Friday, March 8, 2019

World News Briefs -- March 8, 2019 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Venezuela power flickers after worst blackout in decades

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela’s power supply remained patchy on Friday after the worst blackout in decades paralyzed most of the country, exacerbating hardship for millions of people already suffering from hyperinflation and widespread shortages of basic goods.

Power went out across the recession-stricken country on Thursday afternoon due to a problem at Venezuela’s main hydroelectric plant, the government said, calling the event an act of “sabotage” by ideological adversaries.

Power returned to some parts of the capital of Caracas during the afternoon but quickly cut out again, according to witnesses and local media, threatening to extend what is already the longest blackout under 20 years of socialist leadership.

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MIDDLE EAST

New battle looms for Islamic State's last Syria enclave.

Russia, Turkey to start joint patrols in Syria’s Idlib.

Turkey and U.S. head for showdown over missile contracts.

Two killed in car bomb attack in Iraq's Mosul.

Iraqi leader says foreign ISIL fighters may face death penalty.

19 million Yemeni children suffer malnutrition and illness.

Under threat of indictment, Netanyahu enters campaign's final weeks.

EU, Canada, Australia issue rare rebuke against Saudi Arabia at UN rights forum.

Lebanon's Hezbollah appeals for donations to combat sanctions.

Israeli fire kills Palestinian in border clashes: Gaza ministry.

ASIA

Trump says relationship with N. Korea's Kim 'remains good'.

North Korea maintains repression, political prison camps: U.N. expert.

Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC with heavy shelling, Indian Army says.

Indian MiG-21 Bison crashes near Pakistani border.

US-Taliban talks: Two sides take a break amid bid for peace.

North Korea mentions summit failure in party newspaper.

Chinese media slams South Koreans for pollution 'blame game'.

Chinese exports fall amid weak demand, US tariffs.

US charges daughter of ex-Uzbek leader in near-$1 bn scheme.

Renewed calls for search mark MH370's 5-year anniversary.

AFRICA

Tension in Niger over Sudan asylum-seekers.

Big anti-Bouteflika protest fills Algerian capital.

Algerians gather in huge protest against Bouteflika.

Algerian president issues warning to protesters against his fifth term bid.

Guinea-Bissau to vote in hopes of ending long leadership deadlock.

Lack of leaders in Sudan's protests delays peace talks.

Congo's ex-leader Kabila's party to pick prime minister: sources.

Violence impeding Democratic Republic of Congo Ebola efforts, aid group says.

UN considering drawdown of DR Congo mission.

On International Women's Day, Sudan's Bashir orders release of female detainees.

EUROPE

China's Belt and Road plan could be good for Italy: Italian PM.

Finland's government resigns.

Theresa May to EU: Please help me get Brexit deal over the line.

'Let's get it done': May urges MPs to back her Brexit deal.

UK Foreign Office grants Zaghari-Ratcliffe diplomatic protection.

Slovenia health minister quits in new blow to minority government.

Swiss won't help bring jihadist fighters home.

Estonian Reform Party to hold coalition talks with Fatherland, Social Democrats.

AMERICAS

Peru PM resigns as approval for Vizcarra government slips.

Don't expect details from Mueller probe: senior U.S. Republican.

Trump says he hasn't discussed Manafort pardon, feels 'very badly' for him.

US economy adds just 20K jobs in February, far below expectations.

US indicts Venezuela ex-vice president Tareck El Aissami.

Venezuela: 'country has stopped' as blackout drags into second day.

US aid for Venezuela arrives in Colombia at Guaido's request.

Democrats including Ocasio-Cortez condemn US strategy on Venezuela.

U.S. presidential hopeful Warren wants breakup of Google, Facebook and Amazon.

Brazil President Bolsonaro accepts invitation to visit China: ambassador.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State extremism on show at 'miserable' Syria camp.

What’s the next step for ISIS? A top US general shares his prediction with lawmakers.

African terrorist groups ‘aren’t necessarily a threat to the homeland,’ AFRICOM leader says.

ISIL fighters' families struggle in Iraqi society.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street extends losing streak after weak U.S. jobs data.

Trump won't sign China trade pact unless it's 'great'.

EU official warns US could break global trading system.

Norway's $1 trillion wealth fund to remain invested in Big Oil stocks.

China backs Huawei not to be 'silent lamb' in US legal fight.

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