U.S. President Donald Trump speaks by phone in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, Jan. 29, 2017. Reuters
VOA: Turkish-US Tensions Rise Over Dispute About Account of Presidents' Call
ISTANBUL — U.S.-Turkish relations have suffered another blow, with Ankara disputing Washington’s version of a telephone call Wednesday between the U.S. and Turkish presidents. The call was aimed at defusing tensions over Turkish-led forces' intervention in Syria.
Ankara has rejected Washington’s account of what U.S. President Donald Trump said to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, denying there was any call by Trump to de-escalate the military operation against the Syrian Kurdish militia the YPG in Syria's Afrin enclave.
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MIDDLE EAST
Trump and Erdogan talk, but there's disagreement over what was said.
Trump urges Turkey to limit offensive in northern Syria.
Air strikes kill at least 13 in east Syrian Islamic State territory: reports.
Syria, Russia accuse US of lying about chemical weapons attacks.
'Last hope' Syrian peace talks start in Vienna. De Mistura: Syria talks in Vienna at 'critical moment'.
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias form coalition ahead of parliamentary elections.
Russia's Putin to meet Israel's PM Netanyahu on Jan. 29: RIA.
Trump says U.S. aid to Palestinians won't continue until they return to peace talks.
John Kerry reportedly coaches Palestinians not to 'yield' to Trump in peace talks, spurring backlash.
Trump's Jerusalem move boosts Palestinian support for 'armed struggle': poll.
ASIA
U.S. imposes more North Korea sanctions; urges China, Russia expulsions.
North Korea calls for unification with South Korea and vows to 'smash' all challenges to achieving the 'breakthrough'.
Kabul hotel attack killed 40 people: official.
'Now is not the time': violence forces refugees to flee Afghanistan again.
China 'holding at least 120,000 Uighurs in re-education camps'.
Myanmar says Richardson dropped from advisory panel. Rohingya crisis: US diplomat quits Myanmar panel over Aung San Suu Kyi 'whitewashing'.
Hurdles for Abe as he braces to tackle constitutional revision.
AFRICA
Landmine kills 13 civilians in Mali, say local officials.
Thousands flee to Uganda as DRC violence surges.
Congo 'state agents' murdered hundreds in 2017, says UN report.
Video emerges of 'brutal summary executions' in Libya following twin car bombing.
Senegal massacre probe sees link with some Casamance rebels.
Zimbabwe president: 'Transparent' elections before July.
Egypt marks seventh anniversary of Arab Spring uprising.
DR Congo, Belgium in new diplomatic spat.
EUROPE
Trump touts 'America First' to sceptical Davos elite.
Trump hails 'great relationship' with UK's May.
Europe doesn't want 'permanent obstacle to dealing with Russia,' says top US negotiator.
German government tight-lipped on threat of Islamic extremism in the Balkans.
Syria war: Germany suspends upgrade to Turkey tanks.
Rise in migrant arrivals to Italy raises fears over Libyan lawlessness.
Milan train derailment leaves at least 3 dead, many injured.
AMERICAS
Trump promotes 'America First' agenda to 'World First' elite gathered in posh Swiss resort.
Trump ‘looking forward’ to being questioned under oath.
Trump says he’s open to pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.
Chuck Grassley concerned DOJ, FBI lost ability 'to do their jobs free from partisan political bias'.
Oprah not interested in presidential bid.
Brazil court upholds Lula da Silva's graft conviction.
Venezuelan refugees in Colombia face deportation threat.
Patrick Brown steps down as Ontario PC leader amid sexual misconduct allegations.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Pakistan ‘condemns drone strike’ that killed Haqqani Network commander.
U.S. military kills 150 Isis fighters with airstrikes, showing war against militants is ‘far from over’.
Beating back ISIS in Syria raises new challenges for US.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
2017 was a disaster year for global insurers, with record weather-related costs.
US 'not concerned' with short term dollar value: Mnuchin.
Cannabis growers in marijuana mega-merger.
