World News Briefs -- January 23, 2019 (Evening Edition)





BBC: Juan Guaidó: US backs opposition leader as Venezuela president

US President Donald Trump has said he recognises Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.

The announcement came minutes after the 35-year-old declared himself acting leader in Caracas on Wednesday.

A number of South American countries, including Brazil, Colombia and Peru, have also recognised Mr Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president.

It comes amid mass protests against President Nicolás Maduro who has overseen years of economic freefall.

Hyperinflation, power cuts and shortages of basic items have driven millions of people out of Venezuela.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Russia and Turkey mull next steps in war-torn Syria.

Erdogan visits Moscow with looming Turkish military op in Syria. Syria on agenda, Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets Vladimir Putin.

'Rapid military escalation' occurring between Iran and Israel.

Netanyahu warns of 'lethal' reaction to any Gaza escalation.

Jordan officials hold talks in Syria on resuming flights.

About 19 million lack access to clean water in Yemen.

US backtracks on Iran-focused conference in Poland after objections.

Gulf Arab economies to grow more slowly through 2020: economists.

ASIA

North Korea's Kim expresses satisfaction for pre-summit negotiations, praises Trump: KCNA.

Afghanistan's CEO says U.S. has reassured on troop pullout.

US confirms its envoy held talks with Taliban in Qatar.

Afghan spy agency says it kills Taliban mastermind of deadly attack.

China on track for more growth, Vice-President Wang Qishan tells worried world elite in Davos.

Beijing says China and US are 'mutually indispensable'.

China deletes 7 million pieces of online information, thousands of apps.

Seoul accuses Japanese patrol plane of threatening flight.

Thailand sets March 24 as date of first election since Shinawatra coup.

Tonga facing 'absolute disaster' after internet cable blackout.

AFRICA

East Libyan forces call U.N. envoy 'opponent'.

Zimbabwe union leader faces subversion charge after protests.

Zimbabwe’s civil servants to strike on Friday over salaries.

Zimbabwe soldiers 'beating' protesters as crackdown continues.

Omar al-Bashir launches media crackdown as Sudan protests continue.

US warns Sudan to free protesters, probe deaths.

Sudan's leader visits Qatar amid protests.

US warns Sudan to free protesters, probe deaths.

US recognizes Tshisekedi after controversial DR Congo vote.

DR Congo presidential inauguration set for Thursday.

Nigeria finds more than 20,000 kidnapped girls in Mali.

EUROPE

France's 'yellow vest' protesters to field candidates in EU vote.

U.S. prosecutors press witnesses to testify against Assange-WikiLeaks.

At Davos, battle lines are drawn over trade and cooperation.

Angela Merkel tells Davos end of multilateralism means 'misery'.

IMF tells Ukraine to speed up reforms.

Sanctions on Moscow hurt the US long term, Russia's wealth fund head says.

Momentum gathers behind British MPs' bid to stop no-deal Brexit.

Germany seeks extension of EU's migrant deterrent sea operation.

EU urges crackdown on 'golden passports' for big investors.

AMERICAS

Maduro rival claims Venezuela presidency amid protests, U.S. support.

Colombia recognizes opposition lawmaker Guaido as Venezuela's president.

Venezuela’s Guaido declares himself president amid protests.

Venezuela protests: 'Four dead' as thousands rally against Maduro.

Venezuela street clashes and military unrest pile pressure on Maduro.

Venezuela opposition leader swears himself in as interim president.

Trump wants to deliver State of Union next week as planned. Trump said he still plans to deliver State of the Union address on Jan. 29.

Congress agitates to end relentless shutdown.

Trump threatens to cut aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador over caravans.

Crush of desperate migrant families seek asylum at border.

Across Mexico border from safe El Paso, violence surges in Juárez.

Bolsonaro's Davos debut overshadowed by growing scandal around son.

Pope visits Panama for first World Youth Day in Central America.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Global terror deaths lowest since 2009: report.

Kurd-led forces overrun last IS-held village in Syria: monitor.

S.African 'jihad suspect' dies in Mozambique hospital.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street edges higher as upbeat earnings dampened by trade, shutdown woes.

White House adviser Hassett confident U.S., China can reach trade deal by March.

China to pass US in retail sales this year: forecast.

Dyson to move head office to Singapore.

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