World News Briefs -- January 30, 2020

Reuters: WHO considers whether to declare China virus emergency as deaths reach 170

BEIJING/GENEVA (Reuters) - A World Health Organization (WHO) panel of experts met on Thursday to reconsider whether China’s fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak that has now killed 170 people should be declared a global emergency.

All the deaths so far have been in China, where the virus originated in an illegal wildlife market in Wuhan city, as have the vast majority of the more than 8,100 cases of the flu-like illness detected globally, according to official data.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: Rebel-held Idlib 'hit by 200 air strikes in three days'.

At least 10 killed in air raid in Syria's Idlib. Deadly strikes hit Syria rebel bastion as army advances.


Arabs prioritize key ties with U.S. against Iran in reacting to Trump peace plan.

US sanctions head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization – Treasury.

Palestinians push for UN action over Trump Middle East plan.

Israel shores up West Bank and Gaza troops, protests turn violent after Trump's peace plan.

Israel's Netanyahu in Moscow to talk Trump peace deal with Putin. Putin meets Netanyahu, reserves judgement on Middle East plan.

Fire erupts on Panama-flagged oil tanker off UAE coast.

ASIA

Coronavirus: Death toll rises as virus spreads to every Chinese region.

Hong Kong braces for spread of coronavirus.

S Korea officials face anger over coronavirus quarantine centres.

North, South Korea close Kaesong liaison office.

Seoul: 2.5-magnitude quake detected near North Korea site.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calls Chinese Communist Party the ‘central threat of our times’.

Japan prosecutors issue warrants over Ghosn escape.

AFRICA

More than 30 civilians killed in attacks in eastern DR Congo.

Burundi jails four journalists for 'undermining state security'.

Guinea protests: Anti-government demonstrations continue.

Libya civil war: Macron accuses Erdogan of meddling in conflict.

River Nile dam talks extended.

US general asks Europeans to do more for French in Africa.

Mali: Former junta leader to walk free while trial date pends.

EUROPE

6,000 passengers stuck on cruise ship in Italy over coronavirus fears.

Brexit: European Parliament approves UK's withdrawal agreement.

UK interest rates held as economy shows signs of picking up.

French govt, unions kick off talks on tackling pension deficit.

Macron’s party faces uphill battle in upcoming mayoral races.

US top diplomat Pompeo promises 'enormous benefits' to Brexit on UK trip.

Naama Issachar: US-Israeli woman released from Russian prison.

Greek plan to stop migrant boats with floating barriers.

AMERICAS

Claim of Trump's near-absolute power riles impeachment trial.

Trump urges lawmakers to vote their heart on war authority repeal after White House threatens veto.

U.S. bans 13 El Salvadoran officials over 1989 priest killings.

Mexico cartels: Three suspects escape 'with help from guards'.

Mexico's President AMLO under fire over migration clampdown.

Argentina issues food cards to low-income families.

US life expectancy up for first time in four years.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Isis starting to reassert itself in Middle East heartlands, UN warns.

U.N. warns of Islamic State's 'increasingly bold insurgent attacks'.

U.S. men who joined Somalia's Al-Shabaab now remorseful.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China's coronavirus epidemic threatens global economy.

Coronavirus: Technology giants join China shutdown.

US economy grows at 2.3 percent in 2019, slowest year of Trump presidency.