World News Briefs -- April 2, 2019



BBC: Brexit: No deal more likely but can be avoided - Barnier

A no-deal Brexit is now more likely but can still be avoided, the EU's chief negotiator has said.

Michel Barnier said a long extension to the UK's 12 April exit date had "significant risks for the EU" and a "strong justification would be needed".

Meanwhile, the BBC's John Pienaar said Theresa May's cabinet has considered plans to "ramp up" preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

A snap general election was also discussed in the meeting, he said.

A second two-hour regular cabinet meeting will be held later, with the issues likely to be discussed again.

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MIDDLE EAST

US-backed force tracks Syria jihadists after 'caliphate' falls..

Yemen's Houthis deny U.N. access to Hodeidah mills for 'safety reasons': sources.

Erdogan's ruling party suffers losses in Turkey's 3 largest cities.

Erdogan's AK Party challenges Istanbul local election results.

Netanyahu to meet Putin days before Israel vote.

Palestine financial hit: Civil servants' salaries cut in half.

Iran orders evacuation of 70 villages due to high flood risk.

Saudi Arabia paying Jamal Khashoggi's children thousands each month – report.

ASIA

3 Pakistani soldiers killed in renewed fighting with India.

Thai army boss urges political solutions to country's divisions.

US peace envoy returns to Kabul to speak with Afghan government.

Landmines take growing toll in Afghanistan conflict.

India's Congress promises to halve unemployment; Kashmir plan criticized.

Brunei sultan seeks conservative support with hardline sharia laws.

Australia's government cuts taxes ahead of election.

AFRICA

Libya chaos leaves city residents struggling for water.

Food security: Thousands of Kenyans face starvation.

Algeria protest leader vows more pressure despite Bouteflika decision.

South Africa's politicians feed anti-foreigner violence.

Europe accused of financing Eritrean project based on 'forced labour'. EU denies claim of funding Eritrea 'forced labour' project.

Mozambique flood survivors mourn, with thousands still missing.

Mozambique bracing for cholera outbreak after Cyclone Idai.

Senegal president pledges action on environment during second term.

EUROPE

Brexit deadlock continues after British MPs reject four alternative proposals.

EU's Barnier: May deal is the only path to orderly Brexit.

With British government, parliament and people divided, a disorderly Brexit looms.

Macron: EU 'will not be hostage to Brexit crisis'.

Timoshenko claims Ukrainian president’s election results were rigged.

North Macedonia deal: Greek PM Tsipras in 'historic' visit. Greek PM stops for selfie on goodwill trip to North Macedonia.

South Korea, Spain to hold talks following North Korea embassy raid.

Pope Francis says 'fake news' stirs up hatred as he warns culture has 'lost its sense of truth and bends the facts to suit particular interests'.

AMERICAS

Trump says no healthcare vote until after 2020 election.

Trump seems inclined to close border despite potential chaos.

US Democrats ramp up subpoena threats.

Joe Biden: Second woman accuses ex-VP of unwanted touching.

Venezuelan judge moves to strip Juan Guaido's immunity.

Uruguay leader sacks top military officials over 'cover-up'.

Canada warming at twice the global rate, climate report finds.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Central Command: Eight airstrikes conducted against al Qaeda in Yemen since Jan. 1.

Surprising arrest of Islamic State suspects in the Philippines.

'I didn't hate America... I'll be a model citizen if you let me back': ISIS bride from Alabama begs to return home five years after leaving to join ISIS in Syria and calling for US Muslims 'spill blood' at Memorial Day events.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global tensions to force trade slowdown in 2019: WTO. WTO cuts economic outlook, calls for 'urgent' end to trade wars.

Saudi Aramco made $111 billion in 2018, topping Apple as the world’s most profitable company.

Nasa: India's satellite destruction could endanger ISS.

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