World News Briefs -- April 2, 2019 (Evening Edition)



AFP: Algeria's under-fire President quits after 20 years amid an upsurge of public anger at his rule and army demands for him to go

* President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 82, has stepped down from office after ruling Algeria for the past 20 years
* Earlier this year Bouteflika had announced his intention to seek a fifth term of office causing many protests
* There were scenes of jubilation in Algiers after the 82-year-old confirmed his decision to relinquish power
* Algerians will head to the polls within the next 90 days to elect their new president for the next five-year term

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has stepped down after 20 years in office and weeks of massive nationwide protests aimed at pushing him out of power.

The announcement followed a call from the powerful army chief for the ailing president, 82, to 'immediately' take up his proposal to bow out while respecting the constitution.

The official APS news agency said that Bouteflika had notified the Constitutional Council of his decision to end his mandate.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran braces as floods set to spread to oil-rich region.

Floods hit 40,000 displaced people in northwest Syria: UN.

US-backed force tracks Syria jihadists after 'caliphate' falls..

Yemen's Houthis deny U.N. access to Hodeidah mills for 'safety reasons': sources.

Erdogan's ruling party suffers losses in Turkey's 3 largest cities.

Erdogan's AK Party challenges Istanbul local election results.

Netanyahu to meet Putin days before Israel vote.

Palestine financial hit: Civil servants' salaries cut in half.

Iran orders evacuation of 70 villages due to high flood risk.

Saudi Arabia paying Jamal Khashoggi's children thousands each month – report.

Millions of pilgrims travel to Shiite shrine in Iraqi capital.

ASIA

US warns Beijing against force after Taiwan incursion.

Malaysia ex-PM Najib to go on trial for corruption.

3 Pakistani soldiers killed in renewed fighting with India.

Thai army boss urges political solutions to country's divisions.

US peace envoy returns to Kabul to speak with Afghan government.

Landmines take growing toll in Afghanistan conflict.

India's Congress promises to halve unemployment; Kashmir plan criticized.

Brunei sultan seeks conservative support with hardline sharia laws.

Australia's government cuts taxes ahead of election.

AFRICA

Algeria's Bouteflika submits resignation: state TV.

Algeria’s next in line: Bouteflika loyalist Abdelkader Bensalah.

IS-backed Boko Haram faction publishes 'execution' video.

French military doctor killed in Mali.

Former SLeone authorities accused of siphoning off $1 billion.

Libya chaos leaves city residents struggling for water.

Food security: Thousands of Kenyans face starvation.

Algeria protest leader vows more pressure despite Bouteflika decision.

South Africa's politicians feed anti-foreigner violence.

Europe accused of financing Eritrean project based on 'forced labour'. EU denies claim of funding Eritrea 'forced labour' project.

Mozambique flood survivors mourn, with thousands still missing.

Mozambique bracing for cholera outbreak after Cyclone Idai. Cholera kills two, infects 1,400 in cyclone-hit Mozambique.

Senegal president pledges action on environment during second term.

EUROPE

May: UK to seek further Brexit delay, try to break logjam. UK’s Theresa May to request further Brexit delay.

Brexit deadlock continues after British MPs reject four alternative proposals.

EU's Barnier: May deal is the only path to orderly Brexit.

With British government, parliament and people divided, a disorderly Brexit looms.

Macron: EU 'will not be hostage to Brexit crisis'.

Timoshenko claims Ukrainian president’s election results were rigged.

North Macedonia deal: Greek PM Tsipras in 'historic' visit. Greek PM stops for selfie on goodwill trip to North Macedonia.

South Korea, Spain to hold talks following North Korea embassy raid.

Pope Francis says 'fake news' stirs up hatred as he warns culture has 'lost its sense of truth and bends the facts to suit particular interests'.

AMERICAS

Chinese woman arrested by Secret Service at Trump's Mar-a-Lago.

Trump says '100%' ready to shut down Mexico border. Trump takes step back from threat to close border with Mexico.

Trump says no healthcare vote until after 2020 election.

Trump seems inclined to close border despite potential chaos.

US Democrats ramp up subpoena threats.

Joe Biden: Second woman accuses ex-VP of unwanted touching.

Venezuelan judge moves to strip Juan Guaido's immunity.

Uruguay leader sacks top military officials over 'cover-up'.

Canada warming at twice the global rate, climate report finds.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Red Cross wants to send IS children back.

Who are the 12 accused French jihadists to be tried by Iraq?

Central Command: Eight airstrikes conducted against al Qaeda in Yemen since Jan. 1.

Surprising arrest of Islamic State suspects in the Philippines.

'I didn't hate America... I'll be a model citizen if you let me back': ISIS bride from Alabama begs to return home five years after leaving to join ISIS in Syria and calling for US Muslims 'spill blood' at Memorial Day events.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street treads water after rally, Walgreens slumps on profit warning.

Global tensions to force trade slowdown in 2019: WTO. WTO cuts economic outlook, calls for 'urgent' end to trade wars.

Saudi Aramco made $111 billion in 2018, topping Apple as the world’s most profitable company.

Nasa: India's satellite destruction could endanger ISS.

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