World News Briefs -- March 15, 2019 (Evening Edition)

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks on live television following the shootings. TVNZ/via REUTERS TV

Reuters: World reacts with sadness and anger to New Zealand mosque attacks

LONDON (Reuters) - Leaders around the world expressed disgust and sorrow at the killing of 49 people in New Zealand mosques on Friday, attacks that many blamed on the demonization of Muslims.

Western leaders from Donald Trump to Angela Merkel expressed solidarity with the people of New Zealand, deploring what the White House called a “vicious act of hate”. The response from some Muslim countries went further, blaming politicians and the media for stoking that hatred.

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MIDDLE EAST

Suicide attackers strike people quitting Islamic State's last Syria zone.

Israel fires on Hamas targets after rocket attacks. Israel launches Gaza air attacks after rockets fired at Tel Aviv.

Israel says Gaza rockets that led to airstrikes fired by mistake.

Gaza border protests called off after Israel air raids: organisers.

Anti-IS Syria force boosted as jihadist holdout shrinks.

Syria's eight year civil war has left 370,000 people dead, including more than 21,000 children.

French, German envoys write that fear stops Syria refugee returns.

Saudi women activists face 'bogus' charges, says Amnesty.

Israel election frontrunner Gantz dismisses report that Iran hacked his phone.

ASIA

49 killed at mosques in ‘one of New Zealand’s darkest days’.

Christchurch shootings: 49 dead in New Zealand mosque attacks.

Christchurch shootings mark 'unprecedented act of violence', New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

China’s premier denies Beijing tells companies to spy.

Left out of peace talks, U.S. allies reassess Afghan support.

US expects NKorea to live up to moratorium on nuclear tests.

North Korea threatens to end nuclear talks with U.S., resume testing. North Korea may break off US talks and resume missile tests, official says.

China needs to create 11 million new jobs next year to ensure stability, Premier Li Keqiang says.

China-US trade war: New Chinese law seeks to address concerns.

Campuses not camps: China defends Xinjiang policies at UN.

Rohingya reject relocation to Bangladesh's island 'prison camp'.

AFRICA

Pilot of Ethiopian Boeing 737 Max 8 called 'in a panicky voice' and requested to return to airport shortly after take-off just minutes before the plane crashed, killing 157 people.

Fresh protests in Algeria as allies turn on Bouteflika. Algerians call for Bouteflika resignation despite poll delay.

Deposed Boko Haram leader detained not killed: sources.

Islamic State 'behind Nigeria suicide attack'.

Demolition starts after Lagos school collapse. Death toll now 20 in Lagos building collapse: state govt.

'Cannot go back': Malawi floods leave thousands homeless.

Cyclone Idai batters Mozambique.

EUROPE

U.S., EU, Canada impose sanctions on Russians over Ukraine.

Slovakia could get its first woman president in ballot.

May tries to save Brexit deal after vote to delay UK exit. May's Brexit deal lives: Northern Irish kingmakers report 'good' talks with government.

British lawmakers overwhelmingly vote in favor of delaying Brexit.

Long delay to Brexit unless you back PM's deal: top May ally.

UK Ministers in talks with DUP in attempt to win backing for Brexit deal.

Washington asks Russia: Where's your proof ex-U.S. marine is a spy?.

Russia-Trump troll suspect defends internet job.

Drones and diplomacy: US Ramstein air base stirs controversy in Germany.

France works to contain fuel spill after ship catches fire and sinks off Atlantic Coast.

AMERICAS

White House denounces ‘act of hate’ in mosque shooting.

US bars entry to International Criminal Court investigators.

Mueller, in U.S. court filing, says multiple probes continue.

Trump: Strzok transcript 'devastating' for FBI, DOJ, CIA.

US manufacturing sinks again in February: Fed.

Venezuela blackout devastates country's second city as world focuses on Caracas.

U.S. to upgrade military ties with Brazil during visit next week: sources.

Ecuador pulls out of South American regional group Unasur.

Brazil school shooting: Thousands attend wake for victims.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Australian Islamic State recruiter Neil Prakash sentenced to jail in Turkey.

'We don't see the enemy': Concealed jihadists slow Islamic State defeat in Syria.

Court hears case on Germany's role in US drone deaths in Yemen.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US stocks broadly higher, on pace for solid weekly gains.

Volkswagen and former boss face US lawsuit over Dieselgate.

IEA: OPEC has enough spare capacity to cover any Venezuela loss.

Boeing 737 Max aircraft grounded 'until May at least'.