trump to explain giving intelligence to Russia.

Trump talk with Russians ‘wholly appropriate,’ adviser says.

Consternation on Capitol Hill over Trump’s Russia meeting.

Trump stands by actions following reports of divulging classified info.

Frustration abounds in Trump White House.

Trump's travel bans spook some students, fan fears of broader chill.

More killed, hundreds injured in Venezuela protests. Two new deaths in Venezuela amid protests. Venezuela: Teenager killed as mass protests rage.

Veteran journalist killed in latest wave of slayings in Mexico state of Sinaloa.

Family of slain DNC staffer Seth Rich blasts detective over report of WikiLeaks link.

Hillary Clinton returns to politics with launch of new organization.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Expansion of ban on larger electronics on airlines likely: U.S..

RAF drone strike disrupted public killing staged by Isis, says MoD.

ISIS on 'brink of total defeat' in Mosul, coalition spokesman says.

Latest al Qaeda propaganda highlights bin Laden's son.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

S&P 500, Dow end session flat, tech boosts Nasdaq.

Laptop ban on flights to US 'likely' to expand: official.

Almost 30 state leaders put their support behind Xi Jinping’s new globalisation strategy.

Ford 'set to shed 10% of workforce'.

Global ransomware attack makes less than $US60,000 as only 209 victims choose to pay.