World News Briefs -- April 25, 2019 (Evening Edition)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Russia in this undated photo released on April 25, 2019 by North Korea's Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via REUTERS

Reuters: North Korean leader says peace on Korean peninsula depends on U.S. attitude: KCNA

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin peace and security on the Korean peninsula depend entirely on the future U.S. attitude, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday.

Kim’s remarks were seen as keeping pressure on the United States to be more flexible in accepting Pyongyang’s demands to ease sanctions, compared to the U.S. stance during his unsuccessful second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February.

The North Korean leader said at the time he would wait until the end of the year for the United States to become more flexible.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia, Iran, Turkey discuss post-war scenario in Syria talks.

Syria: 1,600 civilian deaths in US-led strikes on Raqqa, says Amnesty.

Syria constitutional committee 'unclear': Russian negotiator.

In east Aleppo, bodies still under rubble show limits of Syria's recovery.

Iraq PM: We will try to ease US-Iran tension.

Iran and Syria hit by $360m U.S. lawsuit for sponsoring Hamas killings in Israel.

Google cuts YouTube access for Iran's Press TV and Hispan TV 'without any warning'.

ASIA

Afghan official says Taliban ambush police convoy, kill 9.

Exclusive: U.S. accelerates plan to drastically downsize Kabul embassy - sources.

Senior U.N. official meets Taliban negotiators in Qatar.

Sri Lanka lowers Easter attack death toll while suspects still at large.

Putin: Kim needs 'security guarantees' on nuclear deal. Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un meet for first summit in Russia.

N.Korea's Kim says US acted in 'bad faith' at Hanoi talks: KCNA.

North Korea 'demanded $2m for care of Otto Warmbier'.

Belt and Road: China showcases initiative to world leaders.

Exclusive: In rare move, French warship passes through Taiwan Strait.

AFRICA

Residential areas of Libya's capital becoming 'battlefields', says Red Cross.

Footage shows refugees hiding as Libyan militia attack detention centre.

Libya asks UN to investigate Tripoli attacks.

Massive crowds at Sudan's Defense Ministry demand civilian rule.

Mali's rebel leaders face UN sanctions over continued attacks.

Violence flares in northern Kenya as pressure mounts on villagers.

Cyclone Kenneth hits Mozambique after battering Comoros.

EUROPE

Putin: Russia wants to resolve North Korea's nuclear standoff.

Putin says he’ll brief US on summit with Kim.

Ukraine's president-elect says being blocked from calling snap poll.

Spain election dominated by uncertainty, splintered right.

Macron promises 'significant' tax cuts, reforms after months of Yellow Vest protests.

Macron admits to Franco-German splits on key issues.

France marks first national commemoration of Armenian genocide.

Thousands mourn Bosnian government critic slain in ambush.

Goldman Sachs, Bank of England and Treasury targeted by climate activists in London.

Up to 200 ex-soldiers and police facing Troubles investigations.

AMERICAS

I'll win this on my own! Joe Biden says he asked Obama NOT to endorse him as he finally throws himself into 2020 race by taking fight to Trump for 'the soul of this nation' - who hits back by saying: 'Welcome to the race Sleepy Joe!'.

Senate to take up Trump's Yemen veto next week.

Deutsche Bank hands over Donald Trump loan documents: reports.

Mexico ready to apologize to US over border incident: AMLO.

Cuba dubs Bolton 'pathological liar' over Venezuela troops charge.

As Canada rubbish festers in Philippines, activists demand action.

Canada says Facebook broke privacy laws and 'refused to act responsibly'.

Canadian capital of Ottawa declares state of emergency as waters swell.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Sri Lanka bombings: More terror attacks 'very likely' as death toll revised.

Judge agrees to release Coast Guard officer accused of plotting domestic terrorism.

Analysis: The Islamic State’s allegiance videos.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US stocks end mostly lower, weighed down by industrials.

Microsoft (briefly) becomes the world's third trillion-dollar company.

Days ahead of next round of talks, US slams China for ‘failure’ on intellectual property reform.

Amazon delivers record profits on gains in cloud, advertising.