Friday, March 9, 2018

World News Briefs -- March 9, 2018

The South Korean envoys, Chung Eui-yong, center, and Suh Hoon, left, on Thursday outside the White House. Credit Doug Mills/The New York Times

New York Times: North Korea Asks for Direct Nuclear Talks, and Trump Agrees

WASHINGTON — North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has invited President Trump to meet for negotiations over its nuclear program, an audacious diplomatic overture that would bring together two strong-willed, idiosyncratic leaders who have traded threats of war.

The White House said that Mr. Trump had accepted the invitation, and Chung Eui-yong, a South Korean official who conveyed it, told reporters that the president would meet with Mr. Kim within two months.

“He expressed his eagerness to meet President Trump as soon as possible,” Mr. Chung said at the White House on Thursday evening after meeting the president. Mr. Trump, he said, agreed to “meet Kim Jong-un by May to achieve permanent denuclearization.”

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria's Eastern Ghouta targeted as aid convoy enters.

Over 100 people killed in East Ghouta in past 48 hours — UN.

Civilian suffering worse than ever in 7-year Syria war: UN.

Supreme leader: Iran won't be told what to do in the Middle East.

Talks turn to defense on final day Saudi crown prince's UK visit.

Saudi grants airspace approval for flights to Israel.

Turkey sentences 25 journalists to jail for 'coup links'.

ASIA

China dismay as Trump signs off steel, aluminum tariffs.

China sends critics on vacation before moving to scrap Presidential term limit.

Afghanistan: Blast in Kabul's Shia area kills at least seven.

Taliban attacks remote Afghan Army outpost, killing 10.

UN envoy calls on Taliban to take up Ghani's offer of talks.

UN: Myanmar should be investigated for crimes against Rohingya.

Sri Lanka Buddhist monks denounce anti-Muslim riots.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte needs 'psychiatric examination', UN human rights chief says.

New Caledonia to New Zealand: The path of Tropical Cyclone Hola.

AFRICA

Mauritius president to resign over financial scandal claims: PM.

Two million children in Congo at risk of starvation, U.N. warns.

Togo opposition suspends protests at Ghana request.

Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga pledge reconciliation. Kenyatta, Odinga agree to reconcile after bitter Kenyan election.

Curfew imposed in Nigeria over herder-farmers violence.

Zim army detains Mugabe staff without food, water ... interrogates them for hours - reports.

Activist abduction 'dark shadow' on Zimbabwe: Western envoys.

EUROPE

Russian spy attack: police call in military to help investigate. Russian spy attack: military to help investigate poisoning of Sergei Skripal.

Russian state TV warns 'traitors' not to settle in England.

EU says talks 'the prime option' in US tariffs row.

Ukraine detains prisoner swap organizer on terrorism charges.

Slovakia braces for second mass protest over murder of journalist.

Ireland's government approves abortion referendum bill.

Romanian ruling party chief under investigation in Brazil-report.

AMERICAS

US job growth surges in February.

High-profile activists slam U.S., Canadian sanctions on Venezuela.

Latin America seeks to protect environmental activists.

Obamas 'in talks to make Netflix shows'.

Sikh separatist Atwal apologises over Trudeau event.

Seven people suing President Trump for blocking them on Twitter says that being prevented from responding to The Donald violates First Amendment.

Marine Corps Commandant: 'LesstThan 30% of young men and women' qualified to join military.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. hits Pakistani Taliban training camp in eastern Afghanistan.

Philippines says eight jihadists killed in the south.

Islamic State claims Kabul suicide blast: Amaq news agency.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Trump doubles down on reciprocal tax after meeting tariff pledge.

Tesla chief Musk says China trade rules uneven, asks Trump for help.

Bitcoin falls to lowest level in three-and-a-half weeks.

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