Monday, January 23, 2017

World News Briefs -- January 23, 2017

Reporters walk in the media center set for Syria peace talks, in Astana, Kazakhstan, January 23, 2017. REUTERS/Mukhtar Kholdorbekov

Reuters: Expectations low as Syria's warring sides meet

Syria's warring sides met for talks for the first time in nine months on Monday, with frosty initial exchanges suggesting chances of a significant breakthrough were slim as the country's six-year-old conflict ground on.

They sat opposite each other at a round table in a hotel conference room before a day of negotiations - sponsored by Russia, Turkey and Iran in Kazakhstan's capital Astana - got under way.

Both delegations said the focus was on the country's ceasefire, a fragile precursor to a wider political solution.

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MIDDLE EAST

Harsh exchanges make for a rocky start to latest Syria talks.

Iraq army 'takes' east Mosul from ISIL.

Iraqi general's tour suggests tough fight ahead in west Mosul.

Yemeni loyalists seize Red Sea port of Mokha.

Egypt extends Yemen military participation, amid reports of first Trump drone strike.

Israel approves settlement homes following Trump inauguration.

In 'very warm' phone call, Donald Trump invites Benjamin Netanyahu to US.

ASIA

Senior Chinese diplomat: China will assume world leadership if needed.

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

Taliban hint at opening with Trump as they seek departure of foreign troops from Afghanistan. Taliban tells new U.S. President Trump to quit Afghanistan.

Philippines tells outsiders not to use ASEAN as 'proxy' for rivalry.

South Korea ministry apologises over artists' blacklist.

China birth rate up after one-child rule change.

Japanese government panel leans to one-off law for emperor's abdication.

AFRICA

Gambia poised for arrival of new president Adama Barrow.

Gambia's Yahya Jammeh 'looted $11 million in two weeks:' Official. The Gambia 'missing millions' after Jammeh flies into exile.

Egypt: Attackers kill five soldiers in Sinai Peninsula.

Libya, neighbors hold talks in Cairo to end country’s crisis.

Mauritius: PM Anerood Jugnauth to hand over to son.

Police commander killed in attack in Somalia's middle Shebelle region.

EUROPE

Putin’s spokesman says still early to speak of 2018 presidential election in Russia.

UK PM Theresa May puts NATO on agenda for Trump meeting amid transatlantic rift. British leader to meet with Trump to discuss trade, NATO.

Merkel vows compromise with U.S. on trade, military spending.

OSCE to monitor Karabakh line of contact - Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

France election: Hamon and Valls in run-off for Socialist candidacy.

In generation shift, Sinn Fein names O'Neill as Northern Ireland leader.

Dutch PM Rutte: 'If you don't like it here, then leave'.

Greece's Supreme Court delays ruling on Turkish fugitive soldiers.

AMERICAS

Trump begins first week reaching out to Congress, world leaders. Trump calls on business leaders. Trump gets down to business, prepares to sign order withdrawing US from trade deal. Trump to 'massively' cut taxes and regulation.

Mexican president calls Canada's Trudeau ahead of NAFTA talks.

Trump must conform with constitution or he will be removed, ex Bush adviser Richard Painter says.

White House vows to fight media 'tooth and nail' over Trump coverage.

US lawmakers call for action on Venezuela food corruption.

Venezuela's opposition revives anti-Maduro protests.

Mexico deports 91 Cubans after U.S. ends 'wet foot, dry foot'.

El Chapo: US prosecutors seek $14bn seizure from drug lord.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Suspected US drone strikes kill three al-Qaida suspects in Yemen, officials say.

This is how monetary policy works in The Islamic State.

Trump staff, properties face terror risk with presidency.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Samsung blames battery design for Galaxy Note 7 fiasco.

Trump says Nafta 'renegotiations' with Mexico and Canada to start.

Trans Pacific Partnership could be reworked without Donald Trump's support, expert says.

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