World News Briefs -- July 13, 2020

Reuters: Global coronavirus cases rise above 13 million, WHO sounds alarm

(Reuters) - Coronavirus infections rose above 13 million across the world on Monday, according to a Reuters tally, climbing by one million in just five days in a pandemic that has killed more than half a million people.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there would be no return to the old normal for the foreseeable future, with too many countries headed in the wrong direction.

“The virus remains public enemy number one,” he told a virtual briefing from WHO headquarters in Geneva.

“If basics are not followed, the only way this pandemic is going to go, it is going to get worse and worse and worse. But it does not have to be this way.”

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MIDDLE EAST

IMF predicts worst Mideast downturn in half century.

Lives will be lost as Syria aid access cut, aid agencies warn.

Iranian officials urged to unite after nuclear plant blast.

Iran report details series of errors behind decision to fire on Ukraine passenger jet

Iran says virus death toll tops 13,000.

Lebanese rights groups face off against 'alarming' crackdown.

IMF warns Lebanon of high price of delaying reforms.

Exclsuive: Lebanese man freed by U.S. as part of secret talks - sources.

Alleged breaches of international law by Saudi forces in Yemen exceed 500.

ASIA

Taliban: Calls for halting war before Afghan peace talks 'illogical'.

Taliban launch deadly attack in Afghanistan for 2nd consecutive day. Taliban car bomb attack on Afghan intelligence compound kills 11. Dozens die in wave of Taliban attacks in northern Afghanistan.

Mystery pneumonia outbreak in Kazakhstan likely to be coronavirus: WHO.

North Korea blames United States for U.S.-China tensions.

Coronavirus: China confirms WHO advance team in Beijing to pave way for origins search.

Pompeo formally rejects Beijing's claims in South China Sea. South China Sea dispute: China's pursuit of resources 'unlawful', says US.

US citizens in China warned they face 'arbitrary' arrest in China.

China issues upgraded travel warning for Australia.

China hits back, sanctioning US officials and Congress members in response to Xinjiang ban.

More than 600,000 in Hong Kong cast 'protest' vote against new China-imposed security laws.

China floods: 'wartime' measures brought in to tackle worst deluge in decades.

Lawyer in Seoul mayor case alleges 'years' of sexual misconduct.

AFRICA

Coronavirus: Infections rising amid economic downturn in Africa.

Deadly under-the-radar heatwaves ravaging Africa.

Somalia’s army chief survives suspected suicide attack.

The violence in Mali has spread into the Tillabéri area of Niger.

Turkey: Ceasefire in Libya now would not benefit GNA.

Fake Libyan dinars, printed in Russia, fund Haftar's military.

ICoast creates military zone after jihadist attack.

Ivory Coast’s Vice President Duncan resigns, days after PM’s death.

Thousands protest in DR Congo over electoral commission appointee.

Remittances to Kenya hit hard by COVID-19.

Coronavirus: South Africa bans alcohol sales again to combat Covid-19.

Nelson Mandela's daughter Zindzi dies at 59.

EUROPE

Deadly border clashes reignite Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

Polish election: Andrzej Duda victory hands populists free rein.

North Macedonia holds first election since historic name change amid coronavirus surge.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says EU leaders 'remain apart' on coronavirus recovery deal.

Brexit: Micheál Martin says injection of momentum needed in talks.

Bastille Day: Muted celebrations in France under shadow of Covid-19.

Fourth night of anti-government protests in Bulgaria.

War crimes prosecutors question Kosovo leader Thaci in The Hague.

Spanish judge blocks new Covid-19 lockdown in Catalonia.

AMERICAS

U.S. June deficit surges to $864 billion.

Trump says he has a 'very good relationship' with Fauci amid White House criticism.

Newsom orders California to shut down indoor activities, all bar operations.

Facebook, US states join Harvard, MIT’s fight against Trump administration directive to deport online-only foreign students.

Latin America becomes second worst-hit Covid-19 region.

Mexico surpasses Italy to become country with fourth-highest Covid-19 death toll.

Trudeau admits 'mistake' while facing third ethics inquiry in office.

Report: Canada, US to extend ban on non-essential border traffic.


Intense heat wave persists for tens of millions, severe weather possible across Central US.

Washington Redskins officially drop 87-year-old 'racist' name after FedEx threatened to end $205million stadium sponsorship deal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG

Timbuktu war crimes trial set to begin in The Hague.

Bahrain court upholds death penalty for 2 bombers.

Islamic State inmate who grew up in London 'killed in Syria'.

ISIS 'still evading detection on Facebook', report says.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

S&P 500 and Nasdaq end lower after sharp drop in tech titans.

Federal Reserve's $3 trillion virus rescue inflates market bubbles.

Coronavirus: Oil producers expected to increase crude output.

'Tax us more': Millionaires urge governments to raise taxes to fund coronavirus aid.