World News Briefs -- June 29, 2017 (Evening Edition)

A combination of file photos showing Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia, January 15, 2016 and U.S. President Donald Trump posing for a photo in New York City, U.S., May 17, 2016. REUTERS/Ivan Sekretarev/Pool/Lucas Jackson/File Photos

Reuters: Their fortunes enmeshed, Trump and Putin to hold first meeting next week

U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week at a summit in Germany that brings two world leaders whose political fortunes have become intertwined face-to-face for the first time.

Both the Kremlin and the White House announced on Thursday that the pair will meet on the sidelines of the July 7-8 summit of G20 nations in Hamburg.

U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster told reporters that no agenda had yet been set for the meeting, which is fraught with difficulties for Trump.

Allegations that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election last year and colluded with the Republican's campaign have overshadowed the businessman's unexpected victory and dogged his first five months in office.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq sees end to 'caliphate' as Mosul mosque retaken. Iraq declares end of caliphate after capture of Mosul mosque.

Iraqis fight house to house for costly victory in Mosul.

Chemical weapons watchdog says sarin used in April attack in Syria.

US-backed forces cut off last IS escape route from Raqa.

U.S.-backed SDF sees big risk of clash with Turkey in northwest Syria.

Islamic State turned on dissenters as Raqqa assault neared.

Syria war: At least 173 civilians dead in Raqqa coalition operations against Islamic State, UN says.

Yemen troops, rebels killed in battle for central province.

From destruction to cholera, Yemen war brings disasters.

Saudi official denies bin Nayef is confined to palace.

Israel: Ex-premier Ehud Olmert gets early prison release.

Qatar says preparing response to Gulf demands, calls them unrealistic.

ASIA

Thousands protest in Pakistan to demand security after deadly bombs.

U.S. targets Chinese bank, company, two individuals over North Korea.

U.S. to press China, others on North Korea at next week's G20 summit: Mnuchin.

NATO agrees to send more troop trainers to Afghanistan. NATO agrees Afghanistan troop boost but no combat role.

North Korea vows to kill South's former president as Moon meets Trump in Washington.

North Korea warns US it will keep building nuclear arsenal.

With an eye on China, Trump weighs stepping up pressure on North Korea.

South Korean leader to dine with Trump, meet top lawmakers.

China's President Xi Jinping arrives in Hong Kong for landmark visit.

Afghans doubt increasing foreign troops would bring real change.

Solomon Islands at a crossroads as Australian-led assistance mission bids farewell.

AFRICA

South Sudan says aid workers can not go to 'insecure' rebel-held areas.

Nigerian camps under strain from returning refugees.

France's Macron makes suggestions to Algeria to unblock Mali impasse.

Militants blocking aid to starving children in Somalia, charity says.

As South Sudan’s civil war rages, cholera takes deadly toll.

Gunmen fire on U.N. convoy west of Libyan capital.

Uganda's refugee intake dwarfs European countries as South Sudan crisis worsens.

Fears over UN's Darfur peacekeeping cuts.

Malawi and Unicef launch drone air corridor.

Nephew of assassinated Egyptian president mulls election run.

EUROPE

Protests, policy rows, volatile leaders — welcome to the Hamburg G20 summit.

Serbian parliament endorses new cabinet.

Russian government wants to extend counter sanctions on EU.


Italy threatens to turn away foreign ships with rescued migrants. Italy threatens to close ports to NGO migrant rescue ships.

Women, children returning from IS warzones: EU.

Chechen gang guilty of Nemtsov's murder. 5 found guilty in Russian opposition leader’s murder trial. All five defendants charged with Nemtsov's murder found guilty.

German and Russian foreign ministers trade verbal blows over Assad, chemical weapons.

Greek FM: ‘Nothing new’ on security in Cyprus peace talks.

Erdogan public appearances outside G20 ‘inappropriate’ – German FM. Germany blocks Erdogan rally around Hamburg G20.

Europeans line up behind Paris accord, free trade before G20.

Vatican aide Cardinal George Pell charged with historical sexual abuse.

AMERICAS

Court says NY skyscraper linked to Iran can be seized.

Mexican president to meet with Trump at G20.

Kremlin: Putin, Trump to meet on sidelines of G20 summit.

Tighter rules taking effect on travel to US from 6 nations.

Venezuela hunts rogue helicopter attackers, Maduro foes suspicious.

Venezuelan court bars Luisa Ortega from leaving the country.

Brazil police halt new passports due to budget crisis.

Brazil: Car rams gate of Temer's presidential palace.

Mexico opposition officials targeted by government spying: report.

Mexico: Outrage grows over record murder rate.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Khamenei's representative says Islamic state's Baghdadi 'definitely dead': IRNA.

Pentagon won’t seek death penalty in Guantánamo’s Bali bombing case.

NATO: We will do more to fight terrorism.

Jihadists are seeking beachheads in Asia, U.S. Admiral warns.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street hit hard as tech softness continues. US, European stocks tumble; euro hits 13-month high.

Companies, governments assess damage from latest malware.

Murdoch takeover bid for Sky delayed for extra scrutiny.

Sony Music goes back to vinyl records.

Subscribe to receive free email updates: