Thursday, December 31, 2015

World News Briefs -- December 31, 2015 (Evening Edition)



BBC: New Year: Celebrations mark start of 2016

Countries around the world are marking the New Year, with festivities currently under way in parts of Europe and Africa.

Egypt, Greece and Turkey are among the latest countries to usher in 2016.

Earlier in Japan, people released balloons by Tokyo Tower, while South Koreans celebrated with fireworks and traditional bell-ringing ceremonies.

Revellers in Australia and New Zealand were some of the first to welcome the New Year.

Crowds counted down at Auckland's Sky Tower in New Zealand, with a laser show and fireworks display. Fireworks also lit up Sydney harbour in Australia.

In one of the more innovative celebrations, four divers equipped with musical instruments and breathing apparatus performed an underwater "concert" in a fish tank in Yantai, east China.


MIDDLE EAST

'People were shoving each other down the stairs and climbing over each other': Panic in Dubai as inferno rips though 63-storey hotel... but fails to halt New Year firework celebrations just 500 yards away.

Dozens killed, wounded in multiple suicide bombings in Kurdish-controlled Syrian city.

Before Mosul, Iraqi army may face fight at the gates of Baghdad.

Rescued Ramadi residents recount horrors of life in grip of IS. UN offers to help Iraqi refugees return to Ramadi.

Iraq says Turkey not honouring pledge to remove troops.

Erdogan vows no respite in Turkey's war on Kurdish militants.

Rouhani expands Iran's missile program despite U.S. sanctions threat.

Iran denies claims of rocket launch near US warships as 'psychological war'.

US planning new Iran sanctions over ballistic missile programme – report.

Iran-US tensions flare over new sanctions threat.

Iran warns against new 'illegal' US sanctions.

Kuwait to send troops to join Saudi war in Yemen.

Palestinian shot dead after ramming car into Israeli troops: army.

Israeli military admits destroying Gaza crops on border.

ASIA

Afghan leader says end to terrorism a condition for peace talks.

Pakistan-Afghanistan hotline set up to reduce tension.

Afghan protesters demand Kabul step up fight against IS, Taliban.

Philippine troops kill 10 suspected Islamist militants.

China sends Japan a ‘don't meddle’ message via an Ex-Navy ship.

Chinese shares end turbulent year down.

Two sentenced to death for murdering Bangladesh blogger.

AFRICA

Defections from Burundi army highlight ethnic divisions amid looming threat of war.

Mali extends state of emergency.

CAR defies the odds, holds peaceful poll.

Chibok girls: Nigeria ready for Boko Haram negotiations.

Morocco plays key role in Europe's security, but has jitters.

Republic of Congo sets presidential election date.

King of Mandela's clan jailed in South Africa: media.

EUROPE

Arrests, security fears dampen New Year spirit in Europe.

Munich police warn of imminent terror threat.

Brussels police arrest six over 'New Year terror plot'.

France deploys over 100,000 police for New Year's Eve.

Paris scales back New Year celebrations after November attacks.

Putin calls for cooperation with US in message to Obama.

Ukraine: Leaders focus on elections, cease-fire in East.

Crimea loses power as Ukraine line cut.

Germany's Merkel calls refugee influx ‘an opportunity’.

Spain gets 600 tip-offs about possible Islamic extremists.

Trump may be barred from Britain for 'public good' as petition gains 556k signatures.

AMERICAS

Security tight as terror threat looms over New York, Los Angeles New Year's celebrations. U.S. warily eyes New Year's threats in cities abroad.

S America: Over 160,000 flee worst floods in 50 years.

Venezuela top court bars 4 lawmakers from taking office.

Two UN police officers found dead in Haiti.

Mexico missing students: Mayor charged over 'gang ties'.

Brazilian Real weakens to nearly 4 reais to the dollar.

Texas 'affluenza' teen delays extradition, mother deported from Mexico.

Turbulence on Air Canada flight from China injures 21.

Rising floodwaters close parts of interstate highways near St. Louis.

El Nino weather 'could be as bad as 1998', says Nasa.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS are preparing for a ‘final battle’ against the West as air strikes and the loss of key towns force the group to change tactics, claims terror expert.

Syria ceasefire plan struggles to define a 'terrorist'.

Russia attack: IS claims shooting in Dagestan.

Ramadi residents fleeing ISIS: 'They wanted to use us as human shields.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple turns in first negative year since 2008.

Sky-high stocks book fourth year of gains, tipped for more.

Oil ends 2015 in downbeat mood; hangover to be long, painful.

Exclusive: Microsoft to warn email users of suspected hacking by governments.

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