Monday, February 5, 2018

World News Briefs -- February 5, 2018



VOA: PyeongChang Olympics Puts Spotlight on North Korea

SEOUL — The announcement on Monday that one of the highest-ranking officials in North Korea will attend the PyeongChang Olympics in South Korea is raising expectations for a diplomatic breakthrough at the games.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry confirmed Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly will lead his government’s official delegation at the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday.

“The government hopes that this visit of the North Korean high-level delegation will be an important opportunity for the successful hosting of the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games as the Peace Olympics, restoring inter-Korean relations and establishing peace on the Korean peninsula,” said Baek Tae-hyun, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia steps up air raids on Syria's Idlib province after jet shot down. Air raids on rebel-held Idlib province intensified. Syria war: 'Chlorine attack' on rebel-held Idlib town.

Syrian refugees at risk of being forced back home despite ongoing violence, report warns.

Turkey warns US troops over risk of clashes in Syria.

Turkish president heads to Italy to discuss Jerusalem with pope. Turkey's Erdogan meets with Pope Francis during Rome visit.

On mountain frontline, Yemen army makes push for Sanaa.

Yemenis protest after US drone attack kills 7 in Shabwa.

Iran: Guards shoot sword-wielding man trying to enter president's office.

Iran says jails 'nuclear spy' for U.S., European country.

ASIA

Maldives crisis deepens as government defies supreme court.

Nuclear plan: China accuses US of 'Cold War mentality'.

North Korea's ceremonial leader Kim Yong Nam to visit South Korea for Olympic.

North Korea plans to send arts troupe to South by ferry.

Rohingya abuses could spark regional conflict: UN rights chief.

China looks to stamp out cryptocurrency trading.

Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong walks free after jail term suspended.

AFRICA

Suspected jihadists kill two soldiers in Mali.

Boko Haram kills two as military says group 'defeated'.

Child abductions rise as South Sudan war incites desperation.

Jacob Zuma: South Africa president 'rejects ANC request' to stand down.

EU concerned over rights abuses in E. Guinea.

Army generals who ousted Mugabe feared 'bloody' counter-op: Report.

Cape Town's Day Zero to move to mid-May. Cape Town now faces dry taps by May 11.

Esmond Bradley-Martin, leading investigator of ivory, rhino horn trade, stabbed to death in Kenya.

EUROPE

Cyprus president Anastasiades defeats leftist challenger.

Downing Street says UK will not be in customs union with EU.

Berlusconi pledges to deport 600,000 illegal immigrants from Italy.

German coalition talks adjourned, set to continue Monday.

European stocks tumble on strong euro.

Russian police accuse Navalny of assaulting officer during protest.

Record snowfall hits Moscow, downing thousands of trees.

France warns travelers of snow and ice after serious floods.

AMERICAS

Super Bowl: Philadelphia win sparks mayhem in city.

Trump lashes out at Schiff over Russia probe memo. Trump calls Schiff 'one of the biggest liars and leakers in Washington'.

The government could shut down if Congress doesn't act this week.

Costa Rica poll goes into runoff as evangelical leads.

Ecuador 'rejects unlimited election terms', blocking Correa return. Current, former presidents at odds in Ecuador referendum.

U.S. could ban imports of Venezuelan crude oil.

Ex-Cuba prisoner rejects Trump plan to expand internet on island.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS beaten, U.S. troops reportedly start Iraq drawdown.

Islamic State threatens Iran from "Tora Bora" borderlands.

Salah Abdeslam: Paris suspect attacks 'anti-Muslim bias'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global stocks routed, yields rise as U.S. inflation threat spooks markets.

In Super Bowl ads, a play for values and a contentious MLK message.

China hits back after US tariffs.

Airlines probed over 'confusing' seating policy.

Nissan, Dongfeng to invest heavily in e-cars in China.

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