World News Roundup: Italy summit; Brexit issues; Yemen peace talks; Asia Bibi


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 13-11-2018 05:39 IST | Created: 13-11-2018 05:21 IST
World News Roundup: Italy summit; Brexit issues; Yemen peace talks; Asia Bibi
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Following is a summary of current world news briefs.

Gunmen kill nine in Iraq's Anbar province: security sources

At least nine people were killed in Iraq's Anbar province on Monday when gunmen attacked the home of a Sunni tribal militia officer, security sources said. Captain Misha'an Hazemawi and eight other people were killed when gunmen stormed Hazemawi's house near the Karma district, some 16 km (10 miles) northeast of Falluja.

Libya rivals arrive for Italy summit after December election shelved

The rulers of Libya's rival east and west were gathering at a summit for the first time in more than five months on Monday, a week after the United Nations buried plans to hold an election next month. Khalifa Haftar, the strongman ruling most of Libya's east, arrived in the evening in the Italian city of Palermo for a two-day summit to discuss a U.N. peace plan to stabilize the North African country, in turmoil since 2011.

Thai junta and Thaksin-backed populists face off before 2019 poll

Battle lines are being drawn between Thailand's military government and the populist movement led by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra as both sides attempt to outmaneuver the other before a general election due in 2019. The junta has promised to hold the much-delayed election as early as February, a test of its promise to restore democracy amid widely held concerns that it aims to maintain a grip on power in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy.

UK PM May says Brexit talks reaching their endgame, issues remain

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday that there were still considerable unresolved issues with the European Union over Brexit as the two sides approached the "endgame" in negotiations for departure from the bloc. May's compromise plan, which seeks to maintain close trade ties with the EU in the future, is facing opposition from Brexiteers, pro-Europeans, the Northern Irish party that props up her government, and even some of her own ministers.

Canada's Trudeau says in talks with Pakistan over Asia Bibi

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday talks are underway with the Pakistani government over a Pakistani Christian woman whose acquittal on blasphemy charges against Islam last month sparked mass protests in the South Asian country. Asia Bibi, who spent eight years on death row in Pakistan before being released, is in protective custody because her life is in danger from those who disagree with the acquittal. Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, has appealed for help to Britain, Canada, Italy and the United States. 

Rohingya flee refugee camps in Bangladesh, as Myanmar prepares for first returnees

Dozens of Rohingya Muslim families on a list of refugees set to be repatriated to Myanmar later this week have fled from camps in Bangladesh where they were living, a Rohingya leader said on Monday, even as Myanmar prepares to begin receiving them. "Most of the people on the list have fled to avoid being repatriated," said Abdus Salam, a Rohingya leader at the Jamtoli camp, some 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh, adding most have fled to other neighboring camps to avoid being detected and forced to return against their will.

Palestinians fire rockets, Israel bombs Hamas TV after botched Gaza raid

Palestinians in Gaza fired scores of rockets and mortar bombs into southern Israel on Monday and Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, a day after an Israeli incursion prompted deadly fighting in the enclave. Three Palestinian gunmen were killed in the air attacks, their factions said. Warplanes also destroyed the premises of Hamas's Al-Aqsa Television, the Israeli military said.

Britain's Hunt says real prospect for Yemen peace talks but situation still desperate

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on Tuesday said prospects for talks to end Yemen's nearly four-year-old war were "more real" after Saudi Arabia confirmed its willingness to evacuate 50 wounded Houthi fighters to Oman for medical treatment. "It is a desperate humanitarian situation and so I impressed on everyone the urgency of the situation we’re facing," he told Reuters in an interview after meeting leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in a trip to both countries' capitals.

Amnesty International strips Myanmar's Suu Kyi of 'conscience' award

Amnesty International has withdrawn its most prestigious human rights prize from Aung San Suu Kyi, accusing the Myanmar leader of perpetuating human rights abuses by not speaking out about violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Once hailed as a champion in the fight for democracy, Suu Kyi has been stripped of a series of international honors over a Rohingya exodus that began in August 2017.

North Korea keeps undeclared missile bases up and running: U.S. think tank

A U.S. think tank said on Monday it had identified at least 13 of an estimated 20 undeclared missile operating bases inside North Korea, underscoring the challenge for American negotiators hoping to persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. In reports released by the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, researcher Joseph Bermudez said maintenance and minor infrastructure improvements have been observed at some of the sites, despite the ongoing negotiations.

(With inputs from Reuters)

(With inputs from agencies.)

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