World News Briefs -- January 17, 2018

Reuters: Koreas to form unified ice hockey team, march together in Olympics

SEOUL (Reuters) - The two Koreas will field a combined women’s ice hockey team and march together under one flag at next month’s Winter Olympics in the South, Seoul said on Wednesday, after a new round of talks amid a thaw in cross-border ties.

North and South Korea have been talking since last week - for the first time in more than two years - about the Olympics, offering a respite from a months-long standoff over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, although Japan urged caution over the North’s “charm offensive”.

The two Koreas will compete as a unified team in the Olympics for the first time, though they have joined forces at other international sports events before.

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MIDDLE EAST

Nearly 4 years on, much of Syrian rebel ‘capital’ abandoned.

US military: No 'support' for Kurdish YPG in Afrin.

Iran's supreme leader: Saudis betrayed Muslim world.

Iran says Trump has thrown Airbus deals into doubt.

Saudi to inject $2bn in Yemen to halt currency collapse. Saudi Arabia gives Yemen $2 billion to stave off hunger and prop up currency.

Palestinian leader Abbas calls for Arab solidarity against Trump's Jerusalem decision.

After $65M U.S. aid cut, UNRWA launches global fundraising effort. Global NGOs criticise drastic US cuts of UNRWA funding.

Jailed head of Turkey's pro-Kurdish party acquitted of insulting minister.

ASIA

BREAKING NEWS: North and South Korea agree to form their first joint Olympic team and march together in opening ceremony.

Korean War allies consider further sanctions against North Korea. Nations to consider more North Korea sanctions, U.S. warns on military option.

North Korea scoffs at Trump's 'nuclear button' tweet.

Myanmar police opens fire on demonstrators killing many. Seven ethnic Rakhine killed as Myanmar police fire on riot.

Philippines orders further probes into news site that angered Duterte.

UN must step up pressure on Pakistan: US.

China bans Muslim children from Quran classes.

AFRICA

Suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers kill 12, injure 48.

Kidnappers abduct American, Canadian in Nigeria, two police killed: police official.

Sudan police fire tear gas as protesters march against price rises. Sudan holds communist leader after bread price demo: party.

Ethiopian PM arrives in Egypt for talks on sharing Nile.

Congo armed groups uniting against President Kabila: U.N..

Seven years since revolt, Tunisia struggles with economic woes.

Ethiopia releases top opposition figure from prison.

E. Guinea leader denies opposition death in custody claims.

EUROPE

Embattled Schulz tries to sell coalition deal to sceptical SPD.

Catalonia's new parliament meets following failed independence bid. Catalan MPs meet for first time since referendum bid.

Barred from election, Navalny vows to fight 'emperor' Putin.

Dialogue with US on nuclear-missile weapons is Russia’s priority task, says expert.

Czech government resigns as PM fights corruption allegations.

Italy: Some 1,400 refugees rescued at sea.

May and Macron to sign new Calais border treaty.

Russian watchdog Memorial hit by arson attack near Chechnya.

Britain appoints minister for loneliness to continue work of murdered politician Jo Cox.

German prosecutors reject clemency for 'Bookkeeper of Auschwitz'.

AMERICAS

Republican senator slams Trump for Stalin-like attacks on media.

WH directed Bannon silence in House interview. Trump's ex-aide Bannon strikes deal to avoid grand jury testimony: CNN.

Lawmakers want James Clapper prosecuted for surveillance testimony before statute of limitations runs out.

Trump's medical sparks online 'girther' movement.

Wave of looting shutters stores, spreads fear in Venezuela.

'Rambo' police pilot Oscar Perez, who hijacked helicopter, killed in operation in Venezuela.

Argentines try to understand why the pope won’t return home.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

French jihadist wives press charges over Syria detention.

ISIS wanted to blow up the Statue of Liberty with pressure cooker bombs.

Is Turkey aligned with al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib?

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

The antitrust case against Facebook, Google and Amazon.

$260 billion ‘cryptocalypse’ as cryptos plunge 30 per cent amid fresh China, South Korea fears. Bitcoin crashes below $10,000, losing over half its value since last month’s record.

Apple supplier workers describe noxious hazards at China factory.

YouTube toughens advert payment rules.