World News Briefs -- September 21, 2020 (Evening Edition)

Daily Mail: Trump blasts President Xi after US Congressional report condemns China and the WHO for 'covering up' coronavirus with 'propaganda' and allowing a 'likely preventable pandemic' to kill 961,435 and infect 31 million people worldwide

* A leaked Foreign Affairs Committee report found that China did cover up coronavirus and that the WHO was 'complicit' in keeping the information hidden
* Committee members wrote that the pandemic was likely preventable, and Chinese transparency might have saved hundreds of thousands of lives
* The report calls for the resignation of WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus but advises against the US pulling out of the agency
* President Trump reiterated his assertion that China 'could have stopped' coronavirus and said he is 'angry' at Chinese President Xi Jinping

A leaked Congressional report allegedly found that China covered up the severity of the coronavirus outbreak there and, with the help of a 'complicit' World Health Organization (WHO), allowed COVID-19 to become a pandemic.

The report, leaked to the New York Post and set to be released later on Monday, says that the pandemic was 'likely preventable.'

Echoing its sentiments, President Trump slammed China's President Xi Jinping.

'I say it every time I speak. And I’m angry at him [Xi] because they could have stopped this, they could have stopped it easily,' Trump said on Fox & Friends on Monday.

Lawmakers claim that China went so far as to destroy evidence in order to downplay coronavirus, while in February clamping down on exports to US companies for companies, including 3M, which manufactures masks and personal protective equipment.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iranian commander vows to avenge US assassination of top general.

US issues Iran sanctions to enforce UN action ignored by international community.

Iran vows 'rigid response' to U.S. move to reimpose sanctions.

Khamenei says war with Iraq proved Iran can defend itself.

Iranians remember sacrifices on Iran-Iraq war anniversary.

Lebanese president proposes ending sectarian quotas to break govt deadlock. Lebanon's Aoun says country heading 'to hell' if gov't not formed.

U.S. sends troops, armored vehicles to Syria to counter Russia.

Iraq to bar pilgrims over COVID-19 fears.

ASIA

Afghanistan: Bloodiest day of fighting since peace talks began.

Taliban want 'Islamic system' of government as focal point of Afghan talks.

US warns Afghan women of increased risk of extremist attack.

China-India border dispute: New Delhi ‘expects Beijing to stand down first’ as top military chiefs meet. India, China commanders meet again on ending border standoff.

In speech to UN, Xi Jinping calls for mutual respect and cooperation between nations.

Pakistan opposition urges end to military 'interference' in politics.

Myanmar locks down Yangon region after record jump in COVID cases.

Taj Mahal reopens for first time since COVID-19 pandemic.

AFRICA

Former Mali defense minister named interim president, with colonel as his deputy.

EU imposes sanctions on violators of Libya weapons embargo.

Turkey to continue supporting Libya's GNA even if al-Sarraj quits.

Cameroon soldiers jailed for killing women and children.

Jawar Mohammed: Top Ethiopia opposition figure 'proud' of terror charge.

DR Congo president, predecessor meet over coalition tension.

Sudan leaders in UAE for talks with Emirati, US officials.

Kenya's judge advises Parliament to dissolve over lack of women.

Botswana says it has solved mystery of mass elephant die-off.

EUROPE

European nations experience second wave of coronavirus cases.

Covid: UK coronavirus alert level moving to 4. Covid-19: UK could face 50,000 cases a day by October without action - Vallance.

UK PM Johnson to chair emergency response meeting on coronavirus on Tuesday.

Madrid asks for Spanish army's help in battling coronavirus surge.

Covid-19: Hundreds protest against localised Madrid lockdowns.

Dutch daily new coronavirus cases top 2,000 for first time: authorities.

Lesbos: Hundreds test positive for Covid-19 after migrant camp fire.

EU response to Belarus protests hampered by internal divisions.

NATO's Stoltenberg: Alliance must expand influence to counter China.

Alexei Navalny demands clothing from Russia as part of Novichok investigation.

French carpenters raise a wooden truss as they painstakingly rebuild Notre Dame using 800-year-old techniques.

AMERICAS

China, WHO could have helped prevent COVID-19 pandemic: congressional report.

US coronavirus cases rise for more than a week to an average of 40,000 per day as half of states see an uptick in infections - but daily deaths decline as the overall death toll nears 200,000.

Bill Barr's Justice Department brands New York, Portland and Seattle as 'anarchist jurisdictions' and face losing billions for failing to maintain law and order.

Trump says he'll wait until after RBG's private funeral this week 'out of respect' to nominate one of 'four or five' names as SCOTUS replacement - but QUESTIONS whether Ginsburg really asked for delay and tells Nancy to bring on impeachment threat. Trump expects to announce Supreme Court nominee on Friday or Saturday.

Trump uses bin Laden raid to attack Biden.

US Government debt rose at a 59% pace in Q2 amid effort to halt virus.

White House ricin mail suspect sent SIX POISON LETTERS to the US – Canadian police.

US offers $5m-reward for Colombian ELN rebel leader.

Canadian police descend on Montreal apartment complex after an armed woman is arrested at the border and taken into US custody on suspicion of sending Trump a letter laced with ricin.

Honduras to move embassy to Jerusalem before end of 2020.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Reports: Bahrain thwarted Iran-backed terror attack in retaliation for Soleimani killing.

Islamic State, defeated U.S. foe, still brims with cash, ambition.

Bulgaria court convicts two over 2012 Burgas bus attack on Israelis.

Paris terror attacks trial recalls ‘terror’ and ‘cruelty’ of kosher store rampage.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow drops more than 500 points, S&P 500 posts first 4-day losing streak since February.

Global banks enabled 'Ponzi scheme', moved vast sums of illicit money, leak shows.

Airbus unveils plans for zero-emission, hydrogen-fueled airliners.

Microsoft buys Fallout creator Bethesda for $7.5bn.