Tuesday, January 24, 2017

World News Briefs -- January 24, 2017

Mohammad Alloush (C), the head of the Syrian opposition delegation, attends Syria peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan January 23, 2017. REUTERS/Mukhtar Kholdorbekov

The Guardian: Sponsors of Syria talks in Astana strike deal to protect fragile ceasefire

Russia, Turkey and Iran to set up trilateral commission to monitor breaches of ceasefire that came into effect last month

Tortuous efforts to install a credible international body to entrench and broaden the patchwork ceasefire in Syria have partially succeeded on the second and final day of talks in Kazakhstan.

Discussions ended with agreement among the three sponsors of the talks – Russia, Turkey and Iran – to set up a trilateral commission to monitor and enforce the ceasefirethat came into effect last month. Under the agreement, the three countries will act together to monitor the ceasefire, and take steps to urge those responsible for breaches to desist.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia, Turkey and Iran agree trilateral mechanism to maintain Syrian ceasefire. Russia, Turkey, Iran agree plan to support Syria truce.

Foreign powers back Syria truce deal, war erupts among rebels.

Iraqi forces battle Islamic State in pocket of eastern Mosul.

Iraqi forces gear up for anti-ISIL push in west Mosul.

UN fears up to 750,000 Iraqis could be displaced in western Mosul offensive.

Yemen army claims control of port city of Mokha.

Israel announces 2,500 more West Bank settlement homes.

ASIA

China hits back at US over South China Sea 'takeover' claims.

China urges Trump administration to grasp importance of 'one China'.

Russia says U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan would worsen situation - Ifax.

Afghan official reports Iranian, Pakistani aid to Taliban in Helmand.

Indian troops kill three militants in Kashmir.

Philippines' Duterte blames CIA for botched terror raid.

Japan, South Korea brace for Trump protectionist policies.

Papua New Guinea, Bougainville governments set up commission to oversee independence vote.

East Timor drops its spying case against Australia.

AFRICA

Nigeria suicide bomber 'had baby strapped to her back'.

Roadside bomb kills at least 4 troops in Somalia town: officials.

New Gambia president expected back in country by next week.

Gambia revokes state of emergency in step towards political normality.

Uganda's sprawling haven for 270,000 of South Sudan's refugees.

CAR becomes most dangerous spot for aid workers.

Libya says oil sector open again for business.

EUROPE

Ukraine says Russian sanctions must stay, rejects talk of Trump deal.

French Presidential candidate says Russia sanctions 'ineffective'.

Brexit: Supreme Court says Parliament must give Article 50 go-ahead. Parliament must vote before UK can trigger Brexit, top court rules.

Reports: Fake news targets Germany's Merkel ahead of elections.

EU escalates its campaign against Russian propaganda.

RRDP: Women fear violence and rape in refugee camps.

Germany sends second batch of Afghan refugees to Kabul.

AMERICAS

Trump backs Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.

U.S. budget deficit projected to balloon to $8.6 trillion in 10 years.

Trump's approval rating of 45% is record low for a new president.

Trump to meet with Mexican President on immigration, trade.

Trump adviser offers Canada reassurances on trade, Nafta.


Mexico captures 'El Negro,' son of Sinaloa Cartel leader 'El Azul'.

Massive wildfires cause 'greatest forest disaster' in Chile's history.

1 in 3 Californians supports secession – poll.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US kills 5 AQAP operatives in Yemen airstrikes.

Pentagon confirms first drone strikes under President Trump.

US bombing in Libya was linked to Berlin truck attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Alibaba raises guidance as strategy shift makes progress.

New F1 owners replace boss Ecclestone.

'Potential for China to join TPP' after US withdrawal, says Australia.

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