Reuters: U.N. fears Syria escalation will be like Aleppo and Ghouta battles combined
GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations warned on Wednesday of a full-scale battle in southwest Syria, saying it could affect a population and an area similar to the battles for eastern Ghouta and for Aleppo combined, and things were now moving in that direction.
U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura told the U.N. Security Council that such a battle could increase tensions with Israel and would compromise the small progress being seen in international political talks, which are focused on efforts to set up a constitutional committee.
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MIDDLE EAST
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Top brass refutes report that Russia quits deal on Syria’s southern de-escalation zone.
Iran's top leader says harm to economy must be punished.
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U.N. envoy due in Yemen as strains escalate with Houthi missile launch.
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Prince William meets Palestinian President in first Royal visit to Israeli-occupied West Bank.
ASIA
Mattis positive on China talks set to discuss North Korea.
Sanctioned North Korea ship seen accepting fuel in East China Sea.
Seoul: Railroad cooperation with North Korea does not violate sanctions.
South Korea's birth rate hits another record low.
Amnesty Intl urges trials for Myanmar military over Rohingya.
Myanmar officials 'played key role' in Rohingya ethnic cleansing.
Rodrigo Duterte sparks anger in Philippines over anti-Catholic comments.
Malaysia says seized items in ex-premier probe valued at €234 million.
AFRICA
South Sudan foes Salva Kiir and Riek Machar sign 'permanent' ceasefire.
Zimbabwe's president blames rally attack on Grace Mugabe faction. Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa blames Grace Mugabe faction for blast.
Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed ready to open new chapter in Eritrea ties.
Death toll more than 200 in central Nigeria weekend clashes.
Nigerian Christians protest against killings.
Libya urges UN to block oil sales after clashes between rival factions.
Morocco: Rif protest leader Nasser Zefzafi sentenced to 20 years.
EUROPE
Russian-US ties ‘not at their best’ due to internal political strife in US, says Putin.
Putin hopes Bolton’s visit to Moscow will be step towards restoring Russia-US relations.
NATO's Jens Stoltenberg: 'We don't want a new Cold War' with Russia.
Withdrawal from EU becomes law in Britain.
Angela Merkel's conservatives dip in polls before crunch EU migrant meeting.
Polish lawmakers vote to decriminalize Holocaust speech law.
German rescue ship Lifeline allowed to dock in Malta after port blockages.
French butchers ask for police protection from vegan activists.
AMERICAS
Democrats see major upset as socialist beats top-ranking US congressman. Upset of Democratic House leader points to party divisions.
DOJ says Congress must fix immigration after judge’s order.
Judge orders US to reunite families separated at border within 30 days. US judge orders reunification of migrant children and families.
Supreme Court delivers blow to organized labor in fees dispute.
Mexicans face ‘void of proposals’ on security in election.
Mexican leftist heads to giant stadium for campaign finale.
Venezuela just took a huge step towards controlling all access to the Internet.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Coalition strikes continue against ISIS targets in Syria, Iraq.
New terrorist threat as EU stance on migrants triggers disquiet in Niger.
US puts funding for UN counterterrorism office on hold amid NGO no-go - reports.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Facebook waters down ban on cryptocurrency ads.
Brexit: bank contracts worth trillions at risk, says finance watchdog.
Chinese stocks enter bear market amid U.S. trade war.
