World News Briefs -- August 27, 2020 (Evening Edition)



AP: Putin: Russia is ready to provide security help to Belarus

MINSK, Belarus (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that he stands ready to send police to Belarus if protests there turn violent but sees no such need yet, while Belarusian police dispersed a protest in the capital with renewed vigor Thursday, detaining about 180 people and raising pressure on the opposition.

Belarus’ authoritarian president of 26 years, Alexander Lukashenko, has been facing weeks of protests against his reelection to a sixth term in the Aug. 9 vote, which the opposition says was rigged.

Putin told Russia’s state television Thursday that Lukashenko has asked him to prepare a Russian law enforcement contingent to deploy to Belarus if necessary. Putin said he and Lukashenko have agreed that “there is no such need now, and I hope there won’t be.”

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MIDDLE EAST

Three rockets fall in Iraq's Green Zone, no significant damage: military.

Saudi-led coalition intercepts a ballistic missile launched towards Najran.

Russia says US to blame for Syria confrontation.

UN Syria talks resume after coronavirus cases forced suspension.

Erdogan: Turkey will make no concessions in eastern Mediterranean.

Iran agrees to inspections of 2 suspected nuclear sites.

UN council runs the clock on Lebanon peacekeeping renewal.

Lebanon at ‘risk of disappearing’, French minister says, pushing govt to adopt reforms.

Gaza's health workers struggle to contain outbreak.

ASIA

U.S. seeks to seize 280 cryptocurrency accounts tied to North Korean hacks.

North Korea's Kim says Typhoon Bavi caused little damage: KCNA.

U.S., China trade jibes as military tensions worsen.

US-China military clash a ‘real danger’ before November vote, warns ex-Australia PM Kevin Rudd.

Trump admin targets China firms, citizens over South China Sea claims.

South China Sea: China slams US over 'illegal sanctions'.

China’s top diplomats in ‘unprecedented’ back-to-back Europe trips amid tensions with US .

Taliban fighters reportedly kill civilians in flood-ravaged central Afghanistan.

South Korea COVID-19 outbreak spreads nationwide, alarms officials.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appears at crisis meeting over COVID-19, approaching typhoon.

Kim Yo Jong a no-show at North Korea politburo meeting.

AFRICA

Gambia president extends state of emergency as COVID-19 cases surge.

EU freezes Mali training missions after military coup.

Mali junta says it has released ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

Malians wonder what has changed since the coup.

Libya warns armed ‘thugs’ who broke up protests.

Coronavirus digest: Africa reports drastic decline in new cases.

Ivory Coast: Alassane Ouattara's third-term bid reignites violence.

Egypt's 50m non-voters threatened with charges.

Ramaphosa vows virus 'watershed' in S. Africa graft fight.

EUROPE

Kremlin critic Navalny's condition still serious: spokeswoman.

Belarus opposition says Russia reserve force creation unacceptable.

EU condemns crackdown on Belarus opposition as Putin offers to help Lukashenko.

Putin hopes there will be no need for use of Russian forces in Belarus. Vladimir Putin says Russia ready to help with Belarus security.

Alleged poisoning of Alexei Navalny needs transparent investigation by Russia, French Foreign Minister says.

Germany urges end to military exercises in the Mediterranean as Turkey announces drills.

Greece nods to de-escalation as NATO powers split over Mediterranean dispute.

Germany imposes tougher measures to curb coronavirus.

France reports 6,111 new COVID-19 infections, second highest daily tally yet.

Covid-19: Face masks will be compulsory outdoors in Paris from Friday August 28. Masks imposed on Paris; 20% of France in virus red zone.

Poland re-introduces ban on flights from 46 countries.

AMERICAS

National Guard troops from Arizona, Michigan and Alabama are called to Kenosha following days of violent protests where two people were killed after the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

Hurricane Laura slams Louisiana, kills four, but less damage than forecast.

Hurricane Laura kills five in Louisiana and Texas including girl, 14, when trees fell on homes in 150mph winds - as 800,000 are left without power and residents in Lake Charles are told to stay inside with windows shut after chemical fire at chlorine plant.

Donald Trump heads to FEMA for briefing on impact of Hurricane Laura as destruction threatens to overshadow his keynote convention speech - but first goes to Trump Hotel fundraiser.

Trump raises specter of 'chaos' to nation on edge.

Rand Paul hits Biden over Iraq: He 'will continue to spill our blood and treasure'.

New US jobless benefit claims drop to 1 mn in latest week.

Coronavirus cases in Latin America pass 7 million: Reuters tally.

Mexico records 6,026 new coronavirus cases, 518 more deaths.

Record number of new infections in Argentina.

Violent 24 hours in Rio de Janeiro, as shootouts plague city.

Brazil's President Bolsonaro lashes out at journalists.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Afghan head of peace process hopeful of talks with Taliban 'next week'.

Indonesian terrorists planned to attack shop owners in areas with Chinese communities.

Federal prosecutors say man who screamed 'Allahu Akbar' and stabbed a NYPD officer with a knife during BLM protests in June was motivated by ISIS.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

S&P 500 ticks up as ‘era of easy money’ looks set to last.

World Economic Forum in January postponed for months.

Elon Musk's net worth passes $100 billion as Tesla stock soars 400% this year - but he's still only worth half of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Walmart joins Microsoft bid to buy TikTok ahead of U.S. ban.

TikTok will be sold in '48 hours' and Trump-backed Oracle is the 'favored buyer with a $20billion cash and stock deal' - as Microsoft and Walmart team up for their bid.

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