Wednesday, February 13, 2019

World News Briefs -- February 13, 2019 (Evening Edition)



SCMP: Chinese President Xi Jinping to meet top US delegation on Friday in pursuit of trade war deal

* US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin arrive in Beijing as the March 1 truce deadline looms
* If confirmed, meeting between Xi and Washington’s top trade envoys would be sign of goodwill to cement trade deal between world’s two biggest economies

China’s President Xi Jinping “is scheduled to meet” key members of the US trade talks delegation, including US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, in Beijing on Friday, according to sources close to the matter.

“Xi is scheduled to meet both Lighthizer and Mnuchin on Friday,” one source briefed on the arrangements told the South China Morning Post.

A second source said Xi was expected to meet the US delegation in Beijing this week, although the specific time had not been confirmed.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

ISIS 'fire missiles at US-backed forces' in last stand as relatives of 'hardened' extremists flee from terror group's only Syrian stronghold.

Activists: More than 200 IS fighters surrender in east Syria.

Russia, Iran, Turkey to hold fourth round of Syria talks in Sochi.

Suicide bomber targeting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard kills 27.

U.N. court says it has authority to decide Iran's request to thaw $2B in assets. ICJ: Iran bid to recover billions in frozen US assets can proceed.

U.S. hopes to rally coalition against Iran at Warsaw summit.

Iran's government blamed for failing economy 40 years later.

Iran’s supreme leader says any talks with US can only ‘harm’.

Hamas uses TV coded messages for attacks, Israel alleges.

ASIA

Taliban announce surprise talks with US in Pakistan capital.

Afghanistan sacks 12 election officials amid fraud investigation.

Report: Kim Jong Un could tour Vietnam ahead of summit with Trump.

Maria Ressa: Head of Philippines news site Rappler arrested.

China calls report of talks with Venezuela opposition 'fake news'.

China’s two-child policy under fire as parents’ bank account frozen for having third child.

Former Maldives President Yameen charged with money laundering.

Give us our 284 APEC summit cars back, Papua New Guinea police say.

AFRICA

Suspected Boko Haram attack 'kills many' ahead of Nigeria polls.

Nigeria election candidates sign 'peace accord'.

Protesters vow to push on with Sudan 'uprising'.

Egypt’s Parliament to vote on extending president’s term.

Algeria’s Bouteflika dismisses national police chief.

Thousands protest against job losses in South Africa.

EUROPE

Spanish PM calls emergency meeting after budget rejected. Spain budget failure puts snap election on the cards.

Trial begins in Spain for 12 charged for failed Catalan independence bid.

New Pentagon chief meets NATO allies wary after Trump rows.

Ukrainian official: Hacking intensifies as election nears.

EU adds Saudi Arabia to dirty-money blacklist, upsets Britain.

Germany arrests two Syrians suspected of crimes against humanity.

Belgium grinds to a halt as flights cancelled and schools shut.

EU 'convinced' Trump will not slap tariffs on autos: Ambassador.

AMERICAS

Trump expected to sign border deal averting new shutdown. Trump ready to sign border deal, averting shutdown: reports.

U.S. senators to try again to pass Russia sanctions bill.

US says ex-intel official defected to Iran, revealed secrets.

Haiti sees deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.

Nicolás Maduro claims foes 'totally failed' to topple him as efforts falter.

Venezuela crisis: Juan Guaidó vows to bring in aid.

GOP chairman: US military may have to intervene in Venezuela if Russia does.

Tens of thousands march against austerity in Argentina.

Canada legislators reject probe into government officials over ethics woes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

UK fighters returning from Syria face up to 10 years in jail.

PM says Iraq to repatriate Iraqi IS fighters held in Syria.

British IS schoolgirl 'wants to return home'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street advances on trade hopes, tame inflation data.

US-China trade talks set to open in Beijing.

Google outlines $13bn US investment.

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