World News Briefs -- January 31, 2018

The Guardian: Russia-backed Syrian peace talks agree deal on new constitution

UN special envoy defends presence at Sochi talks after criticism from Syrian opposition

A 50-strong commission representing most strands of Syrian society will draft a new constitution for the country, the UN and Russia have agreed at the end of a peace conference put together by Vladimir Putin in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.

The UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura faced intense criticism from the Syrian opposition for attending the conference, which the opposition boycotted on the basis that it was an attempt to supplant the UN peace process and marginalise their role in ending Syria’s seven-year civil war.

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MIDDLE EAST

Separatists advance on presidential palace in southern Yemen. Yemen separatists surround presidential palace in Aden. South Yemen separatists pin down govt in de facto capital.

Turkey's Afrin offensive enters second week. Turkey ramps up Syria incursion despite criticism.

Turkey lashes out at French President over warning against 'invasion' of Syria.

Russia-backed Syrian peace talks agree deal on new constitution. Rocky Syria talks in Russia end, ignore key opposition demands.

Iran rejects Benjamin Netanyahu's warning to leave Syria.

US ready to work with Qatar to 'deter' external threats.

UN appeals for emergency funds for Palestine, Syria.

Hamas leader dead after 'accidental' gunshot to head.

ASIA

Afghan spy chief visits Pakistan in wake of Kabul attacks.

Taliban assail Trump's rejection of talks, vow to fight on.

Deadline looms for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

China urges Trump to drop 'Cold War mentality'.

South Korean skiers arrive in North for joint training event.

Russia to send home tens of thousands of North Korean laborers.

China's economy loses momentum as factory activity cools.

Vietnam marks 50 years since launch of Tet Offensive.

Vietnam names US-based exile group a terrorist organization.

AFRICA

Somalia: 34000 left homeless after army destroys camps.

UN blames Uganda, Kenya for fueling conflict in South Sudan.

Former Kenyan VP: Home attacked in ‘assassination attempt’.

Egyptian opposition calls for boycott of 'absurd' poll.

Egypt’s leader serves opposition parties with stern warning.

Algeria in oil-for-doctors deal with Cuba.

France's Macron visits Tunisia to 'support transition'.

South Africa’s president under growing pressure to leave.

EUROPE

EU says US needed for Mideast peace but can't do alone.

Russia’s Communist nominee for president shuns party dogma.

Theresa May looks to China for post-Brexit future.

Catalonia's Puigdemont denies giving up after 'defeat' texts.

German parliament commemorates Holocaust.

Poland president to review Holocaust bill after Israel outcry.

Pope to send envoy to investigate Chile sex abuse claims.

UN negotiator due in Macedonia in drive to end name dispute.

AMERICAS

Trump's powerful State of the Union laid out 2018 vision: Prosperity, borders, security.

Second Trump-Russia dossier being assessed by FBI .

UN refers Guyana-Venezuela border dispute to ICJ.

Venezuela crisis fuels crime wave in Colombia.

Peru's Fujimori family feud deepens as Kenji expelled from opposition party.

Hawaii official who sent false missile alert has been fired.

Canada's BC submits new rules to restrict oil shipments.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trump orders U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay kept open indefinitely. Trump signs order to keep Guantanamo Bay prison open.

Interpol circulates list of suspected Isis fighters believed to be in Italy.

US officials estimate Taliban strength at a minimum of 60,000 fighters.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple faces stock market probe over slowed down iPhones: reports.

Facebook: Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies' ads banned.

Bitcoin plunges below $10,000 as cryptocurrency sell-off continues .

Fujifilm takes ownership of Xerox in $6.1B deal.