World News Briefs -- February 28, 2020

Reuters: WHO raises global risk of coronavirus from 'high' to 'very high'

GENEVA/BEIJING (Reuters) - The rapid spread of the coronavirus increased fears of a pandemic on Friday, with six countries reporting their first cases and the World Health Organization (WHO) raising its global spread and impact risk alert to “very high”.

World shares fell again, winding up their worst week since the 2008 global financial crisis and bringing the global wipeout to $6 trillion.

Hopes that the epidemic that started in China late last year would be over in months, and that economic activity would quickly return to normal, have been shattered.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said his organization was not underestimating the risk.

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MIDDLE EAST

Trump, in call with Erdogan, backs Turkey and urges end to violence in Syria's Idlib.

Turkey says will not stop refugees from reaching Europe after troops killed in Syria. Syria war: Turkey lets refugees exit towards Europe.

Iran sees 'difficult week' ahead as corona death toll rises to 34.

Iran health ministry spokesman rejects BBC Persian report of 210 deaths from coronavirus.

U.S. offer to help Iran in dealing with coronavirus 'ridiculous': Iran foreign ministry spokesman.

The rampant corruption spurring Lebanon protests.

Israel election: Gantz fights to reverse recent dip in polls.

ASIA

Pompeo: 'significant reduction' in Afghanistan violence.

Pompeo warns Iran not to be 'spoiler' in Afghanistan.

Indian police detain hundreds after Hindu-Muslim clashes in New Delhi.

Indian Muslims fear for their lives after sectarian riots grip New Delhi.

China gets back to work — sort of — as number of new COVID-19 cases wanes.

Hong Kong hoteliers say market’s a ‘disaster’ as 90 per cent of rooms stay vacant amid viral outbreak.

Turmoil reshapes Malaysian politics with Mahathir role in doubt.


Scott Morrison, Jacinda Ardern clash over policy to deport convicted New Zealand nationals.

AFRICA

Coronavirus: Nigeria confirms first case in sub-Saharan Africa.

DR Congo: Rebels pushed from last stronghold in Beni, army says.

Promising political stability, new Tunisian government takes office.

Cameroon’s ruling party retains absolute majority after contentious election.

At least one wounded as rockets hit Libya capital, airport. Bombardment intensifies in Tripoli, patients evacuated.

UN agency says 35 migrants rescued off Libyan coast.

Guinea to vote on new constitution after months of unrest.

Running out of time: East Africa faces new locust threat.

Zimbabwe's president appeals for help to end country's 'financial isolation'.

Sandstorms hit parts of West Africa.

EUROPE

Greece and Bulgaria crack down on Turkish borders as refugees arrive.

Greece steps up effort to protect borders amid Turkey's claims on Syrian refugees.

Post-Brexit talks: France warns UK against 'artificial deadlines'.

Liberal democracy at stake in Slovakia's parliamentary vote.

Montenegro's president accuses Serbia and Russia of undermining independence.

Major fire hits Paris's Gare de Lyon station: Arsonists start blaze then clash with firefighters during protest against concert by singer who supports DR Congo's president.

Pope Francis takes sick at Vatican for second straight day.

AMERICAS

U.S. lawmakers warned of wider coronavirus outbreak; White House urges calm.

'Market has gone too far' on virus news: Trump economic advisor.

White House: 'Media stoking virus fears to take down Trump'.

US Democrats grill Pompeo over Iran, coronavirus.

Congress eyes $6 billion to $8 billion to combat coronavirus.

Obama absent from Democratic White House race but looming large.

Mexico confirms first cases of coronavirus. Mexico confirms first 2 cases of coronavirus.

Coronavirus in Latin America: Health officials on alert.

Guatemala's new anti-graft tsar sets sights on government 'ghost jobs'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Clashes break out in Somalia, slowing fight against al Qaeda-linked insurgents.

Donald Trump says it's time U.S. passes war on ISIS to Russia, Iran, Iraq and Syria, focuses on oil instead.

How ISIS operates in Iraq’s disputed territories.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Coronavirus: Shares face worst week since global financial crisis.

Ex-Fed Gov Warsh sees coordinated global central bank action soon in response to coronavirus.

Coronavirus: China will ‘definitely’ meet US trade deal agricultural demands, but may invoke force majeure.

AI ethics backed by Pope and tech giants in new plan.