World News Briefs -- August 30, 2018 (Evening Edition)

Marco Rubio is pushing for sanctions against China, accusing it of "gross violation of privacy and international human rights." REUTERS/Mike Segar

Reuters: Group of U.S. lawmakers urges China sanctions over Xinjiang abuses

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday urged the United States to impose sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses of minority Muslims in Xinjiang, saying the region was being turned into a “high-tech police state.”

The group, led by Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Chris Smith, Republican co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Executive Commission on China, made the call in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

US Navy seizes hundreds of weapons from boat in Gulf of Aden.

Russia and Syria vow to 'wipe out terrorists' in Idlib.

Syria's Idlib: UN warns of chemical weapons, jihadis and humanitarian catastrophe. Syria Idlib: UN warns of threat to civilians if new offensive begins.

Lavrov warns West not to interfere in Syria’s Idlib.

Israel says won't be bound by post-war deals on Syria.

UN: Iran continues to comply with terms of 2015 nuclear deal.

Security Council renews Lebanon peacekeeping force's mandate.

Yemen faces new surge in cholera cases: UN.

Turkish lira left to tank as markets downplay contagion fears.

ASIA

Donald Trump says his 'warm' relationship with Kim Jong-un means no need for war games.

Trump blames stagnant North Korea talks on US-China trade war.

Trump ready to ratchet up China trade war with more tariffs: report.

Afghanistan doesn’t foresee a pause in fighting anytime soon.

UN calls on China to free 1 million Uighurs from alleged re-education camps.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi 'should have resigned': UN chief.

Exclusive: Fake photos in Myanmar army's 'True News' book on the Rohingya crisis.

AFRICA

South Sudan rebels sign peace deal. S.Sudan rebel chief approves peace deal with rival Kiir.

27 dead after days of clashes near Libya capital: ministry.

Clashes shatter illusion of security in Libyan capital.

UN extends sanctions regime in Mali.

Kenyan president rebukes Theresa May on last day of Africa trip.

South Africa violence targets Soweto's foreign-owned shops.

Former Congolese military leader: I am not 'the Terminator'.

11 million in urgent need in Lake Chad region: NGOs.

Bobi Wine: Uganda's pop star MP 're-arrested at airport'.

Conflicts may have killed 5 mn children in Africa: study.

EUROPE

EU Mediterranean migrant mission at risk of collapse.

Italy's call for France and Spain to open ports to migrants is rejected.

Anti-immigrant protesters chant 'Resistance!' in German city after killing.

Moscow says Lavrov-Pompeo meeting next month in the works.

It's time for realism in EU-Russia ties: France's Macron.

Trump says EU bid to end auto tariffs 'not good enough': report.

Dutch lawmaker cancels Mohammad cartoon contest over safety concerns.

AMERICAS

Argentina's central bank hikes rates to 60% as the currency collapses. Argentina raises interest rates to 60% to shore up peso.

Trump calls Mueller investigation 'illegal'.

Canada and US seek ways to salvage NAFTA as deadline looms. Canada, U.S. push toward NAFTA deal by Friday.

Trans Mountain pipeline halted after Canadian court overturns approval.

Biden eulogizes friend John McCain as 'giant among all of us'.

Mexico unable to cope with kidnapping epidemic.

Spain's Sanchez offers Colombia help to reach peace with ELN rebels.

US justice department criticises Harvard over 'racial bias'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US could send Islamic State 'Beatles', others to Guantanamo: report.

US military on track to match record 2017 for airstrikes in Somalia.

Soldier to plead guilty in trying to help ISIS.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. rally ends as risk-selling grows on rising tariff fears.

Apple expected to unveil new iPhones at September 12 event.

Trump threatens to pull U.S. out of WTO if it doesn’t ‘shape up’. Trump considers pulling the US out of WTO.

Subscribe to receive free email updates: