ABC News Online: US and Taliban agree draft framework for Afghanistan peace deal
After 17-years of conflict in Afghanistan, United States and Taliban negotiators have agreed on a draft framework for a peace deal, Washington's top negotiator has told the New York Times.
The newspaper quoted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad as saying the "framework deal, which still has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement", will see the Taliban commit to guaranteeing that Afghan territory is not used as a "platform for international terrorist groups or individuals".
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MIDDLE EAST
U.N. envoy urges Yemen combatants to withdraw from lifeline port.
UN envoy urges Yemen's warring sides to withdraw from Hodeidah.
UN begins Jamal Khashoggi murder probe in Turkey.
Israel's Netanyahu to eject foreign observers in flashpoint Hebron.
Iran warns it will wipe Israel off the map and 'any action against us will lead to their elimination'.
EU's Iran payments vehicle ready - but stuck.
Gaza-Egypt crossing to fully reopen Tuesday: Palestinians.
AP Interview: Iraqi militia leader wants US troops to leave.
After war, Iraq battles drugs as people seek solace in heroin.
ASIA
US, Taliban agree to preliminary peace framework: report.
Afghan president calls for 'serious talks' with Taliban after peace deal is agreed 'in principle' with the US.
All foreign forces will leave Afghanistan, says President Ghani.
Philippines vows to 'crush' attackers after deadly church bombing.
Shinzo Abe calls for normalization of ties with North Korea.
Chinese state media attacks Canada for sacking outspoken ambassador.
China encountered bump in Belt and Road, data show.
Chinese human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang sentenced to jail for subversion.
AFRICA
4 killed as gunmen raid army base in north Burkina Faso.
Cameroon opposition leader Maurice Kamto arrested: party.
Cameroon: Opposition vows to defy Paul Biya's government.
Tunisia's secular opposition forms new party.
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood calls for a unified opposition.
Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa 'appalled' by attack on protester.
Libyan leader defends efforts to improve life in migrant camps.
EUROPE
Risk of no-deal Brexit ‘very high’, says key EU negotiator. Brexit: High risk of UK crashing out - EU negotiator.
UK leader under new pressure to secure EU Brexit concessions.
Greece moves towards ending austerity with rise in minimum wage.
Angela Merkel: Israel has 'right' to defend itself against Iran in Syria.
France: 'Red scarves' against 'Yellow vests' to protest violence.
Spanish taxi drivers step up protests against ride applications.
German bloggers release classified intelligence report on far-right AfD.
Bloody Sunday memorial march through Derry marks 47th anniversary.
AMERICAS
US urges Venezuela army to accept 'peaceful' power transfer.
US hits Venezuela with oil sanctions to press Maduro exit.
Trump re-invited to deliver State of the Union on February 5.
Trump doubtful over border deal, says another shutdown 'certainly an option'. Trump sceptical a deal on border wall can be reached.
US lifts sanctions on Putin ally's firms.
Acting AG says Mueller’s probe is ‘close to being completed’.
Brazil dam collapse: rescuers pull bodies from the filthy mud as hope fades for survivors.
Tornado kills at least three, injures many more in Havana, leaving Cuban capital looking 'like a horror movie'.
Justin Trudeau fires his ambassador to China after diplomat said it would be 'great for Canada' if US dropped extradition request for Huawei heiress and implied her arrest was politically motivated.
Dangerous 'life-threatening' subzero temperatures that can kill in minutes is set to strike the U.S. Midwest and Northeast this week with over a foot of snow forecast in some parts.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Islamic State claims responsibility for Philippines church bombing.
IS in Syria confined to four square kilometres: commander.
US envoy confirms 'draft framework' with Taliban: NYT.
Duterte visits site of fatal bombings, Abu Sayyaf suspected.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Stocks slide as slow growth in China weighs on earnings.
Saudi says Venezuela crisis could hit oil market.
Trump to meet Chinese vice premier in trade talks: Treasury Secretary.
US charges Huawei in technology theft, sanctions violations.
