Reuters: EU nations back Venezuela's Guaido as Maduro faces rising pressure
MADRID/OTTAWA (Reuters) - Major European nations joined the United States on Monday in recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate head of state, while members of a separate regional bloc kept up the pressure on socialist President Nicolas Maduro.
The coordinated recognition by a flood of European Union nations including Britain, Germany, France and Spain followed the expiration of an ultimatum for Maduro to call a new presidential election, aligning them with Washington and against Russia and China.
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MIDDLE EAST
EU backs Iran trading system but warns on Syria, missiles.
Iraq angered by Trump idea to watch Iran from US base. US troops do not have permission to 'watch Iran', says Baghdad.
Trump: ‘We have to protect Israel,’ shifting again on Syria withdrawal.
US-led coalition jets strike Syrian army positions: report.
Jordan to host new talks talks on Yemen prisoner swap.
Israel builds new barrier along Gaza Strip border.
Netanyahu: Iran controls Lebanese government through Hezbollah.
Iran's first president says Khomeini betrayed 1979 Islamic revolution.
ASIA
US envoy, South Korean official discuss 2nd Trump-Kim summit.
Donald Trump hails trade talks’ progress, says meeting Xi Jinping ‘possible’ on trip to meet Kim Jong-un.
Taliban to join Moscow talks without Afghan government officials.
Taliban peace talks face skepticism from U.S. lawmakers.
Rights groups urge UN to probe China crackdown in Xinjiang.
Two-thirds of Himalayan glaciers that provide water to more than 250 million people could disappear by the end of this century, study warns.
Australia floods: Crocodiles seen in 'once in a century' waters.
Kumbh Mela: Millions of Indians bathe on most auspicious day.
AFRICA
New DR Congo president seeks to reassure security forces.
Al-Shabab claims responsibility for twin attacks in Somalia.
French air strikes target convoy entering Chad from Libya. France attack 40 vehicles in Chad airstrikes.
Central African Republic agrees peace deal with rebel groups.
Sudan protesters chant 'freedom' as police fire tear gas.
New DR Congo president seeks to reassure security forces.
DP World port manager killed in Somalia's Puntland state.
Constitutional proposals could allow Sisi to stay in power till 2034: document.
EUROPE
Protesters across Russia rally against taking Moscow trash.
EU countries recognise Juan Guaidó as interim Venezuelan leader. Venezuela crisis: European states recognise Guaidó as president.
Russian economy outpaced expectations in 2018.
Germany's Merkel drops hint of a 'creative' Brexit compromise.
Merkel and Abe meet for talks on trade and nuclear arms control.
Macron ‘mulls referendum’ to quell French Yellow Vest crisis.
Denmark expels two Huawei staff after inspecting permits.
Pope Francis welcomed in UAE as rights groups up the pressure.
AMERICAS
US prepares to start building portion of Texas border wall.
Fate of Mexican drug lord El Chapo now rests with US jury.
Political death watch: Virginia governor weighs his future.
Trump to discuss ending America’s wars overseas in State of the Union address.
Trump teases national emergency declaration could come during SOTU.
Trump: Will 'do whatever necessary' for wall on U.S.-Mexico border.
Leak of Trump's daily schedule prompts White House fury.
Outsider Nayib Bukele claims victory in El Salvador presidential election.
Venezuela crisis: US sending aid 'at Guaidó's request'.
Venezuela: Maduro hits back at 'gringo plot to overthrow revolution'.
Bahamas: 28 Haitian migrants drown in illegal crossing.
Ottawa bars RT and Sputnik from Lima Group meeting on Venezuela.
After record cold, Midwest and Northeast face another blast of winter.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US calls for repatriation of foreign fighters held in Syria.
Trump says he would send US troops back to Syria should ISIS regain strength.
Pentagon draft report warns ISIS could regain territory in months without military pressure: report.
Daesh cleric's wife sues UK spies for $1.3 Mln for beating, torture - Report.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Technology companies lead stocks higher after an early slide.
Super Bowl reaches 100.7 million viewers, down from 2018.
Oil prices slide after hitting 2019 highs on tighter supply outlook.
U.S.-China tariff hike would trigger downturn, trade diversion: U.N.
Ultimate Software agrees to $11 billion buyout by investor group.
