Wednesday, March 4, 2020

World News Briefs -- March 4, 2020 (Eveing Edition)


DW: EU 'strongly rejects' Turkey’s 'use' of migrants at border

The EU has advised the 12,500 migrants gathered at the Greek border that "illegal crossings will not be tolerated." France's top diplomat accused Ankara of "blackmail" after Turkey decided to open its borders to Europe.

At a meeting of EU interior ministers in Brussels on Wednesday, the member states said that Turkey was exploiting refugees to get its way politically.

A joint statement said that bloc "strongly rejects" the "use" of migrants by Ankara, saying that the "situation at the EU's external borders is not acceptable."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Erdogan demands EU help in Syria as price to end migrant crisis.

Two Turkish soldiers killed in Syria on eve of key Moscow meeting.

Turkey shoots down third plane as Syrian forces retake town.

Russia reinforces Syria before Putin-Erdogan talks - flight and shipping data.

Coronavirus has spread to nearly all Iran provinces: president.

Coronavirus in Iraq: Bullets, repression, Iran trump COVID-19.

IAEA 'asks Iran to explain possible nuclear activities at three sites'.

Iran refuses UN nuclear watchdog access to sites.

Israel election: Netanyahu seeks defectors after failing to secure majority. Israel election: Netanyahu seeks defectors after failing to secure majority.

Israel's Arab parties make historic gains as election support surges.

Palestinians protest as Israeli bulldozers clear land.

ASIA

China's economy could shrink for the first time in decades because of the coronavirus.

Japan coronavirus cases hit 1,000 mark as Tokyo insists Olympics on track.

Myanmar violence: Thousands displaced by fresh fighting.

US conducts first air strike against Taliban since peace deal. U.S. resumes airstrikes against Taliban to halt attack on Afghan forces.

Sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un insults South Korea in first known official statement.

North Korea blasts South's 'insulting' dramas and films.

Impeached South Korea leader implores conservatives to unite.

Malaysia's new Prime Minister delays Parliament as opposition parties challenge his legitimacy. Malaysia's new prime minister delays parliament by two months.

US navy aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt to visit Vietnam as South China Sea tensions simmer.

Philippines to resume aid talks with backers of UN drug war probe.

AFRICA

Libya envoy pushes for lasting ceasefire at Geneva talks.

Egypt bars Qataris over coronavirus fears.

US lifts embargo on 157 Sudan institutions.

Military restrictions hampering northeast Nigeria aid: HRW.

Aid agencies urge halt to civilian attacks in Cameroon's conflict.

Ethiopia: US being 'undiplomatic' over Nile dam project.

Kenya accuses Somalia of violating its territory in escalating regional feud.

Scientists turn to tech to prevent second wave of locusts in east Africa.

Inaugural Basketball Africa League postponed over coronavirus.

Mali village scarred by February 14 massacre.

EUROPE

Coronavirus cases in Britain rise to 85 in biggest daily jump.

Italy closes schools and universities until March 15 because of coronavirus.

Greece-Turkey border crisis: Tear gas fired on both sides. Battle at the border: Fire, smoke, and tear gas fill the air as Greek police fight back migrants trying to break through from Turkey after President Erdogan threw open its doors.

'Fake news': Greece rejects claims its forces killed a migrant trying to cross border.

Germany: Thousands of protesters demand EU open borders.

TWO EU officials working in Brussels test positive for coronavirus including one who had returned from Italy.

First confirmed case of COVID-19 in the EU institutions.

Ukrainian president removes PM in government reshuffle. Ukraine parliament appoints Shmygal as new PM.


French Parliament clears path for controversial pension reform.

AMERICAS

California, Washington state deaths add to U.S. coronavirus toll.

House passes bipartisan $8.3B bill to battle coronavirus.

Bloomberg out, Biden resurgent after Super Tuesday victories.

Michael Bloomberg ends US presidential campaign.

Peace eludes parts of Colombia as humanitarian situation worsens: ICRC.

Brazil's deadly storm causes landslides, killing at least 23 people with dozens still missing.

Brazil economy slows in Bolsonaro's first year.

Venezuela's Maduro urges women to have six children.

U.S. prosecutors accuse Honduran president of taking drug bribes.

Canada urges Iran to give access to downed airliner's black boxes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trump speaks with Taliban leader, likely first call between US president and insurgent group since 9/11.

Egyptian army says high-profile Islamic jihadist executed.

'ISIS far more advanced in using social media than UK, US', says India's army chief.

Pro-ISIS group warns followers against using blockchain messenger (BCM) App.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street surges on Biden bounce. Stocks soar on plans for more stimulus measures, Biden wins.

IMF chief says coronavirus wipes out hopes for faster growth in 2020.

Oil prices take hit from coronavirus scare.

Tesla downgraded Model 3 chip in China thanks to coronavirus.

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