World News Briefs -- June 8, 2020

Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a news conference on the situation of the coronavirus (COVID-2019), in Geneva, Switzerland, February 28, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Reuters: WHO head urges world not to drop guard as pandemic still growing

GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries on Monday to press on with efforts to contain the novel coronavirus, noting the pandemic was worsening globally and had not peaked in central America.

More than 136,000 cases were reported worldwide on Sunday, “the most in a single day so far”, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

“More than six months into the pandemic, this is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal,” he told an online briefing.

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MIDDLE EAST

UN agency says Iran is violating all restrictions of nuclear deal.

Yemen army troops briefly capture major city in Abyan.

Lebanon overcomes sectarian strife as army declares zero tolerance.

Turkey orders scores of arrests for alleged coup links.

Fatal police shooting of autistic Palestinian sparks outrage.

Majid Taheri: US releases Iranian doctor in prisoner swap.

Report documents severe damage to Syrian heritage and museums.

ASIA

India and China deploy thousands of troops over disputed frontier line.

U.S. talks with Pakistan about restarting intra-Afghan peace negotiations.

Fresh protests in Kashmir after Indian forces kill nine rebels.

India’s malls and restaurants reopen, amid record surge in coronavirus cases.

Anti-China sentiment sees Taiwan city boot mayor, opposition distance itself from Beijing.

North Korea: Call from South to North goes unanswered for first time.

Kim Yo-jong takes role of bad cop with Seoul as she's now reportedly in charge of inter-Korean ties.

North Korea's Kim stresses self-sufficient economy as tensions with South Korea rise.

New Zealand says coronavirus 'eliminated,' lifts all domestic restrictions.

Vietnam ratifies major trade deal with the EU.

AFRICA

Libyan government defies Russian warnings with plans to take eastern sites. Libya's GNA forces press ahead after failed truce offer by Egypt.

Egypt pushes plan to end war in Libya.

Mali to investigate after army accused of killing dozens in village attack. Mali orders probe into killings of 43 civilians in two villages.

New South Sudan rebel group vows to overthrow Kiir.

'Never again': Protesters march against Kenyan police brutality.

Tracking Africa's coronavirus cases.

South African schools reopen as COVID-19 lockdown is eased.

EUROPE

Covid-19: Europe continues to ease lockdown as countries adapt to new normal.

Experts: COVID-19 restrictions saved more than 3M lives in Europe.

UK starts mandatory 14-day quarantine for most new arrivals.

German foreign minister laments decline of US ties.

Observers sceptical over reports on planned US troop withdrawal from Germany.

France to ban police chokeholds following protests over George Floyd death.

Sweden to present findings on Olof Palme assassination.

AMERICAS

US coronavirus death toll surpasses 110,000. US coronavirus deaths top 110,000: Live updates.

CNN Poll: Trump losing ground to Biden amid chaotic week.

Democrats unveil sweeping legislation in response to protests of police brutality.

Minneapolis city council votes to dismantle police department.

Coronavirus: Hard-hit Brazil removes data amid rising death toll.

Brazil threatens to follow U.S. pullout of WHO amid pandemic.

Sandinista leaders fall victim to coronavirus outbreak they downplayed.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Three prominent jihadists dominate Sahel after death of al Qaeda leader.

ISIS is making a comeback, and Iraq's government may not be able to handle it.

Philippine anti-terrorism law triggers fear of massive rights abuses.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

OPEC decides to keep production cuts.

Saudis make biggest oil price hike in 20 years after OPEC+ cuts.

BP to lay off 10,000 workers due to depressed oil industry.

Tesla battery supplier Catl says new design has one million-mile lifespan.