Reuters: Belarus says police fired live rounds at protesters as EU weighs sanctions
MINSK (Reuters) - Belarus said on Wednesday that police had fired live rounds at protesters in the city of Brest and arrested more than 1,000 people nationwide, intensifying a crackdown that has prompted the European Union to weigh new sanctions on Minsk.
Security forces have clashed with protesters for three consecutive nights after strongman President Alexander Lukashenko claimed a landslide re-election victory in a vote on Sunday that his opponents say was rigged.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets again on Wednesday. Women dressed in white formed a human chain outside a covered food market in the capital Minsk, while a crowd also gathered outside a prison where protesters were being kept.
Lukashenko has sought better ties with the West amid strained relations with traditional ally Russia. Brussels lifted sanctions, imposed over Lukashenko’s human rights record, in 2016 but will consider new measures this week.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraq army says Turkish drone killed two high-ranking commanders.
Baghdad summons Turkish ambassador after cross-border strike on Kurdish rebels kills 2 Iraqi commanders.
Explosions target 2 U.S. supply convoys in Iraq.
One week after Beirut blast, Lebanese call for downfall of president and political elite.
Lebanon economy minister says has flour to last four months.
Iran sentences 2 men to prison over spying for Germany, Israel and the UK.
U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo defends Saudi arms sales after watchdog report.
Turkey says it wants to resolve dispute with Greece through dialogue.
ASIA
China-India border talks stall, sparking calls for Modi to get tough on Beijing.
China blasts US for Taiwan visit while virus spreads at home.
National security law: Hong Kong’s US exports to be relabelled ‘Made in China’.
Auckland locked down as Jacinda Ardern announces New Zealand's first coronavirus cases in 102 days. New Zealand’s largest city back in lockdown after first local cases in 102 days.
Australia's worst-hit state 'flattening' virus curve.
Philippines' Duterte volunteers to be Putin's coronavirus vaccine guinea pig.
Thailand protesters 'cross the Rubicon' and risk all to criticise the monarchy.
Six million mobile phones in use in North Korea, research says.
AFRICA
UN: 70 killed in South Sudan clashes between army, civilians.
Malian protesters regroup to demand the resignation of President Keita.
West Africa mediator urges end to Mali protests.
Envoys fail to meet opposition amid Zimbabwe crisis.
Egyptians vote for revived upper house of Parliament.
Niger wrestles with security challenges ahead of presidential election.
At least 6 dead amid push to form new Ethiopia region: rights body.
Crack in freighter leaking oil off Mauritius coast widens.
Outcry in Somalia as new bill would allow child marriage.
EUROPE
Belarus protesters and police clash for third night as EU threatens sanctions.
Over 1,000 detained in latest Belarus election protests.
Belarus opposition leader Tikhanovskaya flees to Lithuania after second night of protests. Fresh clashes in Belarus as opposition leader flees country citing children's safety.
EU threatens Belarus with 'measures against those responsible'.
Coronavirus: Cases surge as France goes 'wrong way'.
Vladimir Putin says Russia has approved world's first coronavirus vaccine, despite WHO warnings about rushing it through. Russia's Putin claims victory in global coronavirus vaccine race.
Russia receives orders from 20 countries for ONE BILLION doses of world’s first Covid-19 vaccine.
Vladimir Putin's coronavirus vaccine 'was approved after tests on only 38 people' and 'causes side-effects including fever, pain and swelling', official Russian documents reveal.
Germany warns Russia of 'consequences' over Berlin Chechen murder.
German police launch raids in Russia money laundering probe.
‘Hard times are here’: UK suffers WORST economic meltdown in Europe with over 20% GDP contraction.
Majority of Scots support independence from UK - YouGov poll.
Police uncover largest-ever cocaine lab in Netherlands.
AMERICAS
Biden picks Kamala Harris as running mate, first Black woman.
How Trump reacted to Biden’s VP pick Kamala Harris: she’s horrible and nasty.
Have we FINALLY turned the COVID corner? US coronavirus deaths drop for first time in over a month as national infections decline following Sunbelt surge and only 11 states see increase in cases.
Trump urges Portland to bring in National Guard amid unrest, warns officials they will be 'held responsible'.
Bolivia: Opposition blocks roads, demand election goes ahead.
Bolivia's military and police called on political leaders to dialogue and lift blockades.
Mexico: Former president accused of receiving bribes.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Somalia prison: Deadly shootout after al-Shabab militants attempt escape.
Nigeria: ISIS, Al Qaeda penetrating Northwest, seek to expand into South, U.S. warns Nigeria.
Turkish General who discovered Qatar’s funding of extremists, ISIS oil smuggling is executed.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
World stocks edge higher as US aid talks remain in focus.
Oil prices boosted by expectations for fall in crude inventories.
Exclusive: U.S. ban on TikTok could cut it off from app stores, advertisers - White House document.
Apple on cusp of $2 trillion milestone, defying pandemic.
