Monday, February 4, 2019

World News Briefs -- February 4, 2019



DW: EU nations get behind Venezuela's Juan Guaido as acting president

The EU is increasing the pressure on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro to call early elections, after a raft of member states recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.

What started as a trickle has turned into a flow of EU countries who have now officially declared Guaido as interim president. However, according to diplomatic sources in Brussels, Italy has blocked an EU-wide statement of the bloc's support for Guaido due to conflicting interests within the Italian coalition government.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq angered by Trump idea to watch Iran from US base. US troops do not have permission to 'watch Iran', says Baghdad.

Trump: ‘We have to protect Israel,’ shifting again on Syria withdrawal.

US-led coalition jets strike Syrian army positions: report.

Jordan to host new talks talks on Yemen prisoner swap.

Israel builds new barrier along Gaza Strip border.

Netanyahu: Iran controls Lebanese government through Hezbollah.

Iran's first president says Khomeini betrayed 1979 Islamic revolution.

ASIA

Donald Trump hails trade talks’ progress, says meeting Xi Jinping ‘possible’ on trip to meet Kim Jong-un.

Taliban to join Moscow talks without Afghan government officials.

Taliban peace talks face skepticism from U.S. lawmakers.

Rights groups urge UN to probe China crackdown in Xinjiang.

Two-thirds of Himalayan glaciers that provide water to more than 250 million people could disappear by the end of this century, study warns.

Australia floods: Crocodiles seen in 'once in a century' waters.

Kumbh Mela: Millions of Indians bathe on most auspicious day.

AFRICA

Al-Shabab claims responsibility for twin attacks in Somalia.

French air strikes target convoy entering Chad from Libya. France attack 40 vehicles in Chad airstrikes.

Central African Republic agrees peace deal with rebel groups.

Sudan protesters chant 'freedom' as police fire tear gas.

New DR Congo president seeks to reassure security forces.


DP World port manager killed in Somalia's Puntland state.

Constitutional proposals could allow Sisi to stay in power till 2034: document.

EUROPE

EU countries recognise Juan Guaidó as interim Venezuelan leader. Venezuela crisis: European states recognise Guaidó as president.

Russian economy outpaced expectations in 2018.

Germany's Merkel drops hint of a 'creative' Brexit compromise.

Merkel and Abe meet for talks on trade and nuclear arms control.

Macron ‘mulls referendum’ to quell French Yellow Vest crisis.

Denmark expels two Huawei staff after inspecting permits.

Pope Francis welcomed in UAE as rights groups up the pressure.

AMERICAS

Trump to discuss ending America’s wars overseas in State of the Union address.

Trump teases national emergency declaration could come during SOTU.

Trump: Will 'do whatever necessary' for wall on U.S.-Mexico border.

Leak of Trump's daily schedule prompts White House fury.

Outsider Nayib Bukele claims victory in El Salvador presidential election.

Venezuela crisis: US sending aid 'at Guaidó's request'.

Venezuela: Maduro hits back at 'gringo plot to overthrow revolution'.

Bahamas: 28 Haitian migrants drown in illegal crossing.

Ottawa bars RT and Sputnik from Lima Group meeting on Venezuela.

After record cold, Midwest and Northeast face another blast of winter.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trump says he would send US troops back to Syria should ISIS regain strength.

Pentagon draft report warns ISIS could regain territory in months without military pressure: report.

Daesh cleric's wife sues UK spies for $1.3 Mln for beating, torture - Report.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices slide after hitting 2019 highs on tighter supply outlook.

U.S.-China tariff hike would trigger downturn, trade diversion: U.N.

Ultimate Software agrees to $11 billion buyout by investor group.

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