World News Briefs -- June 16, 2020 (Evening Edition)

The Guardian: Beijing coronavirus outbreak: travel restricted to tackle 'extremely severe' situation

Restrictions on travel to and from China capital brought in as neighbourhoods sealed off and venues close

Authorities in Beijing have described the city’s coronavirus outbreak as “extremely severe” as dozens more cases emerged, travel from the city was curtailed and its schools and universities shut down.

Beijing residents were told to avoid “non-essential” travel out of the capital, and anyone entering or leaving will be tested for Covid-19.

Additional neighbourhoods were fenced off on Tuesday, with 27 now designated medium risk, which means authorities can impose stricter restrictions on the movement of people and cars and can carry out temperature checks. One has been designated high risk.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. to impose sanctions aimed at blocking Syria military victory.

U.S.'s Hook says wants in-person meeting with Iran on prisoners.

France says working with partners to pressure Iran at IAEA on inspector access.

Iran says virus death toll tops 9,000.

Iran warns against UN nuclear watchdog resolution.

Russia hosts Zarif, promises to stand by Iran on nuclear deal.

Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen removed from United Nations child-killing blacklist.

Greek PM in Israel says Turkey a 'threat to regional peace'.

Israel's West Bank annexation plan condemned by UN experts.

Lebanon to probe pound-dollar rumours after protests.

Saudi faces perilous hajj call as virus spikes.

ASIA

Taiwan says Chinese fighter briefly enters defence zone.

India, China troops clash at Himalayan border, 'casualties on both sides'.

U.S. urges North Korea to 'refrain from further counterproductive actions'.

North Korea threatens to send soldiers into demilitarised zone.

North Korea destroys liaison office on border with South in 'terrific explosion'.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam urges opponents of China's national security law to stop 'smearing'.

Beijing reports more new Covid-19 cases as WHO warns of cause for 'concern'.

China’s economic recovery from coronavirus in doubt as Beijing outbreak forces businesses to ‘wait and see’.

South Korea COVID-19 clusters rise after rules relaxed.

New Zealand reports two new coronavirus cases, its first in 25 days.

Doctors Without Borders closes Kabul hospital after horrific attack.

AFRICA

Bodies of children and others found in Libyan town after LNA retreat, Red Crescent says.

African nations seek scrutiny of US, others over racism.

Somalia, Somaliland talks touted as 'historic'.

HRW calls on Libya's Haftar to probe alleged war crimes by his men.

UN agencies to feed thousands of migrants stuck in Libya.

Tanzania's Magufuli dissolves parliament ahead of elections.

Mali ambush: Gunmen kill 24 in attack on convoy.

Botswana lifts lockdown on capital city Gaborone.

Amnesty calls for justice for protesters killed in DRC.

EUROPE

Trump says US cutting troops in Germany over NATO spending.

NATO chief plays down concern over US troop plans in Germany.

EU borders reopen: Many countries easing travel restrictions.

Enough applause: French health workers rally anew for post-coronavirus reforms.

French city of Dijon rocked by unrest blamed on Chechens seeking revenge. France reinforces police in Dijon to stop gang violence.

Moscow reopens museums and terraces as it rolls back coronavirus curbs.

Coronavirus: Hungary votes to end Viktor Orban emergency powers.

Press review: Prisoner swap with US being weighed and Czech-Russian spat explodes.

Eiffel Tower to reopen after longest closure since WWII.

AMERICAS

U.S. narrowing support to seven COVID-19 vaccine candidates, expects them to be free for many.

Powell warns that long US downturn would mean severe economic damage.


Trump signs executive order on police reform.

Liberal groups warn Biden could lose over policing policies.

Trump: Former adviser Bolton faces charges if book released.

Surging US coronavirus cases raise fears of new lockdowns.

Poll: Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years.

US retail sales in record rebound.

US to resume federal executions after 17 years.

Suriname's president loses election, leaves economic chaos.

Coronavirus: Peru economy sinks 40% in April amid lockdown.

Venezuela electoral board: Council rejected by opposition and US.

A convicted drug lord nicknamed 'La Barbie' linked a former Mexican president to drug cartels.

Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou accuses US of giving Canadian court ‘grossly misleading’ evidence summary in extradition case.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Taliban falsely claims al Qaeda doesn’t exist in Afghanistan.

Civilian deaths mount from US air strikes in Somalia.

Kurdish women volunteer to protect crops from ISIL.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street jumps on glimmers of economic recovery.

Global foreign direct investments could halve in next two years.

EU launches antitrust investigation into Apple.

United: Passengers who refuse to wear masks won't be allowed to fly.

US and China regulators reopen some air routes, letting some carriers to fly again as they back off from aviation standoff.