Friday, January 5, 2018

World News Briefs -- January 5, 2018



BBC: North Korea accepts Olympics talks offer, says South

North Korea has accepted an offer to attend high-level talks next week, South Korean officials have said.

The meeting, on 9 January, will focus on finding a way for North Korean athletes to attend the Winter Olympic Games in South Korea in February.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said this week that sending a delegation to the Games would be "a good opportunity to show unity of the people".

The meeting is expected to be held at Panmunjom, on the border.

These will be the first high-level talks both Koreas have had since December 2015. It is not yet clear who will be attending.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Saudis 'intercept' Houthi missile near Yemen border. Saudi Arabia military camp targeted with ballistic missile fired from Yemen.

Iraq's Abadi in high-stakes plan to rein in Iranian-backed militias.

Thousands turn out for pro-government rallies in Iran.

Iran prosecutor blames CIA, Israel, Saudi for protests.

Erdogan accuses US, Israel of 'meddling' in Iran, Pakistan.

Trump administration issues new round of sanctions aimed at Iran.

Turkey's Mevlut Cavusoglu urges 'fresh start' with Germany.

Saudi Aramco takes key step towards $2tn flotation.

ASIA

Pyongyang accepts South Korea's offer of talks next week on whether North will send team to Winter Olympics. North Korea accepts offer from South to meet for peace talks (CNN)

U.S. opposes South Korea funding for North Korea Olympians.

China says will limit oil, refined product exports to North Korea. China tightens North Korea trade restrictions under UN sanctions.

Trump admin suspends aid to Pakistani military, demands ‘decisive action’ vs. terrorists.

Deadly suicide blast hits Afghan capital.

There are signs of another India-China border spat.

Japan's defense policy decisions in 2018.

AFRICA

Equatorial Guinea launches manhunt after coup bid.

Equatorial Guinea: UN dispatches envoy amid reports of failed coup.

Nigeria begins mass evacuation of stranded nationals from Libya.

As chaos and despair grow in Libya, Qaddafi son plans comeback.

Queues at Sudan bakeries as bread prices soar.

Zimbabwe's new president visits ailing opposition chief.

Hot air balloon crash in Egypt kills 1, injures 19 tourists.

EUROPE

Russian opposition leader appeals ban on election run against Putin.

Ahead of crucial coalition talks, Merkel's and Schulz's ratings hit rock bottom.

Tough new German law puts tech firms and free speech in spotlight.

Catalan separatist leader Oriol Junqueras denied bail.

Migrants in Europe linked to soaring violence and crime in Germany, study finds.

Anti-migrant attacks surge in Greece's Piraeus.

Ukraine: killing of lawyer sparks protests against 'criminal system'.

AMERICAS

Massive 'bomb cyclone' slams US and Canadian east coast, thousands of flights cancelled. US storm to bring 'record-breaking' low temperatures.

Trump Organization gave Russia-related documents to Mueller, Capitol Hill.

Trump administration plans to allow oil and gas drilling off nearly all US coast.

Report: Struggling Venezuela tried to buy medicine with diamonds, gold.

Haiti prisons: Overcrowding a major problem.

Alberto Fujimori: Peru’s ex-president leaves clinic free man after pardon.

'Fire and Fury' book on Trump White House goes on sale. Donald Trump: Michael Wolff's credibility questioned as explosive book makes waves.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS declares war on Hamas with sickening execution video as it vows to overthrow them from the Gaza Strip for failing to stop Trump's Jerusalem move.

Osama bin Laden's 12-year-old grandson is dead, says al-Qaeda leader's 'heir'.

Saudi Arabia: No evidence shows it had a hand in 9/11 attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple reveals ALL iPhones, iPads and Macs are at risk from devastating Intel and ARM chip 'design flaws' that could expose billions of people's personal data to hackers.

Marlboro maker Philip Morris to 'give up cigarettes' for New Year's resolution.

Apple is expected to use a tax break to bring back $200billion of its overseas cash hoard, sparking fresh speculation the company could buy Netflix.

My New Year resolution is to 'fix' Facebook, says founder Mark Zuckerberg.

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