Friday, October 20, 2017

World News Briefs -- October 20, 2017 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Spain plans new elections in Catalonia to end independence bid: opposition

MADRID (Reuters) - The Spanish government has secured opposition support for dissolving Catalonia’s parliament and holding new elections there in January in its bid to check the regional government’s push for independence.

The Socialists, the main opposition, said on Friday they would back special measures to impose central rule on the region to thwart the secessionist-minded Catalan government and end a crisis that has unsettled the euro and hurt confidence in the euro zone’s fourth-largest economy.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who wants opposition support to be able to present a united front in the crisis, has called an emergency cabinet meeting on Saturday to pave the way for Madrid establishing central control in the region.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi and Kurdish forces exchange fire at border. Iraq army seizes town near Erbil after fierce clashes. Kirkuk province: Iraqi and Kurdish forces in fierce fight.

Iraqi court issues arrest warrant for Kurdish vice president.

Baghdad takes last Kirkuk sector, Rosneft backs Irbil.

US-backed Syrian force declares victory over IS in Raqqa. Raqqa to be part of 'federal Syria', U.S.-backed militia says.

Syria's war: Rebels groups sign fragile ceasefire covering Eastern Ghouta.

Turkey worried Kurdish influence will grow in Syria after Raqqa.

Hamas must disarm to join Palestinian unity government - US.

$50,000 payments help grieving Gaza families end blood feuds.

EU considers reducing $5bn accession aid to Turkey.

ASIA

Suicide bombers attack two Afghan mosques, at least 72 dead. Kabul Shia mosque blast kills dozens. Afghan official: Suicide bombing at Kabul mosque kills 30.

North Korea says to continue nuclear tests: RIA.

Having nuclear weapons 'matter of life and death' for North Korea: agency.

North Korea: CIA director says regime nearly capable of nuclear attack.

North Korea 'rant' letter shows sanctions are biting, says Australia's PM Malcolm Turnbull. North Korea writes open letter to Parliament urging Australia to move away from Trump administration.

South Korea to push ahead with nuclear power plants.

East Timor government faces uncertainty after parliamentary defeat.

New Zealand to hold cannabis referendum within three years.

AFRICA

UN says 26 killed in latest C.Africa clashes.

Zuma given November 30 deadline ahead of South Africa decision on graft charges.

Zuma spokesman dismisses reports South African deputy president may be sacked.

Niger raid highlights US forces' growing Africa role.

At least 46 attacks in area of Niger where U.S. troops killed: U.N..

Kenya’s police say 4 killed in opposition demonstrations.

US warns Americans about visiting Sudan over 'terror risks'.

EU 'running out of money' to stop migrants travelling from Africa.

Togo opposition accuses government of brutal crackdown.

Niger raid highlights US forces' growing Africa role.

Malawi cracks down on 'vampire' lynch mobs.

EUROPE

Spain plans new elections in Catalonia to end independence bid: opposition.

Catalonia crisis: Spain plans for elections as independence row grows. Spain’s leader prepares to unveil specific Catalan measures.

EU leaders decline to mediate over Catalonia as Spain decides next step.

Britain wants Brexit accord but prepared for a 'no deal': Davis.

EU leaders struggle to break through Brexit talks impasse.

NATO leaders set to meet July 11-12, 2018 in Brussels.

Jamaica or bust: Merkel starts crunch coalition talks.

Italian regions go to the polls in Europe's latest referendums on autonomy.

Czechs set to elect Teflon-coated billionaire Andrej Babis.

Anger over Donald Trump's UK crime tweet.

AMERICAS

U.S. fiscal year deficit widens to $666 billion.

U.S. says 24 people harmed from recent 'attacks' in Cuba.

Trump tax cuts gain momentum as Rand Paul goes 'all in'.

Barack Obama delivers veiled but withering rebuke of Donald Trump. Obama and Bush decry deep US divisions without naming Trump.

Puerto Rico continues to struggle a month after Hurricane Maria.

Cuban oil drilling ready for 2018.

Venezuela swears in governors amid opposition boycott.

Brazil prosecutors investigate plan to give reconstituted food to poor people.

Exclusive: New data shows race disparities in Canada's bail system.

Canada granting asylum to U.S. border crossers at higher rates: data.

Official candidate seen ahead in Buenos Aires Senate race: poll.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Inside the Raqqa jail where ISIS held their betrayers.

France's Macron says Raqqa fall not end of battle against Islamic State.

US drone strike targets al-Shabab after Somalia attack.

Syrian refugee detained in Greece on terror charge.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street hits record highs; tax plan hopes fuel optimism.

The massive Saudi Aramco IPO doesn't look like a great investment to many.

Hurricanes, earthquakes estimated to cost insurers $95B.

Amazon: More than 100 cities bid for new headquarters.

No comments: