World News Briefs -- May 1, 2019

Reuters: U.S. and Taliban resume talks as Kabul seeks role in peace process

KABUL (Reuters) - American and Taliban officials resumed talks in Qatar on Wednesday aimed at ending a 17-year war in Afghanistan, while the Afghan government hosted a rare assembly in Kabul to ensure its interests are upheld in any peace deal.

The Taliban issued a statement saying the U.S. special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, had met the Taliban’s political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who is heading the Islamist militants’ delegation.

“Views were exchanged about key aspects for a peaceful resolution of the Afghan issue,” its spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen war dead could hit 233,000 by 2020 in what UN calls ‘humanity’s greatest preventable disaster’.

Escalation in Syria's Idlib displaces nearly 140,000: UN.

Iran troops evacuate from Syria’s Deir Al-Zor.

Syria: US sanctions on Iran lead to fuel shortages.

Iranian economy collapsing as Trump administration tightens sanctions: report.

Iran vows to fight for right to sell oil despite US sanctions.

Iran slams US plan to designate Muslim Brotherhood a terror group.

Iran wants 'good' relations with Saudi Arabia, UAE.

'Human Time Bomb': Charity warns 45,000 born under IS in Iraq may become stateless.

As Trump team prepares Mideast plan, Palestinians face financial crisis.

ASIA

U.S., Taliban begin new peace negotiations for Afghan withdrawal. Khalilzad meets Mullah Baradar as Doha peace talks resume.

Analysis: US military ends reporting on security situation in Afghanistan’s districts.

North Korea hackers 'Venus-121' behind attack on activists, firm says.

US urges Beijing to stick to hard line on North Korea sanctions as spotlight falls on three Chinese banks.

Maoist rebels kill Indian policemen in Maharashtra state.

India apprehensive Iran sanctions could boost oil, inflation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulates Japan’s new emperor as neighbours edge closer.

Thailand names new queen ahead of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's coronation.

AFRICA

Death toll in Nigeria attack rises to 30: residents.

Libya fighting: Two Turkish nationals detained by Haftar's forces.

Libya ‘war crimes’ videos shared on social media.

Algeria army chief calls for 'dialogue' with protesters.

Don't provoke army, Sudan opposition chief warns protesters.

Record low turnout at Benin polls with no opposition.

Ebola responders in DR Congo demand more protection after attacks.

Tunisia invokes sharia law in bid to shut down LGBT rights group.

Mozambique holiday isle left in ruins by cyclone.

EUROPE

Yellow vest protesters join unionists, environmentalists for May Day march in Paris. French police clash with protesters in Paris May Day rally.

German May Day protests draw tens of thousands to the streets.

Putin fast-tracks Russian citizenship for more Ukrainians.

May - Deal on second phase of Brexit negotiations still possible by end 2020.

Georgia’s opposition threatens to impeach president over refusal to host US military base.

Polish nationalists rallying against country's EU membership in Warsaw.

Julian Assange sentenced to 50 weeks in prison, day before facing extradition hearing. Julian Assange gets 50 weeks in jail for skipping bail in 2012.

Sweden grants asylum to 2 Pussy Riot activists.

AMERICAS

Venezuela crisis: Maduro claims victory over 'deranged' coup attempt.

Venezuela braces for rival protests as crisis intensifies. Venezuela crisis: Protesters gather after Guaidó call.

Trump threatens Cuba as US supports Venezuela uprising.

US military action in Venezuela 'possible': Pompeo.

Acting Pentagon chief cancels Europe trip over Venezuela crisis.

Russian diplomat denies Pompeo’s claims that Moscow told Maduro to stay.

Cubans protest U.S. sanctions as Trump raises pressure on Venezuela.

White House refuses House Democrats' request for security clearance documents.

Canada ups loans to farmers after China blocks canola.

Argentina: Thousands launch anti-austerity strike.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

UN puts Pakistani armed group chief Masood Azhar on 'terror' list.

Iraq says I.S. remains threat, leader Baghdadi filmed video in 'remote area'.

IS gaining foothold in Afghanistan to expand into Central Asia, Russian minister says.

Examining the global terrorism landscape.

Sri Lanka names Easter suicide bombers.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China, U.S. hold 'productive' trade talks in Beijing.

Facebook overhauls messaging as it pivots to privacy, dating and shopping.

Apple results beat sets eyes back on $1 trillion.