DW: Syrian opposition rejects Russian-backed Sochi peace talks
Several Syrian rebel groups have rejected Russian plans for a conference on Syria, accusing Moscow of war crimes. They also claimed Russia was trying to impose its conditions on the Syrian people.
Russia's planned peace conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi has come under fire from Syrian rebel groups who accuse Moscow of wanting to bypass the UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva to turn the conflict in Syria to its own advantage.
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MIDDLE EAST
Rebel groups reject talks on Syrian conflict hosted by Russia. Syria rebels, opposition reject Russia-proposed talks.
Syrian army halts military operations in Western Ghouta ahead of rebels evacuation.
Syrian refugees in Lebanon drop below one million: UN.
Mosul cathedral holds Christmas Eve mass for first time since Islamic State is driven out.
Hundreds arrested since Iraqi Kurd protests began: lawmakers.
Pope asks for 'peaceful coexistence' of Israelis, Palestinians.
Netanyahu to Guatemalan leader: 'God bless you' on Jerusalem embassy move.
ASIA
Pakistan, Afghanistan appeal to Taliban to join peace talks.
Afghanistan to unveil program of peace talks with Taliban soon – Beijing.
China, Pakistan to look at including Afghanistan in $57 billion economic corridor.
China halts oil product exports to North Korea in November as sanctions bite.
North Korea may seek better ties with Seoul, Washington next year.
Moscow ready to act as mediator between US, North Korea, says Kremlin.
India angered by Pakistan's treatment of death row prisoner's wife, mother.
Cross-border clashes in Kashmir leave 7 soldiers dead.
Pakistan to set up new European-style surveillance for foreigners.
Vietnam escapes worst of typhoon that battered Philippines.
AFRICA
Islamic State group releases 1st video of Somalia fighters.
Nigeria army repels Boko Haram Christmas attack in Borno State.
Explosion at major oil pipeline in Libya – sources.
S.Sudan govt, rebels accuse each other of breaking truce.
Liberia election run-off: Ex-footballer up against vice-president. Liberians vote in run-off presidential election.
Egypt executes 15 suspected Sinai militants.
Egypt wants World Bank to help on Ethiopia dam impasse.
Briton Laura Plummer jailed in Egypt for drug smuggling.
EUROPE
Brexit: German minister sees model for Turkey and Ukraine.
Russia-backed separatists pardon prisoners in step toward planned swap with Ukraine.
Putin accuses US of violating Cold War-era nuclear pact.
Russia election: Kremlin queries legality of boycott call. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's election boycott calls may be illegal, Kremlin says.
Russian media watchdog expects Facebook, Instagram to clarify reasons for banning Kadyrov.
French children’s mag yanked after insinuating Israel isn’t a real country.
Macron gets tough as France struggles to deal with migrants.
AMERICAS
Mexico murders hit record high, dealing blow to president.
Trump's Christmas wish: 'We've got prosperity. Now we want peace'.
Thousands protest in Peru after ex-president pardoned. Peru's ex-leader Fujimori asks for forgiveness amid heated protests.
Canada expels Venezuelan ambassador in tit-for-tat move.
Venezuelans scramble to survive as merchants demand dollars.
Venezuela’s opposition reinvents itself with soup kitchens.
Trump is the first president in nearly a century to end his first year without hosting a state dinner.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
China, Pakistan, Afghanistan resolve to fight terrorism.
Judge: American held by US forces in Iraq must have lawyer.
Chelsea bomber tried to radicalize inmates, prosecutors say.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Bitcoin recovers from brutal sell-off that wiped out nearly half its value.
A bitcoin implosion could 'spill over' into stock market, warns Wells Fargo's Chris Harvey.
Analysts cut iPhone X shipment forecasts, citing lukewarm demand.
