World News Briefs -- January 24, 2019

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the World Economic Forum in Davos that the shift away from a world dominated previously by two Cold War superpowers was creating "a bit of a chaotic situation"

AFP: Ties between US, Russia and China 'dysfunctional': UN

The world is facing worrying "fragmentation", UN chief Antonio Guterres said Thursday, warning that the relationship between the United States, Russia and China was worryingly out of kilter.

"The relationship between the three most important powers, Russia, the United States and China, has never been as dysfunctional as it is today," the UN secretary-general told the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Guterres said the ongoing shift away from a world dominated previously by two Cold War superpowers was creating "a bit of a chaotic situation".

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia and Turkey promise coordination in Syria.

Damascus back to ‘stone age’ as services stretched.

Yemen govt accuses rebels of violating Hodeida truce.

Iraq parliament approves 2019 budget, one of largest ever.

U.S. sanctions hit Iran-backed airlines, fighters in Syria.

Iran arrested 7,000 in crackdown on dissent during 2018 - Amnesty.

Hamas rejects Qatari aid over conditions laid down by Israel.

ASIA

Extended US-Taliban peace talks in Qatar raise Afghan hopes. Taliban says talks with the US enter fourth day in Qatar.


Kim Jong-un orders preparations for second summit with Donald Trump, North Korea says. Kim Jong-un applauds Trump for second summit plans.

Cambodia's Hun Sen calls on military to 'destroy' opponents.

Taiwan unveils new drone as China tensions mount.

Record-breaking heatwave continues to hit Australia with temperatures hitting 120F (49.5C) in the south - the hottest since 1939.

Chinese anthem to become mandatory in Hong Kong schools.

Malaysian royals pick new king after surprise abdication.

AFRICA

CAR unrest: Govt and rebels hold talks in Sudan.

Omar al-Bashir launches media crackdown as Sudan protests continue. Sudan protests: Police use tear gas as thousands take to streets.

Somalia: $1.08 billion required to support 3.4 million Somalis with life-saving and livelihood assistance.

Congo: Felix Tshisekedi sworn in as president. Felix Tshisekedi sworn in as DR Congo president.

The 'worst day of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo' as 14 new cases are diagnosed in 24 hours as death toll reaches 439.

Togo elects first female head of National Assembly.

Kenya court overturns ruling on wearing hijab in schools.

EUROPE

European divisions beyond Brexit on display in Davos.

Ukranian ex-president Viktor Yanukovych gets 13 years in absentia for treason.

Greece’s Macedonia vote pushed to Friday as debate continues.

Gilets Jaunes launch European election bid.

No-deal Brexit threatens key Ireland border.

Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond charged with attempted rape.

Amanda Knox: European court orders Italy to pay damages.

AMERICAS

Senate pressing ahead on shutdown votes with dim prospects.

Trump to delay State of the Union until after shutdown.

Cohen subpoenaed to testify before Senate Intel: report.

Top Venezuela military brass vow to back Maduro amid unrest.

Brazil decree weakens law aimed at holding government to account.

Canadian ambassador: Huawei exec could avoid US extradition.

Pope in Panama blasts corruption as he prays for Venezuelans.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Taliban promotes training camp for ‘Commando Mujahidin’.

US no longer announcing deaths, damage in Somalia airstrikes.

Taliban reaches agreement with US to block al Qaeda, Islamic State from Afghanistan: Report.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Trump's commerce secretary Wilbur Ross warns U.S. is 'miles and miles' from trade deal with China despite deadline for agreement on March 1.

U.S. oil firms tell OPEC their growth will slow.

Microsoft's Bing search engine blocked in China in further crackdown on foreign tech services.

Real Madrid regains top spot in world football rich list.