Tuesday, July 9, 2019

World News Briefs -- July 9, 2019



BBC: Afghanistan talks agree 'roadmap to peace'

A landmark peace conference between the Taliban and influential Afghans, including government officials, has agreed a "roadmap for peace" that could hasten the end of the 18-year war.

A statement called for an end to civilian casualties and the protection of women's rights within an "Islamic framework".

The non-binding agreement comes as the US and Taliban continue to negotiate an American withdrawal.

The US toppled the Taliban in 2001.

A seventh round of talks between American negotiators and the insurgents is expected to resume later on Tuesday. They hope to reach an agreement that would see US troops pull out in return for a commitment that Afghanistan would not be used as a base for terrorism.

The Taliban are refusing to hold direct negotiations with the Afghan government until the US announces a timetable for the withdrawal.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Netanyahu warns Israel's jets 'can reach' Iran.

UN envoy arrives in Damascus for new talks.

Turkey orders arrest of 176 military personnel over suspected Fethullah Gulen links.

Saudi Arabia says it intercepts bomb-laden Yemen rebel drone.

Yemen rebel court condemns 30 to death for spying.

'Underground terror tunnel dug from Gaza into Israel' discovered, military says.

Israel's separation wall endures, 15 years after ICJ ruling.

Egypt warns Turkey of 'escalation' over drilling off Cyprus.

ASIA

Air, ground attacks kill civilians hours after Afghans talk peace.

US to sell tanks, missiles to Taiwan amid tensions with Beijing.

China demands US cancel proposed $2.2bn arms sale to Taiwan.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says extradition bill is dead after mass protests.

Duterte dares US to send 7th fleet to South China Sea.

Indonesians are suing president Joko Widodo and government officials over Jakarta air pollution.

Noncompliance kneecaps New Zealand's gun control scheme.

AFRICA

WHO: More than 1,000 killed in battle for Libya's Tripoli.

Nigeria: Parliament on lockdown after shots fired.

S.Sudan president appeals for peace, apologises over mistakes.

Sudan's internet blackout ends.

Zimbabwe opposition MP arrested on treason charges: lawyer.

Britain extends Mali mission by six months.

Egypt seeks Interpol help to retrieve Tutankhamun bust sold in UK.

Ethiopian capital bans motorbikes to curb crime.

EUROPE

Trump assails Theresa May, UK envoy in Twitter rant. Ambassador row: Hunt calls Trump 'disrespectful and wrong'.

No-deal Brexit a political and economic threat, Ireland warns.

Corbyn says Labour would back remain in Brexit referendum.

Russia's Vladimir Putin rejects sanctions on Georgia.

German industrial woes prompt fears over recession.

Italy's Salvini closes Europe's once largest migrant centre.

France announces 'eco-tax' of up to €18 on tickets for all flights leaving country.

AMERICAS

Trump administration reviews human rights’ role in US policy.

Trump defends Acosta but will look into Epstein plea deal.

House prepares subpoenas of top White House officials in Trump probe.

US court rules Trump cannot block critics on Twitter.

Former Argentine President Fernando de la Rua dies at 81.

Ross Perot, self-made billionaire, patriot and philanthropist, dies at 89.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Israel helped foil 50 terror attacks worldwide in past 3 years — report.

Global terrorism is in decline. For victims, it doesn't feel like it.

US puts Hezbollah lawmakers on sanctions blacklist for first time.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Boeing set to lose biggest planemaker title as deliveries fall 37%.

New Virgin Galactic Chairman Chamath Palihapitiya says tourism spaceflights to begin within a year.

Amazon, Microsoft wage war over the Pentagon’s ‘war cloud’.

No comments: