World News Briefs -- October 23, 2019

Reuters: Trump says Turkey's ceasefire in northern Syria now permanent, sanctions lifted

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday Turkey was making a ceasefire in northern Syria permanent, prompting the United States to lift the recent sanctions it had imposed on Turkish imports in response to the violence.

Trump also used the White House announcement, where he was flanked by Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to declare a change of course in U.S. relations with the Middle East, where he said too many American service members had died.

“Early this morning, the government of Turkey informed my administration that they would be stopping combat and their offensive in Syria, and making the ceasefire permanent,” he said. “However, you would also define the word permanent in that part of the world as somewhat questionable. We all understand that.”

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkey Syria offensive: Trump orders Turkey sanctions to be lifted.

Turkey and Russia strike deal on Kurdish withdrawal and joint patrols in 'safe zone'.

Kremlin says U.S. betrayed Kurds in Syria, tells Kurds to withdraw or be mauled. Kremlin tells YPG to withdraw or 'be mauled' by Turkish army.

US troops will leave Iraq in 4 weeks: Iraqi defence minister.

Lebanon's former PM denies corruption charges.

Yemen 'could lose six million children' from malnutrition.

Top US delegation to attend Saudi summit next week: Reports.

Benny Gantz to be tasked with forming Israeli government.

ASIA

China invites Taliban, Afghan officials for two-day talks.

Taliban say new intra-Afghan peace talks to be held in China.

China hits out at US after delegates miss major space conference in Washington because of ‘weaponised’ visa system.

North Korean leader criticizes father's Mount Kumgang resort policy.

North Korean first lady makes first public appearance in 4 months.

Hong Kong man whose murder case sparked protests leaves prison as extradition bill formally withdrawn.

Sri Lanka parliament blames president for Easter attack lapses.

AFRICA

Botswana votes as President Masisi faces surprising challenge.

Egypt accepts US invitation for meeting over Ethiopia dam dispute.

Ethiopia protesters burn Nobel winner Abiy Ahmed's book.

Mali president on the ropes as jihadist revolt mounts.

Vladimir Putin opens first ever Russia-Africa Summit.

Tunisia's new president sworn in after surprise election win.

Bouteflika-era figure makes Algeria presidential run.

EUROPE

European lawmakers condemn Turkish operation in Syria.

Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn meeting fails to break Brexit deadlock.

Election rumours intensify after Johnson and Corbyn Brexit stalemate.

Catalonia protests: Separatists urge talks with Madrid.

Albanian police say Iranian 'terror cell' planned to attack exiles.

Essex lorry deaths: 39 bodies found in shipping container.

Floods in Southern Europe: Dead and missing in Spain and Italy.

AMERICAS

McConnell introduces resolution urging Trump to rethink Syria decision.

Defense official arrives for testimony in Trump impeachment inquiry.

McConnell to Republicans: Defend Trump on process.

Biden lead over 2020 field widest since April: poll.

Bolivians riot as election hangs in balance.

Chile's president Pinera unveils social reforms to halt deadly protests.

Brazil reforms pensions 'to boost economy'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

NATO chief warns 'fight against IS is not over'.

Syrian Kurds struggle to contain Islamic State prisoners amid a Turkish offensive.

More than 100 Islamic State prisoners have escaped in Syria: US envoy.

New 9/11 exhibit stages hunt for Osama bin Laden.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Boeing expects 737 Max to fly again by New Year.

China trumpets tech power at 6th World Internet Conference, signalling a 'digital arms race'.

Google touts quantum computing milestone.

WeWork accepts multi-billion-dollar rescue deal from SoftBank, Adam Neumann stays on as advisor.