World News Briefs -- January 27, 2020 (Evening Edition)

A medical official takes the body temperature of a man at the departure hall of the airport in Changsha, Hunan Province, as the country is hit by an outbreak of a new coronavirus, China, January 27, 2020. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Reuters: U.S., Canada warn against China travel as virus spreads, markets slide

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - The United States warned against travel to China on Monday and Canada issued a more narrow travel warning as a spreading coronavirus outbreak has killed 81 people, stranded tens of millions during the biggest holiday of the year and rattled global markets.

Global stocks fell, oil prices hit three-month lows, and China’s yuan dipped to its weakest in 2020 as investors fretted about damage to the world’s second-biggest economy from travel bans and an extended Lunar New Year holiday.

U.S. President Donald Trump offered China whatever help it needed on Monday, while the U.S. State Department said Americans should “reconsider” visiting all of China due to the new virus.

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MIDDLE EAST

Saudi Arabia, UAE caution oil market against gloom over China virus.

Thousands flee northwest Syria as Assad pushes closer to Idlib city. Syrian army reaches outskirts of key city in Idlib province: monitor.

Iraqi forces kill four demonstrators as protesters lose popular cleric's support.

US embassy in Iraq hit by rocket attack, wounding at least one.

Iranian nuclear agency says it can enrich uranium at any percentage.

Trump: U.S. won't lift sanctions against Iran for negotiations.

Trump to host Netanyahu, Gantz and unveil peace plan. White House to release Middle East plan on Tuesday: Trump.

Palestinians threaten to quit Oslo Accords over Trump peace plan.

Lebanon's parliament to debate new budget amid protests.

Ageing Iran airliner crash-lands on highway, injures two, as US sanctions block fleet upgrades.

Turkish rescuers find last quake victims; death toll hits 41.

ASIA

China confirms 2,700 cases of virus, 40 counted elsewhere.

Trump offers China 'any help' as virus spreads, markets reel.

Report: Mongolia closes border with China amid coronavirus fears.

U.N. seeks more emergency aid for Afghanistan as poverty grows.

Afghan forces launch air, ground attacks on Taliban, killing 51.

Nearly half of Afghans want US, NATO troops to leave following peace deal - Poll.

Myanmar warns sanctions over Rohingya genocide will push it closer to China and dismisses ‘debt trap’ concerns.

Huge crowds line New Delhi streets to see daredevil motorbike stunts, camel cavalry and thousands of troops in parade on India's Republic Day.

Kim Jong-un's aunt reappears, six years after purge rumours.

Magnitude-6.3 earthquake strikes Solomon Islands.

AFRICA

Tripoli airport hit by rocket fire as UN slams Libya arms violations.

Erdogan in Algeria: Libya conflict ‘won’t be solved by military means’.

Germany calls for UN sanctions in Libya crisis.

Mogadishu left reeling as conflict and climate shocks spark rush to capital.

Burundi's ruling party picks Gen. Ndayishimiye as presidential candidate.

Tunisia's Ennahdha party dismisses new coalition government.

Outrage as Zimbabwe seeks Uganda's help on corruption.

Gambia: 'We are moving from high hopes to a letdown'.

Man behind football exposé revealed as source of Dos Santos leak.

EUROPE

EU tells UK it will 'never, never, never' compromise on single market.

Irish leader says EU to have stronger hand in UK trade talks.

Germany plans to evacuate citizens from Wuhan: Der Spiegel.

Auschwitz commemoration: Holocaust survivors and world leaders gather for 75th anniversary.

Brexit withdrawal deal must be implemented 'with rigor': EU's Barnier.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec resigns, calls for new elections.

Italy regional elections: Salvini fails in left-wing stronghold.

Reported Pompeo comments put Ukraine in awkward spot before visit.

Prince Andrew giving 'zero' cooperation to Epstein inquiry, say US prosecutors.

AMERICAS

GOP defends Trump as Bolton book adds pressure for witnesses.

Donald Trump calls John Bolton's bombshell claim he directly linked Ukraine aid to a Biden probe 'FALSE' and accuses former national security advisor of trying to 'sell' book after $2 million deal.

Mitt Romney and Susan Collins say it's LIKELY Republicans will vote to call witnesses for impeachment trial after leak from John Bolton's $2 million book reveals he will say Donald Trump DID tie Ukraine aid to Biden probe.

U.S. Supreme Court allows Trump's 'public charge' immigration curb.

Bolivia's interim president asks ministers to resign after announcing election run.

Peru election: Crushing blow for president's opponents Popular Force.

Mexico homicide march: Kin of deceased protest high murder rate.

Kobe Bryant's helicopter pilot was given 'special clearance to fly at or below 2,500 feet in dangerous weather conditions' - relying only on his eyesight rather than instruments before the crash.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France warns U.S. against pulling troops from fight against Islamists in Africa's Sahel.

ISIS orders militants to begin conquering Israeli settlements and start targeting Jews.

France warns Pentagon Africa cuts would 'severely limit' counter-terror ops.

Poll: Many in US support Trump decision to kill Iran general.

Jordanian charged with 'terror' over tourist stabbings.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks tumble as virus fears spark sell-off; Dow falls 453.

China virus outbreak rams global tourism, costing billions.

Coronavirus fears hit global shares and oil price.

Oil prices plummet over fears of coronavirus outbreak spreading.

China & India to take control of one-third of global economy.