World News Briefs -- June 11, 2018 (Evening Edition)

Kim Jong Un is surrounded by guards as he visits Merlion Park in Singapore. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Reuters: Trump upbeat ahead of North Korean summit; Kim visits Singapore sites

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore could “work out very nicely” as officials from both countries sought to narrow differences on how to end a nuclear stand-off on the Korean peninsula.

Kim, one of the world’s most reclusive leaders, made an evening tour of sites on Singapore’s waterfront, on the eve of the summit that is due to get underway on Tuesday morning at a nearby resort island.

While Trump was optimistic about prospects for the summit between the old foes, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo injected a note of caution ahead of the first-ever meeting of sitting U.S. and North Korean leaders, saying it remained to be seen whether Kim was sincere about his willingness to denuclearize.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: Assad denies claims about Russia dictating his army.

Assad says West is fueling Syria war, hoping to topple him.

Militants preparing provocation in Syria to initiate US attack - Russian Defense Ministry.

Health crisis in Yemen's port city goes from bad to worse.

Iraq needs $90bn to rebuild after 15 years of war.

Iraq ballot warehouse up in flames before election recount. Iraq ballot warehouse fire 'deliberate': minister.

Qatar takes UAE to UN's highest court over blockade.

Iran's top leader seeks to clarify position on Israel.

3 Gulf Arab states pledge $2.5B to Jordan after protests.

ASIA

Summit day in Singapore: Excitement high, expectations lower.

Ditching entourages, Trump and Kim Jong Un to meet 1 on 1.

Elite Gurkhas from Nepal deployed to secure Trump-Kim summit.

US: North Korea talks moving 'more quickly than expected'.

Singapore stroll and selfies for Kim ahead of Trump summit.

Afghanistan: At least twelve killed in Kabul suicide blast.

Five shot dead in Thailand's Deep South.

Vietnam detains 100 after anti-China economic zone protests turn violent.

Three Hong Kong democracy activists jailed up to seven years for rioting.

India WhatsApp 'child kidnap' rumours claim two more victims.

First monsoon rains pound Rohingya camps in Bangladesh.

AFRICA

U.S. embassy warns citizens to consider leaving district in north Mozambique.

Crucial test of Ebola vaccine raises hopes, doubts in Congo.

Zimbabwe parliament drops call for Mugabe to answer questions on diamond mines.

UN peacekeeper killed in Central African Republic.

Libya violence: Fighting escalates in key city of Derna.

UN accuses South Sudan troops of gang rape in recent offensive.

Anti-Eritrea protest hits Badme.

I.Coast to destroy cocoa trees in fight against virus.

'Shocking' die-off of Africa's oldest baobabs: study.

Sphinx row reignites between Egypt and China after replica reappears.

EUROPE

'Fair trade, fool trade', Trump's tweets spew ire on NATO allies, Trudeau.

Italy claims EU faces turning point in migrant boat standoff.

Chancellor Angela Merkel: Trump's rejection of G7 communique 'sobering' and 'depressing'.

US unveils new Russia sanctions over cyberattacks.

Putin: Ready to meet Trump on arms race, rejoin G8.

Theresa May appeals for unity on Brexit votes.

Spain agrees to open port to 600 migrants in Mediterranean. Spain will accept migrant ship Aquarius after Italy and Malta refuse entry.

Nearly 200,000 protest for Basque right to secede from Spain.

Austrian chancellor visits Western Wall in rare move for EU leader.

Parisian mayor launches 'rat map' to tackle rodent menace.

AMERICAS

Mexican groups seek ICC probe of drug war crimes by military.

G7 summit: Donald Trump lashes out at America's key allies.

‘There’s a special place in hell’ for Trudeau for backstabbing Trump, White House trade adviser says. Donald Trump adviser says 'special place in hell' for Justin Trudeau as White House steps up G7 row.

Romney looks to lead GOP’s establishment wing.

Guatemala volcano eruption: Anger over lack of government warning.

Polio returns to Venezuela as economic crisis cripples healthcare system.

Venezuela’s collapse causes humanitarian and security crisis for Colombia.

Pope accepts Chilean bishops' resignation over abuse scandal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda in North Africa threatens attacks on western companies.

Shabaab targets base where U.S. soldier died with suicide bombing.

ISIS wives, with children in tow, are handed in Iraq long jail sentences or death penalty.

ISIL rape victims need culture-sensitive therapy.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street ekes out gains ahead of Singapore summit.

EU, IMF warn of US protectionism, back multilateral trade.

Higher-for-longer oil prices could hurt the global economy.

Bitcoin price takes nosedive as S Korean exchange loses 30% of coins in hack. Bitcoin has lost more than half its value since last year’s all-time high.

Tech supplier Foxconn under fire again over labor conditions.

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