World News Briefs -- August 22, 2019 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Ukraine, EU oppose Trump's suggestion of readmitting Russia to G7

KIEV/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Ukraine’s president backed leading European powers on Thursday in opposing the readmission of Russia to the Group of Seven advanced economies, saying Moscow still occupied Crimea and was frustrating peace in eastern Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday it would be “appropriate” to have Russia rejoin what used to be the G8. France will host a meeting of G7 leaders this weekend.

But Germany, France, Britain — all G7 members — quickly rebuffed Trump, noting that Russia was excluded after it annexed Ukraine’s Crimea and then backed an anti-Kiev rebellion in the industrial region of Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

U.S. will aggressively enforce sanctions over Iran tanker: State Department official.

U.S., Turkey agree to start 'safe zone' plan in north Syria.

Syrian offensive puts Turkish troops and border plans in peril.

Syrian army opens corridor for people to leave rebel-held Idlib.

Iraq paramilitary chief walks back accusations against US.

Foreign Minister Zarif says Iran will not start war in Gulf but will defend itself.

Iran unveils new missile defence system, calls US talks 'useless'.

Israel strikes targets in Gaza Strip after new rocket attacks: Army.

Cleared for takeoff: Saudi women start exercising their newest right.

ASIA

China’s rust belt looks abroad as growth slows, tariffs bite.

UN report condemns sexual violence by Myanmar military.

North Korea warns of a new 'cold war'.

US says it’s ready to resume nuclear talks with North Korea.

South Korea decision to terminate GSOMIA rocks Seoul, Tokyo.

'No point talking': PM Khan rules out Kashmir talks with India.

Solomon Islands MPs warn against switching diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China.

Hong Kong’s core industries hammered by anti-government protest crisis with deep drops in retail, tourism and stock market.

Indonesia blocks internet in Papua amid unrest.

Empty buses in Bangladesh as no Rohingya turn up for repatriation.

AFRICA

Somali president replaces security chiefs and Mogadishu mayor.

Somalia's Jubaland region re-elects Ahmed Mohamed as president.

Tunisian PM delegates his powers to focus on presidential race.

Uganda demands financial records, donor lists of NGOs.

S.African leader defends contested fundraising campaign.

Sudan floods kill scores, displace thousands.

Mozambique, Russia sign energy, security deals.

EUROPE

Italy’s president to pols: make solid deal or elections soon.

Danish ex-PM attacks Trump for comments on defense spending.

Greece Prime Minister: Iranian supertanker sought by US not headed to Greece.

Italy's M5S seeks centre-left coalition with 'solid majority.

Macron firm on backstop as Brexit talks with British prime minister continue.

German foreign minister urges Russia, Ukraine to revive peace talks.

Ukraine, EU oppose Trump's suggestion of readmitting Russia to G7.

Kosovo lawmakers vote to dissolve parliament, triggering new elections.

Slovenia to extend border fence to prevent refugee crossings.

AMERICAS

Amazon fires: Bolsonaro says Brazil cannot fight them. Global worry over Amazon fires escalates; Bolsonaro defiant.

With forest wildfires raging, Bolivia seeks help from SuperTanker plane.

AP-NORC poll: 62% disapprove of how Trump’s handling his job.

Pompeo meets Trudeau, says China detention of two Canadians 'wrong'.

Beijing hits back after Trudeau vows to stand up to China. China blames Canada for difficulties in relationship, demands Huawei exec be freed.

Bolivia: Opposition rallies against president's re-election bid.

Argentina minister defends peso amid default risk.

Argentina presidential front-runner Fernandez pledges 'no default' if elected.

Interpol issues red notice for former Colombian guerrilla leader.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Defense secretary says ISIS not in a resurgent state in Syria despite Pentagon report saying ISIS is re-surging.

Trump calls on other nations to take up fight against ISIS.

Pentagon chief confirms death of Qaeda's Hamza bin Laden.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US stock indexes end mixed ahead of Fed chairman speech.

China buys U.S. soybeans after declaring ban on American farm goods.

Exclusive: Boeing, grappling with uneven 737 supply chain, targets 52/month in February - sources.

Qantas to test direct 19-hour flights from NYC, London to Sydney.