World News Briefs -- January 29, 2019

Newsweek: Russia and Iran Warn U.S. to Stay Out of Venezuela as American Rivals Discuss Crisis

The top diplomats of Russia and Iran have held talks on the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, where they back the government against an opposition formally recognized by the United States and a number of its allies.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke Monday by phone in hopes of uniting against what they said was a U.S. attempt to illicitly intervene with the socialist leadership of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Moscow has already volunteered to mediate between the leader and the self-proclaimed "acting president" Juan Guaidó, who heads the National Assembly, and Caracas reportedly accepted the offer, followed by an apparent Iranian proposition as well.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen rebels release first prisoner in swap deal.

Aid group warns Yemen truce 'on verge of collapsing'.

Iran rejects talks on missiles, but says no plan to increase range.

Syria-Iran deal to counter 'economic war' from West: Assad.

Iran IT minister says blocking Instagram would create new problems.

Israel blocks Iran cyber-attacks 'daily': Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s chief rival Benny Gantz launches election campaign.

Palestinian PM, government resign.

ASIA

N.Korea 'unlikely' to give up all nuclear weapons: US intel chief.

In Kabul, US reports ‘agreements in principle’ with Taliban.

Afghanistan's post 9/11 generation wary of any future with the Taliban.

Duterte blames Abu Sayyaf 'suicide bombers' for Jolo attack.

Tired of army rule, Thai youth a rising force in March election.

Mongolia's parliament speaker ousted after protests.

Conditions worsen for foreign journalists in China: survey.

Christian mother sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan wins final appeal – and can now start a new life in Canada with her daughters.

AFRICA

UN: Boko Haram threat displaces 30,000 from Nigeria's Rann town.

Kenya, Somalia to strengthen cooperation on combating terror.

In DR Congo, 3 rebel chiefs surrender in nod to new president.

Sudan general says army ready to face any enemy threat. Sudan general says army ready to face any enemy threat.

Cameroon opposition leader Maurice Kamto, MRC members arrested.

Zimbabwe women urged to report rape by soldiers.

Lawyers march in Zimbabwe capital alleging denial of justice.

EUROPE

Brexit: Theresa May will ask the EU to reopen Brexit deal.

Brexit stalemate: Divisions over UK exiting EU.

Food retailers warn of disruption, higher costs if no-deal Brexit.

France and Italy's war of words steps up as elections approach.

Ukraine’s president announces re-election bid for March vote.

'IRA' claims bombing in Northern Ireland's Derry.

Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to open by November.

AMERICAS

Amid mass arrests, Maduro won’t touch rival Guaido.

US gives Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido control over some assets.

Guaido says he's still willing to consider amnesty for Maduro, military.

US's Bolton appears to threaten Venezuela with: '5,000 troops to Colombia'.

Howard Schultz heckled as 'egotistical asshole' who would aid Trump in 2020.

Cohen to testify to US House Intel behind closed doors.

Roger Stone pleads not guilty to lying to Congress and witness tampering at court in D.C. - then leaves flashing double V-for victory sign as protesters chant 'lock him up' and fly Russian flags.

Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland explains why Trudeau fired Chinese ambassador.

Brazil dam collapse: five arrested including three mining firm staff.

Protesters and riot police clash in Honduras.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

IS still has 'thousands' of fighters, seeking comeback: US intel chief.

Syrian Arab fighters battle IS for revenge.

Beach resort attack trial resumes in Tunis.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Chinese team arrives in US for trade war talks under shadow of latest Huawei charges.

PG&E files for bankruptcy after devastating California wildfires.

Apple to fix FaceTime bug that allows eavesdropping.