World News Briefs -- April 20, 2018

South Korean soldiers dismantle loudspeakers that were set up for propaganda broadcasts near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, May 1, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/Pool

Reuters: North and South Korea start to dismantle border speakers, fulfilling summit pledge

North and South Korea began dismantling loudspeakers that blared propaganda across their heavily fortified border on Tuesday, South Korea’s defense ministry said, fulfilling a promise made at last week’s historic summit.

The moves are the first practical, if small, steps toward reconciliation after Friday’s meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the North’s Kim Jong Un.

Moon, meanwhile, asked that the United Nations help verify North Korea’s planned shutdown of its Punggye-ri nuclear test site in a phone conversation on Tuesday with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a statement from the presidential Blue House said.

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MIDDLE EAST

US-backed forces launch offensive against final ISIS strongholds in Syria.

Strikes kill 23 civilians in IS-held area in Syria: monitor.

Missile strikes in Syria kill over a dozen, mostly Iranians.

IAEA declines to consider Iran nuke claims by Israeli leader.

Europeans cast doubt on Israel's claims about Iran nuclear breaches.

Iran bans Telegram as sanctions deadline looms.

Knesset gives power to PM to declare war with single vote backing.

Israel’s use of live fire in Gaza protests faces legal test.

Palestinian National Council meets for first time in 22 years.

Holocaust row: Abbas accused of anti-Semitism.


ASIA

S. Korea, Japan, China to hold summit next week.

Moon shares economic vision for Korean Peninsula with Kim Jong Un. Kim Jong Un hungry for economic reform, Seoul says.

Three Americans detained in North Korea transferred to hotel, activist says.

Myanmar army killing civilians in escalating conflict in Kachin, warns UN.

Myanmar military assures U.N. of 'harsh' action on sexual assault.

Afghan security forces 'shrink sharply' - US watchdog.

US 'stands by' Afghans after deadly day for journalists: Mattis.

Japanese PM pledges not to move Israel embassy: Palestinian official media.

Taj Mahal colour change worries India Supreme Court.

AFRICA

Egypt's Army reportedly amasses troops on Israeli border for anti-Daesh campaign.

More than 60 killed in NE Nigeria suicide blasts. Bomb attack kills at least 24 at Nigerian mosque. Nigeria: Suicide bombers kill dozens in blasts at Mubi mosque.

CAR: At least 15 killed in Bangui church attack.

Morocco cuts diplomatic ties with Iran over Western Sahara feud. Morocco cuts Iran ties over alleged Polisario arms delivery.

U.S. denounces Burundi political violence ahead of vote.

Nigeria bans cough syrup with codeine after addiction outcry.

Ethiopia hit by power cut as dam's circuit breaks.

Relatives raise concern over 'missing' Russian citizens in Egypt.

EUROPE

Parliament vote falls short for Armenia's protest leader. Armenia crisis: Opposition leader Pashinyan fails in bid to be PM.

Armenia protest leader calls for general strike.

Paris May Day rally: Riot police use teargas, water cannon against anarchists. Police arrest hundreds at Paris May Day protests.


UK ministers attack Britain's upper house over Brexit vote.

Supporters cheer Maltese leader as govt faces pressure after journalist murder.

Mattis applauds Macedonia effort to solve name dispute.

Skripal poisoning suspects not yet identified, security increased for other targets, UK says.

AMERICAS

Trump says Kim summit details to be unveiled within days.

Trump pans 'leaked' Mueller questions, Manafort eyes leaks.

Trump hails bravery of crew, passengers aboard damaged plane.

US authorities remove Russian flag from consulate building in Seattle - embassy.

Dominican Republic breaks with Taiwan, recognizes China.

In show of continuity, Castro flanks new Cuban leader at May Day rally.

Senior politicians in Brazil could soon face swifter justice.

Brazil fire: São Paulo building collapses in huge blaze.

In Venezuela, five years of severance pay now buys a coffee.

Mystery solved: Why Trump-Macron friendship tree vanished.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Taliban control of Afghan districts remains unchanged despite increased U.S. military pressure.

US judge: Iran must pay $6bn to victims of 9/11 attacks.

Mattis claims Taliban ‘cannot win at the ballot box’.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple leads tech higher as stocks recover from an early loss.

Trump delays decision on steel and aluminium tariffs.

British Parliament leader gives Zuckerberg 3 weeks to testify.

Facebook to offer dating service for first time, Mark Zuckerberg says.

Never felt more like singing the blues: Gibson guitar firm files for bankruptcy.

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