Reuters: North Korea presses rocket program, but amid signs of drama easing
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered more solid-fuel rocket engines, state media reported on Wednesday, as he pursues nuclear and missile programs amid a standoff with Washington, but there were signs of tension easing.
The report carried by the KCNA news agency lacked the traditionally robust threats against the United States after weeks of unbridled acrimony, and U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a possible improvement in relations.
"I respect the fact that he is starting to respect us," Trump said of Kim at a raucous campaign rally in Phoenix, Arizona.
"And maybe - probably not, but maybe - something positive can come about," he said.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraqi forces make gains against ISIL in Tal Afar push. Iraqi troops reached the first urban areas of Tal Afar, one of ISIS' last pieces of Iraqi territory.
Iran extends reach with fight for land link to Mediterranean.
Netanyahu calls strengthening Iran’s positions in Syria 'a threat to the entire world'. Netanyahu denounces Iran 'threat' in Putin talks.
Deadly airstrikes near Sanaa, Yemen's rebel-held capital. Air raid in Yemen kills at least 35 people.
U.S. asks if Iran military sites to be checked under nuclear deal.
Kushner in Middle East for peace talks.
Saudi teen arrested for dancing to ‘Macarena’ in the street.
ASIA
Taliban suicide bomber kills civilians in Helmand. Taliban retakes district in northern Afghanistan.
After Trump's Afghan policy statement, China reaffirms support to Pakistan.
North Korean leader secretly visited border area — media.
Two North Korean shipments to Syria intercepted in six months, UN told.
'Too many soldiers to feed': North Koreans fear more sanctions as drought threatens famine.
Tillerson renews offer to talk with N. Korea.
Comments on Japan’s wartime past by South Korea’s President Moon rattle Tokyo: observers.
Marawi trying to get back on its feet even as fighting goes on.
Beijing warns US ahead of Taiwan defence minister’s visit.
AFRICA
Ailing Nigeria president cancels cabinet meeting.
UNICEF: Boko Haram has used 83 children as 'human bombs' in 2017.
Suicide bomber kills 4 in northern Cameroon.
UN aid chief issues bleak warning on Central African Republic.
Egypt criticises US decision to withhold military aid.
Jose Eduardo dos Santos era ends as polls open in Angola.
‘We would rather die than stay there’: the refugees crossing from Morocco to Spain.
EUROPE
Ukraine: European and Russian leaders agree new ceasefire deal.
Merkel challenger advocates removal of US nuclear weapons.
Germany's rapid deportations of Salafist suspects ruled lawful.
Cologne secures cathedral in light of Sagrada Familia terror plot.
French President Emmanuel Macron lobbying against labor dumping.
Kim Wall: Police confirm headless torso found in Copenhagen waterway belonged to journalist.
Prominent Russian director put under house arrest in fraud case.
AMERICAS
The Latest: Trump says US will ‘probably’ end NAFTA.
Trump threatens government shutdown over border wall funding.
Hillary Clinton says ‘my skin crawled’ during debate with Trump.
Polls shows majority of Americans think Confederate statues should remain.
Venezuelan leader asks Russia, Vatican to help fend off U.S. 'military threat'.
Venezuela’s rebel prosecutor heads to Brazil as Maduro seeks her arrest.
Charlottesville: United Nations warns US over 'alarming' racism.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Trump takes hard line on Pakistan for supporting terrorist groups.
U.S. may sanction Pakistani officials with ties to terrorists, Trump official says.
Spain terror cell was planning Sagrada FamÃlia attack, suspect tells court.
ISIS in Indonesia trying to recruit Malaysians.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Warming Arctic spurs battles for riches, shipping routes.
European Union to investigate $66B Bayer-Monsanto deal.
Google, Wal-Mart join forces in voice-shopping market.
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