Reuters: Trump says U.S. to quit Paris climate pact; allies voice dismay
President Donald Trump on Thursday said he will withdraw the United States from the landmark 2015 global agreement to fight climate change, spurning pleas from U.S. allies and corporate leaders in an action that fulfilled a major campaign pledge.
Supporters of the accord condemned Trump's move as an abdication of American leadership, an international disgrace and a monumental foreign policy blunder. His predecessor, Barack Obama, expressed regret over the pullout from a deal he was instrumental in brokering.
"We're getting out," Trump said at a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden in which he decried the Paris accord's "draconian" financial and economic burdens. He said American withdrawal "represents a reassertion of American sovereignty."
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MIDDLE EAST
U.S. hikes 'combat power' in Syria, with eye on Iran-backed militia.
In Iraq, IS seals off area around symbolic mosque in Mosul.
Iraq forces move on IS in Mosul but civilians slow advance. Dozens of fleeing civilians killed, wounded by Islamic State mortar fire in Mosul.
US ignores evidence of atrocities by blacklisted Iraqi military unit.
Oil tanker fired on off Yemen: Saudi-led coalition.
13 Turkish troops die in helicopter crash near Iraq border.
Car bomb explodes in eastern Saudi Arabia: TV.
Trump to keep US embassy in Tel Aviv - for now.
ASIA
Gunfire, blasts hit Philippine casino; terror ties doubted.
Proposed UN resolution would sanction 15 North Koreans. US boosts N.Korea sanctions over nuclear program. U.S. sanctions more, including Russians, over North Korea arms.
Death toll rises after Kabul bomb, extensive damage to German embassy.
Afghan military helicopter destroyed in Taliban IED attack.
11 US citizens injured in Kabul blast.
Kabul bomb: Pakistan says Afghan claim 'baseless'.
Philippine crisis deepens as air strike on rebels kills 11 soldiers. Philippine airstrike kills 11 soldiers in Marawi friendly fire.
Islamist militants resist week-long military assault in southern Philippines.
Report: Kim Jong Un guides missile tests near luxury villas.
Report: North Korea enacts death penalty for distributing foreign media.
Japan, US conduct joint naval drill off Korean peninsula.
Sri Lanka pressed over anti-Muslim hate crimes.
AFRICA
US, EU urge end to renewed fighting in Sudan's Darfur.
French soldiers wounded in Mali mortar attack: army.
Libya unity forces take control of Tripoli airport. Libya's U.N.-backed government moves to secure Tripoli's main airport.
Six killed in attack on Niger military post: security source.
Tunisians get jail terms for eating during Ramadan.
US senators criticize Egypt’s crackdown on NGOs.
Over 40 people 'die of thirst' in Sahara Desert.
China rejects Uganda ivory trafficking claims against diplomats.
South African leaked emails heap more pressure on Zuma.
Ethiopia blocks internet 'to stop exam cheats'.
EUROPE
Prime Minister May loses ground in latest UK poll.
France warns of risk of war in cyberspace.
EU leader urges Trump to stay in Paris climate deal.
UK election: Jeremy Corbyn ridicules Theresa May for refusing to debate as race tightens. BBC debate: Rivals attack Theresa May over absence.
Putin denies involvement in hacking, hails Trump.
Putin, Modi talk business at St. Petersburg forum.
Merkel: Germany, China must expand partnership in 'times of global uncertainty'.
Russia, Moldova expel respective diplomats.
Macedonian MPs vote in new government after deadlock.
Russia Black Sea air crash: Pilot error blamed.
George Soros attacks Hungarian president for building a 'mafia state'.
AMERICAS
Trump pulling US from global climate pact, dismaying allies.
Senate to hear from Comey; Dems raise new Sessions questions.
Trump to announce decision on Paris climate pact Thursday.
U.S. says ‘no agreements’ with Russia amid reports some sanctions could be lifted.
How Trump is smashing Obama’s legacy with decision to exit Paris climate deal.
Clinton blames loss on US-Russia collusion against her.
Exclusive: Cuba warns of human trafficking risk due to frosty U.S. ties.
OAS fails to agree on Venezuela as protests continue.
Move to re-write Venezuelan constitution amid planned protests.
Brazil emerges from recession as GDP grows 1%.
Cuban entrepreneurs start first private business group.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Report: Worldwide terrorism at all-time high.
Saudi-owned TV drama fights Islamic State propaganda.
UK military ends week-long counter-terrorism deployment.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street rises as data points to accelerating economy.
Elon Musk says quitting White House advisory panels.
Apple says payouts from App Store total $70 bn.
Facebook, Google crack down on hate speech: EU.
Brazil meat-packing giant JBS to pay record $3.2bn corruption fine.