World News Briefs -- January 25, 2019 (Evening Edition)



CNN: Venezuela may 'spiral out of control' with at least 20 dead in protests, UN says

As two declared presidents vie for power in Venezuela, a UN human rights official says at least 20 people have died in protest-related violence this week in the Latin American country, sparking her concern that the situation there "may rapidly spiral out of control."

The 20 people allegedly were shot to death by security forces or members of pro-government armed groups during demonstrations Tuesday and Wednesday, UN human rights High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said Friday, citing "credible local sources."

This comes amid a mounting crisis inside and outside Venezuela over its future, with opposition leader Juan Guaido having declared himself acting president, openly rebelling against President Nicolas Maduro, whose opponents allege was illegitimately elected for a second term.

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MIDDLE EAST

ISIL 'caliphate' in Syria to be defeated within month: SDF chief.

Syria anti-IS forces must keep 'special status': Kurdish commander.

Erdogan: Turkey expects Syria 'safe zone' within months.

Putin, Erdogan agree on Idlib but maneuver on Kurds.

New US sanctions target Iran-backed fighters in Syria.

UK to attend US summit on Iran on condition of Yemen talks.

Qatar to disburse millions in Gaza aid with UN help.

ASIA

Indian PM Modi's popularity at all-time low; rival Gandhi closing in: poll.

Beijing tells Washington to abide by ‘one China’ principle after US Navy’s Taiwan passage.

China, US ‘less belligerent, more cordial’ as delegation heads to Washington before Liu He.

China reprimands US for sending warships through Taiwan strait.

Philippine voters back Muslim self-rule on Mindanao.

North Korea to use facial recognition system at airport, state media says.

Prosecute Myanmar army chief for Rohingya 'genocide': UN envoy.

Cambodia's opposition leaders in exile to return.

Detained Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun gets first visit from consular officials.

AFRICA

First face-to-face meeting in C. Africa peace talks.

Zimbabwe’s violent crackdown continues with reports of rapes.

Sudan protests against President Omar al-Bashir rock cities as death toll rises.

'The regime has to go': Sudan's ex-PM tells Bashir to step down.

DR Congo's people hope new leader will make changes.

Two UN peacekeepers killed by mine in central Mali: sources.

Nigeria government suspends top judge before elections.

UK and US issue visa warning to Nigerians.

Afrikaans scrapped at South Africa's University of Pretoria.

EUROPE

Yellow vests, opponents gearing up for protests in France.

NATO chief says missile pact in danger after Russia talks.

Greece approves Macedonia name change. Greece narrowly approves North Macedonia name change.

Foreign Ministry warns Russians going abroad of security threats posed by US agencies.

Ousted Ukrainian President Yanukovych found guilty of treason.

Germany pledges hands-on role at UN Security Council.

Germany to Venezuela: Hold elections or we recognize Guaido.

Russia warns US against intervening in Venezuela after Washington backs President's rival.

Europe 'coming apart before our eyes', say 30 top intellectuals .

AMERICAS

Trump, Congress agree to end longest government shutdown. Lawmakers, Trump reach tentative deal to reopen government: report.

Talks to end US shutdown take shape as urgency mounts.

Ex-Trump advisor Stone indicted in Mueller probe.

Trump denounces Stone arrest: 'Human traffickers are treated better'.

Dueling Venezuela leaders dig in defending presidency claims.

Venezuela: Juan Guaidó urges fresh protests and bids for Russia and China backing.

Russian mercenaries reportedly in Venezuela to protect Maduro.

At least 20 dead in Venezuelan protests; U.S. diplomats defy Maduro.

US State Department advises Americans to leave Venezuela amid political turmoil.

Brazil dam collapse: hundreds missing after mining disaster.

'El Chapo' personally tortured and buried enemies alive, witness says.

Canadian minor charged with terror-related offense.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

EU adds Saudi Arabia to draft terrorism financing list: report.

Canadian minor charged with terror-related crimes.

Taliban co-founder heads to Qatar amid Afghan peace talks with U.S..

Mullah Baradar appointed head of Taliban’s ‘political office’ in Qatar.

Profile: Abdul Ghani Baradar, Taliban's political head in Qatar.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street advances on Washington temporary shutdown deal.

China and U.S. among 76 WTO members pushing for new e-commerce rules.

Microsoft's Bing search engine restored in China.

Facebook to integrate Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp.

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